Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus was likely born in Rome in 77 AD or, according to others, in 69 AD, and belonged to the class of equestrians.

An educated and peaceful man, he initially practiced law but ultimately preferred writing.

He focused on historical biographies of emperors and intellectuals, as well as topics such as: Roman games and festivals, notorious courtesans and kings, Cicero's work De Republica, among others.