(details from "Der Sterbende Seneca - Seneca Suicide Phlebotomy ") (see related A) Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) Alte Pinakothed, Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Seneca (4 BC - 65 AD), known as "the Younger" (his father was a rhetorician), studied Stoic philosophy with Attalos and Sotion. He settled in Rome in 31 AD and conflicts developed with Emperor Caligula and Claudius. Seneca was exiled during which wrote the "Consolations". In 49 he was recalled to tutor the future Emperor Nero. Seneca gained influence, but with time it declined, and in 65 AD Nero ordered that he kill himself by opening his veins. His wife Pompeia Paulina tried to do likewise but was saved by orders from Nero (according to Tacitus). Seneca became popular among emerging Christians, as reflected by the choice of Dante to place Seneca in the First Circle of Hell or Limbo, the destination of good non-Christians and infants who lack the "grace" that only Christ can give.