Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

674

Title

Plutarch: Lives of the noble Grecians and Romans

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This collection presents Plutarch's biographical sketches of noble Greeks and Romans, translated and adapted by A. H. Clough. The text explores the virtues, vices, and historical impacts of legendary figures like Theseus, Romulus, Themistocles, and Otho. Through parallel comparisons and detailed narratives, the work offers timeless insights into leadership, morality, and the complexities of human ambition.

Summary up to 500 words

Plutarch's *Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans*, translated by A. H. Clough, compiles biographies of illustrious figures arranged in parallel pairs to contrast virtues and vices. The work opens with a unique comparison of Solon and Poplicola. While Solon is celebrated for his wisdom and laws, Poplicola is deemed the happier man due to his superior fortune, power, and noble death, which earned him universal mourning. Plutarch notes that Poplicola adopted Solon's principles, such as reducing the power of the consulship and opposing tyranny, but succeeded where Solon failed by maintaining his state's stability against usurpation. The narrative then shifts to Themistocles, an Athenian of obscure parentage who rose to prominence through political shrewdness. Despite his humble origins, he challenged class distinctions by associating with high-born youths and demonstrating that practical sagacity outweighs noble birth. His life illustrates the dangers of ambition and the complexities of leadership in a democracy. Next, the text details the life of the Spartan king Agesilaus, portraying his modesty and military prowess. His character is complex; while he championed justice, he occasionally succumbed to ambition, notably in his controversial handling of Thebes and the seizure of the Cadmea. Plutarch highlights Agesilaus's inconsistency, noting that he sometimes acted against his own doctrines of justice due to private pique or political maneuvering. The final section recounts the civil war between Otho and Vitellius. Following a chaotic battle where disorder and lack of unity led to heavy casualties, Otho, recognizing the futility of civil strife, chose a noble suicide to preserve peace. His death was met with profound grief from his soldiers, who preferred his death to the reign of his successor. They mourned him more than they feared Vitellius, demonstrating a loyalty that transcended political allegiance. Through these lives, Plutarch underscores themes of justice, the dangers of tyranny, the nature of true greatness, and the tragic costs of internal conflict, illustrating how fortune and character intertwine to shape historical destiny.

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Categories

• Classics
• Biography