LUCIUS ANNAEUS SENECA (8 B. C.-65 A. D.) was born at Corduba in Spain,
of a Spanish Roman family, and was educated at Rome. His father was a
teacher of rhetoric, a man of wealth and literary attainments. Seneca
began to practise at the bar at Rome, and was gaining considerable
reputation, when in 41 he was banished to Corsica. Eight years later
he was recalled to be tutor of the young Nero, then eleven years old.
He was Consul in 57, and during the first years of Nero's reign he
shared the administration of affairs with the worthy Burrhus. His
influence over Nero, while it lasted, was salutary, though often
maintained by doubtful means. In course of time Nero began to dislike
him, and when Burrhus died his fate was sealed. By the Emperor's
command he committed suicide. Opening the veins in his feet and arms,
he discoursed with his friends on the brevity of life till death
ensued.

Seneca is the most eminent of the writers of his age. He wrote moral
essays, philosophical letters, physical treatises, and tragedies. Of
the last, the best are HERCULES FURENS, PHAEDRA, and MEDEA.


GALBA (68-69).--OTHO (69).--VITELLIUS (69).

GALBA entered the city as a conqueror, without much trouble, but on
account of his parsimony and austerity he soon became unpopular, and
was murdered by his mutinous soldiers fifteen days after he reached
Rome. He belonged to an old patrician family, and his overthrow was
sincerely regretted by the better element in the city.

OTHO, the first husband of Poppaea, and the leader in the insurrection
against Galba, was now declared Emperor. No sooner did the news of his