Description Suetonius' classic treatise on the lives of the first twelve emperors of the Roman Empire. —— Julius Caesar didn’t rule long before being assassinated, but he changed the course of history. After him, Rome was ruled by emperors – divine monarchs with absolute power. The Empire’s fate was now largely determined by the character of the men who held that office. First came the Julio-Claudians: there was clever Augustus, forgettable Tiberius, dangerous Caligula, doddery Claudius, and vainglorious Nero. After Nero’s death came the year of four emperors: Galba, Otho and Vitellius came and went very quickly. But Vespasian stuck around. He proved a very capable emperor. He was followed by his sons – the Flavians. Titus was as steady and sensible as his father. But Domitian was unhinged. His misrule and death, in 96 CE, brought the dynasty to an end.