Petronius
Petronius was a Roman courtier during the reign of Nero. He is traditionally identified as the author of the 'Satyricon', a satirical novel believed to have been written during the 1st century AD. The 'Satyricon' is one of the earliest examples of the novel and is noted for its insight into Roman society. Petronius's full name is believed to be Gaius Petronius Arbiter, though much of his life remains a mystery. He is also known for his reputed role as Nero's arbiter of elegance and taste.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. Satyricon
The book in question is a satirical Roman work that provides a vivid, episodic portrayal of the decadent society during the reign of Nero. It follows the misadventures of the narrator and his companions as they navigate a world of excess, corruption, and hedonism. Through a series of events ranging from banquets to shipwrecks, the narrative offers a critique of the moral decay of Roman society, using humor, irony, and the perspective of characters from various social strata. The fragmented nature of the surviving text adds to its enigmatic and chaotic depiction of the period's social mores.
The 2144th Greatest Book of All Time
