Seneca

~4 BCE–65 CE · Roman (Spanish-born) · Roman Empire (Julio-Claudian Dynasty)

Known for: Stoic philosopher who preached poverty while being one of the richest men in Rome — history's original hypocrite-genius

Lucius Annaeus Seneca was a Stoic philosopher, dramatist, and statesman who served as tutor and later chief advisor to the Emperor Nero. Born in Córdoba, Spain, he rose to become one of Rome's most powerful and wealthy men. His philosophical letters and essays on anger, grief, time, and death remain among the most readable and practical works of ancient philosophy.

His relationship with Nero defined his later life: he helped restrain the young emperor's worst impulses for years, but as Nero descended into tyranny, Seneca's influence waned. In 65 CE, Nero ordered him to commit suicide for alleged involvement in a conspiracy. Seneca slit his wrists in a bath, dictating philosophical reflections to his scribes as he bled out — the most on-brand death in Roman history.

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