Parallel Lives Volume VII: Greek and English Parallel Translation (Hopkins Classical Collection)

HOPKINS CLASSICAL COLLECTION Volume 7 of 11 Demosthenes and Cicero. Alexander and Caesar Plutarch’s Parallel Lives is a series of biographies of famous men, arranged in pairs to illuminate their common moral virtues or failings. Written in the early second century AD, the work explores the lives of prominent Greeks and Romans, comparing them side by side. Plutarch’s objective was not just to recount historical events but to draw moral lessons from the actions and decisions of these individuals. Each pair typically consists of one Greek and one Roman figure, followed by a comparison that draws out their similarities and differences. The biographies in Parallel Lives provide valuable insights into the character and personal qualities of historical figures, rather than merely chronicling their achievements. Plutarch’s detailed accounts offer a mix of historical fact and anecdotal stories, providing a more intimate look at these figures. For example, he pairs Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar, highlighting their military genius and ambition, while also delving into their personal lives and motivations. This approach allows readers to see beyond the public personas and understand the underlying moral and ethical dimensions of these leaders. Plutarch’s work has had a lasting influence on literature and historical writing. It served as a crucial source for later historians and writers, including Shakespeare, who drew on Plutarch’s biographies for his Roman plays. The ethical and philosophical reflections embedded in Parallel Lives have made it a timeless piece, relevant not only for understanding ancient history but also for contemplating the nature of leadership and morality. By examining the lives of these notable individuals, Plutarch provides a rich tapestry of human behavior and the perennial struggles between virtue and vice.