Lucius Annaeus Seneca was probably born in the southern Spanish city of Cordoba around 4 BC. He was trained in Rome as a rhetorician and lawyer. During his studies Seneca was fascinated by the stoic theory which made him become a fanatic disciple of it. His official career started in Rome in 31 AD, initially as a very successful court speaker. After having been accused of having an adulterous affair with Julia Livilla, the sister of Caligula, under the reign of Emperor Claudius, he was exiled to Corsica in 41 AD. Seneca returned to Rome as late as 49 AD and was appointed praetor in 50 AD. Soon after, Seneca even became the teacher and pedagogue of the young imperial prince Nero. Later, however, Seneca gradually lost his influence on Emperor Nero who gradually distanced himself from his teacher. Finally the emperor accused Seneca of having been involved in the Pisonian conspiracy from 65 AD that had been aimed at him and therefore ordered him to commit suicide. Seneca slit his wrists in the presence of his friends.