Born around 1 C.E. Seneca lives through the reigns of the first five Roman emperors (Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero) and was effectively jointly in charge of the empire during the 1st 5 years of Nero's reign.

Probably the most famous incident in his life is his behaviour when committing suicide at the request of the Emperor Nero. Having been twice sentenced to death by previous emperors probably contibuted to his quintessentially stoical attitute.

We know Senace through his writings and those of the roman historians Tacitus and Dio.

See Also: Quotes from Seneca - http://www.geocities.com/westhollywood/heights/4617/stoic/seneca.html