Petronius (1st cent. CE) has been traditionally identified as the courtier of Nero described by Tacitus in Annales 16.17-20. Petronius was well-known for his idleness, carelessness, and charm and held great influence over Nero as the unofficial elegantiae arbiter (Judge of Taste). Like many of Nero’s inner circle, Petronius died by suicide in 66 CE. The Satyricon is his only known work.
Bio by Margaret Danaher.