Plutarch

When analyzing Roman society it becomes clear that there is a significant amount of resources available and that further analysis is required to determine whether or not an accurate representation has been achieved. It is clear that many of the primary sources available are often biased and therefore must be compared to other sources on similar events to gain an accurate idea of Roman culture. Through the addition of other sources such as ancient currency it is possible to gain an accurate idea…

Plutarch was typically classified as a Platonist. But he did absorb the lessons of the Peripatetics, and the Stoics. However, he absolutely rejected the Epicurean doctrines. Like, Cicero, he was an early humanist who wrote extensively on moral and religious…

In the story of Lycurgus, Lycurgus has to “lay down the supreme power so easily out of respect for justice,” after learning that his sister-in-law is pregnant with the rightful heir (Plutarch.) He was so restrained with his own choices because the well-being of Sparta depended on him. This action shows that Lycurgus’ used restraint to benefit the stability of the state. Because if Lycurgus hadn’t restrained himself from retaining power…

Rome was a influential civilization that encompassed the center of the Italian Peninsula.In 509 BCE, after overthrowing their Etruscan conquerors, the civilization established itself as a republic. This was a form of government that was designed to allow citizens to directly partake in the government. While this system gave many citizens representation in government, it strictly excluded females.Since Ancient Roman women were deemed too weak to vote, Ancient Roman men had demeaning expectations…

managed to leave behind an amazing legacy. The Romans, wanting to save the republic lead to the assassination of Julius Caesar, ultimately leading to little change and his adopted son Octavius being crowned first emperor of the Roman Empire (Wasson, Plutarch 290-298, and “Julius Caesar Biography”). Julius Caesar was assassinated because several men in the Roman senate felt his ideas endangered the republic. Firstly, Julius Caesar did not want to take a chance on the Roman generals challenging…

To historian Plutarch, Alexander the Great was a spark of inspiration for his two critically acclaimed essays where he dissects the tactics of the Emperor’s legacy as he successfully integrates Greek culture within Persia. To assimilate Greek and Persian life was a highly difficult task that Alexander took on head first in order to ensure the security of his post conquest of Persia. Many methods were constructed to implement the Greek culture such as his belief that fusion and cooperation…

sons of Philip but they were legitimate. When Philip married Cleopatra, her child became the heir. Alexanders position was under threat. This nearly resulted in a feud between Alexander and his father which could have cost Alexander his kingship. Plutarch record that a feud between father and son erupted at Philips wedding with Cleopatra. What resulted was one of Alexanders most destructive massacres. 6000 Thebans were killed, 30000 taken prisoner; only 500 Macedonians lost. Furthermore, the…

dialogue to a need to scare his own troops into fighting harder and to dishearten his enemies. Not many texts exist that explain in detail as to be compared to Lyons account but Plutarch does commend Alexander “he is said to have been the first man that charged the Theban’s sacred band…This bravery made Philip so fond of him.” (Plutarch, Life of Alexander) Whether or not this is true or Plutarch’s opinion on how Philip felt about Alexander is unclear, Alexander’s bravery in both texts seems to…

Nonetheless, Plutarch, ancient Greek historian, frequently wrote about the helots of Sparta. Plutarch’s Life of Lycurgus – centered upon legendary lawgiver of Sparta, Lycurgus – focused significantly on the helots, specifically on the nature of the Crypteia and the effect…

success from these unlikely scenarios. Alexander was born on 353 BCE to the parents King Philip II and Queen Olympias in the city of Pella, the wealthy capital of the kingdom of Macedon. According to the writings of the ancient Greek biographer Plutarch, Olympias, on the eve of the consummation of her marriage to Philip, dreamed that…