The Satyricon

Arbiter, Gaius Petronius (27–66), translated by Kline, A. S. (contact-email)

The Satyricon is neither a Satyr play nor a satiric work, though it has flavours of both, but rather a Saturnalian medley, which pursues the misadventures of Encolpius, a runaway slave, amongst his friends and enemies. It mingles prose and verse, farce and fantasy, life and philosophy, in a delightful and amusing blend, to grant us an insight into Rome at the time of Claudius and Nero. The whole work, of which sadly only part is extant, can be seen as a celebration of the god Priapus, and to that extent has its obscene moments, though they are mild and good-natured in tone. The simplicity of Petronius’ approach belies the sophistication of his parodies and the Satyricon would have been read and listened to with pleasure by the educated imperial circles of the nobility, as well as the literate middle-class. Many elements within it are seen again in later literature, and its influence can be felt especially in the picaresque works of later times, for example those of Rabelais, Fielding, Sterne, and in Byron’s Don Juan, as well as in theatrical farce, while, in Trimalchio, Petronius creates one of the great comic characters of fiction.

Author Details

Gaius Petronius Arbiter, born around 27AD in Massalia (ancient Marseille), was a Roman courtier during the reign of Nero. He is best known for his satirical novel, “The Satyricon,” believed to have been written during Nero’s rule from 54 to 68 AD. Petronius held the title of “elegantiae arbiter” in Nero’s court, signifying his role as an adjudicator of elegance and fashion.

In 62AD, he briefly served and effectively as suffect consul before dedicating himself to a life of pleasure and indulgence. Tacitus described him as a man who spent his days in sleep and his nights attending to official duties or seeking amusement. Despite his dissolute lifestyle, Petronius was well-liked for his frank and unrestrained manner of speech.

Petronius’s primary legacy is “The Satyricon,” a novel departing from previous literary norms. He crafted characters like Trimalchio in considerable detail, transcending the conventional emphasis on plot in ancient literature. The novel featured allusions to contemporary personages and events, recognizable to an audience of Nero’s courtiers.

“The Satyricon” is acknowledged as a satirical masterpiece, with Petronius’ own taste acting as the standard by which to satirize various aspects of society.

Tragically, Petronius’ high position made him the target of envy, leading to accusations of treason by Tigellinus, the commander of Nero’s guard. In 65AD, at Cumae, Petronius chose to end his life rather than face sentencing. Tacitus detailed his subsequent suicide, whereby he opened his own veins and engaged in calm conversation with friends before dying. In his will, Petronius failed to flatter Nero and instead documented the emperor’s scandalous excesses and sent the account under seal to him. He then broke his signet-ring so that it could not be used to imperil others.

Gaius Petronius Arbiter’s life and work provide a unique window into the opulent yet tumultuous world of ancient Rome under a tyrannical emperor.

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Kline, A. S.

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