This article is the 1st of 2 on the prevalence of suicide in the Roman Empire. The author describes the suicides of Atticus & Seneca in Roman literature, & notes their common features, such as their theatricality, their social character (i.e., family/friends are present), & the calmness of the victim. He also details the various postures taken by ancient philosophers, like Socrates & Plato, on suicide. The views of the Epicureans & Stoics are outlined & analyzed. (VM)