Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Lucius Annaeus Seneca was born in Córdoba, Spain in 4 BC, the son of the wealthy rhetorictician Seneca the Elder. Seneca was trained in rhetoric in Rome and in 31 AD he campaigned for his first magistracy. Seneca acted as advisor to Nero, the last of the Julio-Claudian emperors, from 54 to 62 AD. Additionally, many writings are attributed to Seneca, including numerous philosophical essays, letters, and tragic plays, including Oedipus. In 65, Seneca was accused of conspiring to kill Nero. As a result, he was forced to commit suicide. However, many historians say Seneca was likely innocent of this crime.