Plutarch

Definition

Plutarch was a Greek biographer and philosopher who lived during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. He is best known for his work 'Parallel Lives', which pairs biographies of famous Greeks and Romans to draw moral lessons and explore the characters of these historical figures. His writings provide insights into ancient culture, ethics, and the significance of historical events such as the Persian Wars and the religious practices of polytheism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives' includes biographies of famous leaders like Themistocles and Aristides, providing insight into their roles in the Persian Wars.
2. His work emphasizes moral character over strict historical accuracy, using anecdotes to illustrate virtues or flaws in his subjects.
3. Plutarch wrote during a time when Rome was the dominant power, providing a perspective on Greek identity in relation to Roman culture.
4. His writings influenced Renaissance thinkers, helping to revive interest in classical philosophy and history.
5. Plutarch's exploration of polytheism highlights the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Greeks, emphasizing the significance of various gods in everyday life.

Review Questions

• How does Plutarch’s approach to biography in 'Parallel Lives' reflect the cultural values of his time?
  • Plutarch's approach to biography emphasizes moral lessons and character analysis, reflecting the cultural values of his era that prized ethics and virtue. By pairing Greek and Roman figures, he not only showcases their achievements but also contrasts their moral qualities. This method encourages readers to learn from history through the examination of individual character traits, thus reinforcing the importance of ethical behavior in society.
• Discuss how Plutarch's writings contributed to our understanding of key historical events like the Persian Wars.
  • Plutarch's writings, particularly in 'Parallel Lives', offer valuable accounts of key historical figures involved in significant events such as the Persian Wars. His biographical sketches provide context on leaders like Themistocles, illustrating their strategic decisions and moral dilemmas during crucial battles. This focus on personal narrative helps readers grasp not just the events themselves but also the human elements behind them, enriching our understanding of these pivotal moments in history.
• Evaluate the impact of Plutarch’s ideas on later philosophical thought regarding ethics and morality in leadership.
  • Plutarch's exploration of ethics and morality has had a lasting impact on philosophical thought regarding leadership. By emphasizing character over mere political power, he influenced later thinkers who sought to define what constitutes a good leader. His work laid groundwork for discussions on virtue ethics during the Renaissance and beyond, leading to an enduring legacy that values moral integrity alongside political authority in leadership roles across cultures.

Related terms

Parallel Lives: A series of biographies by Plutarch that compares the lives of notable Greek and Roman figures, often highlighting their virtues and vices.

Moralia: A collection of essays and dialogues by Plutarch that cover a wide range of philosophical topics, ethics, and moral questions.

Hellenistic Period:

The historical era following the conquests of Alexander the Great, marked by the spread of Greek culture and influence throughout the Mediterranean and beyond.