Plutarchos (Plutarch) (c.46 - c.120 AD)
Plutarch, also known as Plutarchos, was born around the year 46 AD in Chaeronea, a small town in the Greek region of Boeotia. He came from a prominent family with a long history in the town, his father being named Autobulus and his grandfather, Lamprias. Plutarch's youth was spent in Chaeronea, where he was surrounded by rich Greek culture and the influences of his family's passion for philosophy.
Zde, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A 2nd century AD sculpture, possibly of Plutarch. Archaeological Museum of Delphi
Plutarch's education began in his hometown, but it wasn't long before he ventured to Athens for further schooling. In Athens, he had the opportunity to study under renowned teachers such as Ammonius.
Plutarch's time in Athens not only helped shape his intellect but also exposed him to the vibrant cultural and intellectual life of the city. This allowed him to make connections and form friendships that would prove invaluable throughout his life.
The education Plutarch received focused on philosophy, particularly the teachings of Plato. This laid the foundation for the development of his unique writing style, which would later become a significant influence on the evolution of essay, biography, and historical writing in Europe. During his studies, Plutarch fostered a deep love and appreciation for Greek history and culture, which would be evident in his later works such as "Parallel Lives."
Writing Career
Plutarch is mainly known for his work, "Parallel Lives," which is a series of biographies of famous Greeks and Romans, arranged in pairs to emphasize their noble deeds and moral accomplishments. These biographical works present an entertaining history of some of the most significant figures from antiquity, and were highly influential on literature and philosophy.
Plutarch's unique approach to writing about these lives showcased his ability to compare and contrast his subjects while maintaining a neutral tone, providing readers with a clear and comprehensive understanding of these historical figures.
In "Parallel Lives," Plutarch focused on the lives and characters of great leaders, such as Alexander the Great, Theseus, Scipio Africanus, and Roman emperors like Galba. He detailed their military exploits, political decisions, and personal lives, emphasizing their virtues and vices.
While the accounts are not always historically accurate, they have had a significant impact on Western literature and history. William Shakespeare, for instance, drew inspiration from Plutarch's biographies for some of his plays.
Besides biographies, Plutarch also wrote about philosophy and ethics in his work titled "Moralia." This collection consists of over 60 essays on a wide range of topics, including love, friendship, politics, and the importance of education.
In "Moralia," Plutarch examined the lives and works of famous Greek and Roman orators, philosophers, and politicians; his aim was to draw ethical lessons from their experiences. Here, he also explored the culture and history of Sparta, providing insights into the social structure, military organization, and traditions of the ancient city-state.
Another notable work by Plutarch is the "Life of Artaxerxes," which offers a detailed account of the Persian king Artaxerxes II, focusing on his reign and relationships with family members and rival powers. Similarly, in his biography of Aratus of Sicyon, Plutarch delved into the life and career of the Greek statesman, who became renowned for his military and diplomatic accomplishments. Both works demonstrate Plutarch's keen interest in the lives of prominent figures from various cultures and backgrounds.
Throughout his literary career, Plutarch demonstrated an impressive knowledge of history and a significant talent for writing. As an author, he contributed greatly to the development of the essay and biography forms. His biographical works in "Parallel Lives" and the essays in "Moralia" not only offer readers a glimpse into the lives and times of notable historical figures but also showcase his exceptional ability to present information clearly, confidently, and knowledgeably.
Philosophical Views
Plutarch’s philosophical views are primarily derived from Plato's works, and aim to create a coherent and credible philosophical system.
In his works, Plutarch attempted to address various aspects of life, such as character, religious beliefs, physical aspects, and political systems. He explored these areas by integrating Stoic, Epicurean, and Platonic doctrines to create an intricate ethical framework.
One of the critical focuses of his philosophical views was moral virtue. Plutarch firmly believed that moral virtue required individuals to subordinate unreason to reason within the soul. This theme is further developed in many of his works, which deal with popular ethical problems and utilize examples from the lives of famous men to convey sound, yet unoriginal, moral principles.
Plutarch wrote several dialogues that showcased his philosophical views and displayed his vast knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Some of these dialogues revolved around the concept of oracles, exploring their nature and examining their role in society. Plutarch delved into the enigmatic world of oracles, recognizing their importance in ancient Greek society while offering plausible explanations for their existence and function.
In addition to his philosophical views on moral virtue and oracles, Plutarch also explored religious perspectives, particularly focusing on Egyptian deities such as Isis and Osiris. Through his studies, Plutarch aimed to bridge the gap between different religious beliefs and customs, highlighting their similarities and interconnectedness. This approach was emblematic of his broader philosophical mission, which involved synthesizing various domains of thought to formulate a comprehensive understanding.
Literary Influence
Plutarch has had an immense influence on historians and literary figures over the centuries since his death. His works, such as the "Parallel Lives" and "Moralia," have remained popular throughout time and have contributed to the foundations of biography, essay, and historical writing. Many scholars have relied on manuscripts and translations of his works to gain insights into ancient Greek and Roman culture.
Throughout history, Plutarch's body of work has been translated and circulated across Europe. In the 16th century, the English translations of Plutarch's "Parallel Lives" by Sir Thomas North had a profound impact on literary figures of the time. Most notably, and as mentioned earlier, North's translations were the source material for William Shakespeare's Roman history plays, shaping his conception of tragic heroes. Not only in English literature, but Plutarch's works also influenced French writers such as Montaigne, who admired his essays.
In addition to his influence on English and French literature, Plutarch's works were highly popular in Alexandria and Italy. Scholars and readers in these regions appreciated his combination of historical and philosophical discussions, as well as his engaging storytelling.
The Loeb Classical Library, a series of books containing English translations alongside the original Greek and Latin texts, has been instrumental in maintaining Plutarch's literary significance. Their effort in making his works widely accessible has allowed for a better understanding of ancient cultures and philosophies.
Public domain resources also aid in preserving and sharing Plutarch's works. Digital libraries and online platforms provide access to manuscripts, English translations, and images related to Plutarch's life and writings. As a result, his work continues to gather interest among modern readers and scholars.
Works:
- Bioi paralleloi (Parallel Lives) Exists today in various collections of biographies
- Moralia, or Ethica (Morals or Ethics)
Did you know...
Dating back to 1400 BC, the Oracle of Delphi was the most important shrine in all Greece. Delphi was once considered to be the center of the world.
