Lucius Annaeus Seneca Biography

Lucius Annaeus Seneca was a Roman philosopher and statesman. He was the son of a famous rhetorician, known in history as Seneca the Elder. As a young boy, Seneca the Younger spent time in Egypt with his aunt for health reasons. On his return to Rome, he became a magistrate. His oratory and growing influence displeased Emperor Caligula. Caligula’s assassination and the subsequent ascension of Claudius to the throne of Rome, did not give him respite. He was banished to Corsica on an adultery charge. He was recalled by Agrippina, the influential wife of Claudius. He became Nero’s tutor, and when Nero became Emperor, Seneca became his adviser. He seemed to have had very little influence on Nero. Eventually, he was ordered to commit suicide by the Emperor. Seneca’s works include essays, letters, tragedies and a satire. These represent his belief in the Stoic philosophy which was expounded by most philosophers of the era. His philosophical works were not original or deep, but because of the noble thoughts expressed in them, were referred to, by Christian writers. Stoicism has made us think of issues in our life. His tragedies were meant to be recited on stage and not performed. Hence they are less action-oriented and display great literary value. They inspired playwrights such as Shakespeare.