Petronius was born in AD 20. Little is known of his life but many historians believe he is the Roman politician who became consul in AD 61. He wrote the novel The Satyricon, only a part of which has survived, in about AD 63. The book concerns the adventures of Trimalchio, an extremely rich businessman. Although a work of fiction, the book gives insights into what life was like in the Roman Empire .

In AD 66, Petronius was forced to commit suicide after being accused of treason by Emperor Nero.