Plutarch
Plutarch (c. 46 – c.
About
46 – c. 120 AD) was a Greek biographer and philosopher known for his famous work, the Parallel Lives. Plutarch's biographies are valuable historical and moral studies that compare the lives of famous Greek and Roman figures. His most influential work consists of 46 biographies of statesmen and soldiers, including Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony, which served as a primary source of information for later historians. Plutarch believed that studying the lives of great individuals can offer valuable lessons and insights into human nature and virtue. Apart from his biographies, Plutarch also wrote numerous essays and philosophical works, such as Moralia, where he explored various ethical, religious, and social topics. Plutarch's writings continued to be influential in the intellectual and literary circles of ancient Rome and Greece, and his works shaped the biographical genre as we know it today.