The first century of the Roman Empire was a period of literary activity in Latin, shaped by imperial court life and the ambitions of those who moved within it. Petronius was born around 27 CE, most likely in Massilia, and died in 66 CE in Cumae.

A citizen of Ancient Rome, Petronius worked across several roles during his lifetime — as a writer, satirist, poet, philosopher, and politician. He also served as a courtier during the reign of Nero, a position that placed him at the center of Roman imperial life. It's as the author of the Satyricon that he's noted today, a work composed in the Latin language.

Petronius brought together his various occupations — writing, satire, poetry, and public life — in a career that unfolded during one of Rome's most watched reigns. His work as a satirist writing in Latin gave the Satyricon its place in the record of Roman literature. He died in Cumae in 66 CE, the same year that closes the account of his life as a courtier, writer, and public figure under Nero.