Petronius

Petronius Arbiter (c. 27 – 66 AD) was a Roman courtier during the reign of Nero. He is generally believed to be the author of the Satyricon, a work of prose and verse which offers a satirical depiction of Roman society during the 1st century AD.

Life and Career:

While little is definitively known about Petronius's life, Tacitus provides an account in his Annals that is generally accepted as describing the author of the Satyricon. According to Tacitus, Petronius spent his days sleeping, revelling, and enjoying life. He was known for his refined taste and elegance, and his opinions on matters of luxury were highly regarded in Nero's court. Petronius served as proconsul of Bithynia and later as consul, demonstrating his administrative abilities. However, he eventually fell out of favor with Nero, likely due to the machinations of Tigellinus, a rival who accused him of treason.

Facing certain death, Petronius chose to commit suicide, but he did so in a characteristically flamboyant manner. He opened his veins slowly, conversing with friends and dictating details of Nero's debauchery, which he sealed and sent to the emperor.

The Satyricon:

The Satyricon is a picaresque novel, surviving only in fragments, that recounts the adventures of Encolpius, Ascyltus, and Giton. The work is notable for its realistic portrayal of lower-class life and its use of colloquial Latin. It contains a mix of serious and humorous episodes, offering a critical yet entertaining view of Roman society. The most famous surviving fragment is the "Cena Trimalchionis" ("Dinner of Trimalchio"), a depiction of a lavish and vulgar banquet hosted by a wealthy freedman.

Legacy:

Petronius is remembered as a witty and sophisticated figure, as well as the author of a significant and influential work of Roman literature. The Satyricon provides valuable insights into the social customs, language, and values of the Roman world during the early imperial period. His influence can be seen in later satirical works and in the development of the picaresque novel genre.