17+ Suetonius Quotes On Augustus, Julius Caesar And Shakespeare

If you did not know at age five that the gods are made up beings and the myths made up stories, you are a fool. — Suetonius

He [Caesar Augustus] found a city built of brick; he left it built of marble. [Lat., Urbem lateritiam accepit, mamoream relinquit.] — Suetonius

A good shepherd shears his flock, not flays them. [Lat., Boni pastoris est tondere pecus non deglubere.] — Suetonius

As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he [ Claudius ] expelled them [the Jews] from Rome — Suetonius

Suetonius, in holding up a mirror to those Caesars of diverting legend, reflects not only them but ourselves: half-tamed creatures, whose great moral task is to hold in balance the angel and the monster within - for we are both, and to ignore this duality is to invite disaster. — Suetonius

Punishment [by Nero] was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition. — Suetonius

Hail, Caesar, those who are about to die salute thee. - — Suetonius

Would that the Roman people had but one neck! [Lat., Utinam populus Romanus unam cervicem haberet!] — Suetonius

At a banquet Caligula was suddenly seized with a fit of helpless laughter. The consuls reclining next to him asked if they might share in the imperial merriment. Caligula, wiping the tears from his eyes, managed to gasp, "You'll never guess! It suddenly occurred to me that I had only to give a single nod, and both your throats would be cut on the spot." — Suetonius

Few of Caesar's assassins outlived him by more than three years, or died in their beds. — Suetonius

I found Rome built of bricks; I leave her clothed in marble. — Suetonius

Let the die be cast. [Lat., Jacta alea esto; or, jacta esa alea.) — Suetonius

These things by reason of our friendship I have not hesitated glo to communicate. — Suetonius

When I am dead let the earth be dissolved in fire. — Suetonius

The fox changes his skin but not his habits. — Suetonius

General Quotations about Evenings Let us add this one more night to our lives. — Suetonius

Again, during a sacrifice, the augur Spurinna warned Caesar that the danger threatening him would not come later than the Ides of March. — Suetonius

Life Lessons by Suetonius

  1. Suetonius' work highlights the importance of understanding the past in order to understand the present. He demonstrates the value of careful research and analysis, and encourages us to consider the motivations and personalities of historical figures.
  2. Suetonius' work also encourages us to look beyond official histories and to consider the perspectives of those who lived during the time period. He shows us the value of examining primary sources and of considering multiple points of view.
  3. Finally, Suetonius' work serves as a reminder that history can be used to inform our present and future decisions, and that it is essential to consider the consequences of our actions.
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