Nineteen centuries later there are still lessons to be learned from Suetonius about absolute power and the weaknesses of democracy. But this is also pop history, being the basis for a lot of what was understood about Rome until modern historical methodology came into the picture. You could look for Shakespeare in the margins.

While reading it I couldn't help think about authoritarianism and how it impinges on freedom. Romans of just about any social status had to flinch daily in fear of their reckless overlord, whichever Caesar it was at the time, they were all wretched. If you can stomach the endless murders, genocides, wars, and widespread cruelty you will have at the least an idea of what may be some of the worst cases of abuse power in European history. Compare that with today and we're not so badly off, but if you can relate the Caesars' extreme narcissism to your own political leaders and their flunkies, you may be shocked at the consistency.