Plutarch
Who was Plutarch?
Greek philosopher and historian (c. AD 46 – after AD 119)
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Plutarch (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Plutarch was a Greek philosopher, historian, and biographer who lived during the height of the Roman Empire. Born in Chaeronea, a small town in Boeotia, around AD 46, he came from a well-established family and received a great education in Athens, studying philosophy, rhetoric, and mathematics. He stayed closely connected to his hometown throughout his life, where he eventually died after AD 119. His dual identity as both a Greek and Roman citizen shows the cultural dynamics of his era, as Greece was part of the Roman Empire but still kept its intellectual traditions.
Plutarch's most famous work, the Parallel Lives, is a series of paired biographies comparing notable Greek and Roman figures. These studies, including the lives of Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Cicero, and Demosthenes, were meant to show moral character and give ethical lessons through historical example. He combined historical narrative with moral philosophy, making complex political and military leaders easy to understand for readers looking for both entertainment and learning. The work's impact lasted well beyond ancient times, shaping how subsequent generations understood classical history and providing a source for many later writers.
In addition to his biographical works, Plutarch wrote the Moralia, a large set of essays, dialogues, and treatises covering topics such as ethics, religion, natural philosophy, and literary criticism. These writings show his philosophical leanings toward Middle Platonism, which tried to merge Plato's teachings with other philosophical ideas. His religious beliefs were also key to his identity, as he was a priest at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, one of the most sacred sites in the ancient world.
Plutarch married Timoxena, and their letters reveal a loving relationship marked by intellectual companionship and shared sorrow over the loss of their young daughter. His personal writings show his belief in the importance of family life and domestic virtue, themes that often appear in his moral essays. His social status allowed him to travel across the Mediterranean world, meeting influential people and gathering material for his historical and philosophical works. This broad experience influenced his writing, allowing him to connect Greek and Roman cultures while keeping his uniquely Greek view on history and morality.
Before Fame
Plutarch grew up during the Flavian dynasty when the Roman Empire was relatively stable and prosperous. His family had enough wealth and status to send him to Athens for higher education, where he studied under Ammonius, a well-known philosopher. In the first century AD, there was a renewed interest in classical Greek learning, as educated Romans wanted to understand their Greek predecessors.
Early in his career, Plutarch was involved in local politics in Chaeronea, where he held various municipal offices and represented his city in dealings with Roman authorities. These experiences gave him practical knowledge of politics and administration, which later influenced his biographical portraits of ancient statesmen. His appointment as a priest at Delphi marked his rise as a culturally significant figure, connecting him to networks of scholars, politicians, and religious leaders throughout the empire.
Key Achievements
- Authored Parallel Lives, comparing 23 pairs of Greek and Roman biographical subjects
- Served as priest at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi for over two decades
- Wrote over 200 works including the extensive Moralia collection of moral and philosophical essays
- Established a philosophical school in Chaeronea that influenced Middle Platonist thought
- Received Roman citizenship and honorary magistracies while maintaining Greek cultural identity
Did You Know?
- 01.He wrote a now-lost work called 'On the Malice of Herodotus' criticizing the famous historian's portrayal of certain Greek cities
- 02.Shakespeare used Plutarch's Lives as source material for his Roman plays, including Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus
- 03.He believed that dolphins were the most intelligent animals after humans and wrote extensively about their supposed moral qualities
- 04.His essay 'On the Face in the Moon' contains surprisingly accurate speculation about the moon's surface and the possibility of lunar inhabitants
- 05.He once served as an ambassador from Delphi to the Roman proconsul, demonstrating his diplomatic skills beyond his literary talents