Petronius Arbiter
A favorite of Emperor Nero, and one of the ministers and associates of his pleasures and vices. He was made proconsul of Bithynia, and afterward was honored with the consulship. Eventually having gained the disfavor of Nero, he resolved to destroy himself, which he did by having his veins opened, A. D. 66. Petronius distinguished himself by his writings as well as by his voluptuousness. He is the author of many elegant compositions, which are, however, often characterized by impropriety of language.