Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans (eBook)

Plutarch, born Plutarchos, later named, upon becoming a Roman citizen, Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus (c. 46 – c. 119 AD), was a Greek historian, biographer, essayist, and Platonist who is most famous for his series of biographies known as 'Parallel Lives' or 'Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans.' This seminal work pairs the biographies of famous Greeks with those of notable Romans, drawing moral and ethical lessons from their lives and drawing comparisons between individuals from these two great classical civilizations. His narratives were not strictly chronological, but instead focused on the moral character and leadership qualities of the individuals. Plutarch's method of parallelism was innovative and influential, highlighting his profound interest in the human spirit and morality, rather than on the meticulous recounting of historical events. He emphasized the importance of individuals' virtue and vice, and how their moral character influenced their decisions and, by extension, the course of history. Plutarch's influence extended well beyond his lifetime, with his works being a major source for Shakespeare and other Renaissance writers. His 'Lives' have provided a valuable historical resource and a profound insight into the leadership and personal attributes that both define and transcend cultural boundaries. Plutarch's legacy is that of a moralist treasured as much for his ethical insights as for his contributions to classical history.