Plutarch of Chaeronea

Greek0046 – 0120Biography

Greek biographer and essayist whose Parallel Lives matched Greek and Roman statesmen in pairs to draw moral lessons. His portraits of Caesar, Alexander, Cicero, and others were the primary source for Shakespeare's Roman plays. The Moralia are a collection of essays on ethics, religion, and philosophy.

Works

Parallel LivesPaired biographies of Greek and Roman figures highlighting their character and deeds
MoraliaPhilosophical essays on virtue, ethics, wisdom, and the good life
On the Face Which Appears in the Orb of the MoonPhilosophical dialogue examining celestial phenomena and the nature of the moon
How to Tell a Flatterer from a FriendEthical dialogue on distinguishing genuine friendship from flattery and false devotion
On the Malice of HerodotusCritical examination of inaccuracies and bias in historical accounts