Letters of Pliny (eBook)

Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, commonly known as Pliny the Younger, was a lawyer, author, and magistrate of Ancient Rome. Born in 61 or 62 AD in Como, Pliny rose to prominence through a combination of intellect, eloquence, and connexions. His career flourished under the reign of Emperor Trajan, with whom he shared a close relationship. The 'Letters of Pliny' ('Epistulae'), his most well-known work, is a treasure trove of historical detail, offering insights into the social, political, and domestic aspects of the period. The letters are researched for their personal anecdotes and portrayal of notable figures including the Emperor Trajan and the historian Tacitus. Pliny's letters also provide a first-hand account of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, in which his uncle, Pliny the Elder perished. His prose is prized for its refined and clear style, lacking the excessive ornamentation typical of other writers of his time. His letters are categorized thematically and are not just life chronicles but intellectual contributions that discuss morals, life philosophy, and governance. Pliny's literary style and extensive commentary on contemporary Roman life make him a crucial source for historians studying the early Empire. His epistles allow an examination of Roman attitudes towards topics ranging from slavery to provincial governance, providing a broad understanding of the structure and mentality of the upper classes in his era.