A new translation of Suetonius’s “The Lives of the Caesars,” a gossipy account of Roman emperors’ adventures, has entered the UK’s bestseller lists 2,000 years after its first publication. Written in the second century, this book provides scandalous stories of political blunders, wild sex scandals, and eccentric behaviors, all described with remarkable detail. Now, a fresh translation by Tom Holland, a historian and co-host of “The Rest Is History” podcast—not the actor—has brought this sensational collection of ancient gossip back into the spotlight. Published by Penguin Classics on February 13, this version has made it onto the Sunday Times’ hardback nonfiction bestseller list, marking a significant moment for Penguin, as it’s the first of their hardback nonfiction classics to do so.

Holland attributes the book’s success to its timeless themes. He suggests that our understanding of power is deeply rooted in Rome, noting that even the US Republican system was modeled after ancient Rome. This connection raises the concern that such a system might also degenerate into an autocracy. Suetonius’s work presents vivid, often salacious portraits of the first 12 Roman emperors, from Julius Caesar to Domitian, making for a compelling read that Holland compares to “ancient Rome’s Popbitch” due to its juicy details and acute psychological insights. Stuart Proffitt from Penguin Press remarks that if bestseller lists had existed in the second century, Suetonius’s book would certainly have made the cut.

The renewed interest in ancient Rome, highlighted by a viral social media post, also contributed to the book’s success. Holland believes that Rome’s enduring influence on Western society, compared to its ancient counterparts like Egypt and Assyria, is what draws us to it. Thus, “The Lives of the Caesars” remains a timeless choice for readers today.

Source: https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/02/25/2000-year-old-roman-gossip-book-makes-uk-bestseller-charts