Gaius Plinius Secundus (Pliny the Elder)
Gaius Plinius Secundus (c.23 - 79 AD) was a Roman naturalist, friend and soldier of the Roman emperor Vespasian, allowing him to form strong political connections. He was also the uncle of Pliny the Younger, whom he would adopt as his son in his will.
His single surviving work, Historia Naturalis, is a rich, in-depth encyclopedia on natural science in the Roman world. In 37 books, he covered geography, anthropology, zoology, botany, medicines and mineralogy. Dedicating it to Vespasian's son and future emperor, Titus, Pliny states that his work describes "the nature of things, and life as it actually exists" [source: blog.library.si.edu]
He was an immense source of knowledge on these subjects, and his work is mainly a collection of facts as it was known in the ancient world. As a scientific study, it is failing in light of modern knowledge, but as an historical reference for understanding ancient Roman knowledge and beliefs, it is an invaluable resource. Indeed, this renowned publication remained an authority on scientific matters up until the Middle Ages.
Pliny was so dedicated to his pursuits, that he died of asphyxiation while researching the eruption of Vesuvius and subsequent destruction of Pompeii.
Life and Career
Equestrian Order and Military Career
Born into a prosperous family, Pliny started his military service under the reign of Emperor Nero. He served as a cavalry commander in the Roman army, following the footsteps of many members of the Equestrian Order in Rome.
His military career included duty in various provinces of the Roman Empire, including Gaul and Germania, where he gained valuable experience and came into contact with various cultures.
Governorship
After his military service, Pliny turned to a political career. Pliny held various official positions, eventually becoming the procurator (governor) of Hispania. In this role, he managed the administration and finances of the province, further establishing his reputation as a competent and knowledgeable leader.
Throughout his life, Pliny dedicated significant time to studying and writing, becoming a renowned author, naturalist, and natural philosopher. Despite his busy career, Pliny stayed informed about the events and politics of Rome, maintaining friendships with prominent figures such as Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus.
In 79 AD, Pliny the Elder met his tragic end during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Nonetheless, his contributions to Roman history, literature, and knowledge continue to be cherished and studied today.
Literary Works
Historia Naturalis
The Historia Naturalis, an outstanding piece of Roman literature, has greatly influenced the development of encyclopedias and scientific knowledge throughout history. Serving as an editorial model, it played a crucial role in shaping the genre of comprehensive works and lists of various subjects.
As mentioned earlier, the Historia Naturalis spans numerous topics, such as botany, zoology, and astronomy, offering a detailed compendium of scientific understanding at the time.
Pliny meticulously documented various scientific subjects in a clear, neutral tone of voice. He was unafraid to question the beliefs of other notable Roman authors, such as Ovid and Tacitus, in order to provide a more accurate understanding of the world around him.
Bella Germaniae
Another significant literary work attributed to Pliny the Elder is Bella Germaniae (History of the German Wars), a historical account of the Roman campaigns in Germania.
This work, though less well-known compared to the Historia Naturalis, delved into the intricacies of Roman military strategies and their battles against the Germanic tribes. Pliny's extensive knowledge of warfare, combined with his experience as a military commander, lent credibility to his account of these events.
Through Bella Germaniae, Pliny the Elder offered a unique perspective on Roman military history, focusing on the tactical and strategic aspects of their conquests in Germany. Although the full text no longer survives unfortunately, the few remaining fragments provide valuable insights into Roman warfare and Roman interactions with the Germanic tribes during the period of the early empire.
Scribal Contributions and Friends
Relationship with Pliny the Younger
Pliny the Elder had a strong bond with his nephew, Pliny the Younger. Pliny the Younger, born Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, was highly influenced by his uncle and followed in his footsteps in both literary and administrative capacities. Their correspondence, which has survived through the years, reveals their close relationship and mutual respect.
Pliny the Younger often sought his uncle's guidance and support in various intellectual pursuits, and he became a prolific writer in his own right, composing letters, speeches, and even a biography of his beloved uncle, although sadly this biography has been lost over time.
Association with Suetonius and Tacitus
Apart from his strong bond with Pliny the Younger, Pliny the Elder also had connections with other notable Roman figures, such as the historians Suetonius and Tacitus.
Suetonius was a Roman biographer known for his comprehensive work, The Lives of the Caesars, while Tacitus, also an accomplished writer and historian, is famous for his works Annals and Histories, which documented the lives and reigns of Roman emperors, as well as his work on the Roman general Gnaeus Julius Agricola and the people and landscape of Germania.
Although there is not much direct evidence of a strong friendship between Pliny the Elder, Suetonius, and Tacitus, their shared interest in literature, history, and political affairs suggests a mutual respect among these scholars. Their works have served as invaluable resources for understanding and studying ancient Rome.
Through these associations and his own scholarly contributions, Pliny the Elder played a significant role in shaping the intellectual landscape of his era.
Death
Pliny the Elder met his tragic end during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Stationed at Misenum as the commander of the Roman fleet, he was the first to observe the unusual cloud formation above the volcano. Intrigued by the phenomenon and committed to his scholarly pursuits, Pliny decided to investigate further and document his observations.
As the situation in the nearby towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum grew more dire, Pliny received an urgent message from Rectina, the wife of a friend, who was stranded in her villa near the volcano. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Pliny decided to embark on a daring rescue mission, taking several ships from Misenum and setting sail towards the affected area. Encountering heavy ash fall along the way, they redirected to Stabiae, a nearby coastal area.
Upon arrival at Stabiae, Pliny joined his friend Pomponianus, whose villa was in the direct path of the volcanic ash and fumes. Despite the dangers, Pliny remained calm and focused on saving those who were trapped, providing support and encouragement in a time of crisis. The group eventually decided to leave the villa, tying pillows to their heads as protection from the falling rubble and ash.
However, the toxic fumes from the eruption proved too strong for Pliny the Elder, who was known to suffer from asthma. As the group made their way along the shore, he collapsed and succumbed to the fumes, losing his life in a selfless act of bravery. His body was later found with no external injuries, suggesting that he ultimately fell victim to the suffocating effects of the volcanic gases.
During the events, his nephew Pliny the Younger, who remained at Misenum, diligently observed and documented the unfolding catastrophe. Years later, he recounted the story in two letters to his friend Tacitus. This eyewitness account provides invaluable insight into the eruption of Vesuvius and its devastating impact on the people of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
In these letters, Pliny the Younger describes the unique features of the volcanic ash cloud and the terrifying natural phenomenon now known as a "Plinean eruption." He recounts the final moments of his uncle's life in vivid detail, highlighting Pliny the Elder's unwavering determination to help others even in the face of almost certain death.
This witness account, preserved by Pliny the Younger and shared with posterity, ensures that Pliny the Elder's heroic actions and the lessons of that fateful day live on in the annals of history.
Impact and Legacy
Influence on Roman Literature
Pliny the Elder was not only an influential figure in science and technology but also played a vital role in shaping Roman literature. His works mirrored Virgil and Catullus in terms of literary accomplishment.
His Historia Naturalis, written in an engaging and readable style, demonstrated Pliny's ability to methodically assemble previously unrelated facts, recognizing unseen details and weaving them into coherent and interesting stories. This approach created a long-lasting impact on the narrative structure and style of various Roman literary works.
Pliny's military command experience and high-ranking positions allowed him to also write about historical events and personal insights as a Roman scholar, providing another layer of influence on Roman literature.
Although Pliny the Elder faced challenges during his time, such as censorship and the political turmoil of the Roman Empire, his works persevered, and his legacy continues to be celebrated today. Modern scholars continue to study his contributions to science, technology, and literature, acknowledging their impact on shaping the course of these fields throughout history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pliny the Elder known for?
Pliny the Elder was a Roman author, naturalist, and natural philosopher, known for his encyclopedic work, Historia Naturalis (Natural History). This comprehensive work covered various subjects, including geography, natural history, and scientific knowledge of his time.
What did he contribute to the field of Natural History?
Pliny's Historia Naturalis was an authoritative source on scientific matters up until the Middle Ages. His influence stemmed from his methodical assembly of previously unrelated facts, perceptiveness, and engaging storytelling, despite some inaccuracies and unverified claims.
How did Pliny the Elder die?
Pliny the Elder died on 24 August 79 AD, near Mount Vesuvius during the famous eruption that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum. As an admiral of the imperial fleet, he was attempting to rescue people affected by the disaster when he succumbed to the toxic effects of volcanic gas.
What was his relationship with Pliny the Younger?
Pliny the Elder was the uncle of Pliny the Younger, a first-century Roman author and government official. Pliny the Younger wrote several letters that provided valuable insights into the life and character of his uncle, Pliny the Elder.
What are some famous works of Pliny the Elder?
While Pliny the Elder wrote several works throughout his life, his most famous and influential work was the Natural History. This 37-volume work covered a wide range of topics from natural sciences to human history, and it served as the reference for scientific knowledge during its time.
How does Pliny the Elder's work impact modern understanding of the ancient world?
Pliny the Elder's Natural History serves as a significant source of information about the ancient world, providing modern researchers with a better understanding of various aspects of Roman daily life, culture, and scientific knowledge. His work remains an essential resource for historians and researchers studying ancient Rome and the broader Mediterranean world.
Works:
Did you know...
The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius of 79 AD is the first ever volcanic event of which a detailed eyewitness description is available.
