Plutarch of Chaeronea, who lived at the turn of the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, is one of the most famous writers, historians and philosophers of ancient Greece. His famous “Parallel Lives” is a collection of biographies that compare famous Greek and Roman figures – Alexander the Great with Julius Caesar or Demosthenes with Cicero. Plutarch created these biographies to highlight character traits, emphasizing their virtues and weaknesses. At a time when Rome dominated culture, his works were intended to combine Greek and Roman values, while creating inspiration for future generations.
Plutarch had a deep awareness of the psychology of characters, which distinguishes his works from other biographies of the ancients. In his works, he did not limit himself only to describing historical facts – his goal was to reflect on morality and character. Many of his texts focus on comparing the virtues and vices of the people he describes, which makes them still relevant and inspiring. His works greatly influenced European thought for centuries, inspiring writers such as Shakespeare, who based his plays on biographies from the “Lives” (e.g. “Julius Caesar” and “Antony and Cleopatra”).
Plutarch believed that the example of famous figures could inspire noble actions. Moreover, Plutarch juxtaposed figures who were not necessarily historical counterparts, but who, in his opinion, had similar moral or life characteristics.
Plutarch was born in Chaeronea, a small city in Boeotia that had no significant political role in his time. He served as a priest at Delphi, which brought him into contact with many scholars and philosophers. He travelled to Rome, where he gained recognition among the local elite and was able to research the history of the empire freely. Despite his fascination with Rome, Plutarch was deeply attached to Greek heritage and spirituality.
