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Petronius

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Author

The Resume

    (circa 27-66)
    Born in Marseilles, France
    Full name was Gaius Petronius Arbiter
    Governor of the province of Bithynia in Asia Minor
    Roman courtier, consul and senator
    Credited with writing ‘The Satyricon’

Why he might be annoying:

    He was a member of the idle rich.
    The historian Tacitus wrote, ‘He was regarded as no ordinary profligate, but as an accomplished voluptuary.’
    The ‘Satyricon’ was often credited to Titus Petronius, leading to some debate about whether Petronius the government official and Petronius the author are really the same person.
    Large portions of ‘The Satyricon’ are missing.

Why he might not be annoying:

    Tactus wrote, ‘During his provincial government, and later when he held the office of consul, he had shown vigor and capacity for affairs.’
    He served as Nero’s ‘judge of elegance,’ advising the emperor on questions of fashion and taste.
    The commander of Nero’s guards, jealous of Petronius’ closeness to the emperor, falsely accused him of treason.
    After his arrest, he committed suicide to avoid being sentenced.
    ’The Satyricon’ was adapted into a film by Federico Fellini (1969).

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 8 Votes: 62.50% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 16 Votes: 50.0% Annoying