When Suetonius’s treatment of the Roman emperors Augustus and Nero, there is a clear contrast. Suetonius portrays the imitator of Augustus, Nero, who eventually did not live to become the first emperor.
The god of both princes exists at Suetonius. Suetonius often refers to the divine Augustus in his life. Suetonius also had a statue of Augustus as a child. “The Lives of the Twelve Emperors” mentions Nero more than once. This may not seem important, but the divine connection of the emperors with the Gods played an integral part in their right to rule. Marking the god Nero denies the rightful ruler.
During the reign of Augustus there was peace throughout the empire. Augustus waged war, but did not win. There were great causes behind the battles. Augustus defeated those who were involved in the July massacre, and then brought the second second civil war from Antony. Nero lost the peace and breadth of his empire through the former princes. Fourteen years later, the principalities of Gaul, Galba, and Spain brought war against him.
Galba received the news
The Spaniards had declared themselves against him; upon which he failed and perished
His reason had long lain mute, apparently dead. As quickly as possible
and being astonished at him, tore his clothes and beat him
crying out his head, “I am finished!” His nurse was trying to
and comforted him, and told him that similar things had happened to others
answered the princes before him, “I am miserable beyond all example, for I am.”
You have lost control while still alive
no luxury or carelessness.
Nero could not even control himself or act against the government. Even the excellent Nero still laments the loss of his living empire, but does nothing to stir it up.
According to Suetonius, Augustus ruled Rome benevolently, and worked for a better life for the Roman people. Augustus won the hearts of the people to good works and to improve life, not just games and luxury. Augustus had given money to the people. But when money was short, he allowed them to buy corn at a reduced price or even free.
Nero followed the example of Augustus, but failed. Nero gave games and things to the people. deposited the tax and made a public speech, which Augustus had approved. Suetonius admits that he sings few Nero’s praises. “These things, in part inexcusable, in part highly praiseworthy, I brought together in one opinion, in order to separate them from the unworthy.
and criminally, of which I will now speak.
Nero’s atrocity was his first pride. Nero’s concern was the legate. He changed the month of April to Neronus, and even ventured to suggest that Rome should be called Neropolis. Nero valued his opinion above all others. He despised the advice of wise men and was often condescending to them.
He always addressed the judges with the utmost respect, before he began, telling them, “He had done everything that was necessary in the manner.
preparation, but the outcome of the future judgment is in the hands
fortunate; and they, as wise and skilful men, ought to exclude them
their judgment is accidental.
Where Augustus was most frugal in the provision and planning of his city, and Nero was prodigal. Augustus kept his house simply furnished. His daily clothes were made by his wife and daughters. A humble house did not suit Nero. Under him Nero ordered a huge palace to be built. Suetonius said of the size of the Palace, “it was only a portico.”
a hundred and twenty colossal statues stand in it
feet in height; and the enclosed space was so large that it had
a gallery three miles in length, and surrounded by a lake like the sea
buildings which had the appearance of a city;
But cruelty separated him from Augustus. Suetonius admits that Augustus was without the recklessness of the times. The emperor was paranoid, thanks to the assassins. You kill many on suspicion, Augustus, he killed. Nero’s violence has progressed beyond maintaining psychotic levels. Nero roams Rome by night in secret, drinking, beating those whom he finds walking, robbing shops, stealing the goods sold and auctioned. .
Augustus’ sexual life was no secret. Suetonius Augustus did not conceal that harlots were sometimes adulterous. Nero’s sex, as if by force of lust, was perverse and disgusting. Nero raped Rubria, a Vestal virgin. This shows how little he cared for tradition and sacred things. Nero’s insatiable appetite for new romantic pursuits led to horrific perversions.
He prostituted his chastity to such an extent that (358)
he himself had contaminated every part of his body with some evil contagion
lastly, a kind of unusual diversity; which was to
out of a cave in the sand, covered with the skins of beasts, and
both the shame of men and of women, they proceed by force;
they were held at stakes.
Psychological problems plagued Nero. Here last in the line of those who defiled the Julio-Claudian name, which Augustus had begun. Suetonius punishes Nero with no whippings for his outrageous behavior. The offenses of Augustus may be forgiven: for he truly had the Roman people in mind and heart. Nero’s one concern is to appease his legate even at the expense of the Roman people.
