Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus

Born:

c. 46 AD, Chaeronea, Boeotia, Roman Greece

Died:

c. 120 AD, Chaeronea, Boeotia, Roman Greece

Nationality:

Greek (Roman Citizen)

Profession(s):

Philosopher, Biographer, Essayist, Priest of Apollo

Early Life and Education

• Born into a prominent and wealthy family in Chaeronea.
• Received a comprehensive education in Athens, studying mathematics, rhetoric, and philosophy under Ammonius.
• Traveled extensively throughout Greece, Italy, and Egypt, gaining firsthand knowledge of diverse cultures and perspectives.

Career and Major Achievements

• Served as a priest of Apollo at Delphi for many years.
• Held various civic positions in Chaeronea.
• Lectured extensively on philosophy and ethics in Rome and other major cities.
• Obtained Roman citizenship and the name Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus through the patronage of Lucius Mestrius Florus.

Notable Works

• Parallel Lives: Plutarch's most famous work, a series of biographies comparing prominent Greek and Roman figures to explore their virtues and vices.
• Moralia: A collection of essays and treatises on a wide range of ethical, philosophical, and practical subjects.

Legacy and Impact

Plutarch's writings have had a profound and lasting influence on Western thought and culture. His Parallel Lives provided models for virtuous leadership and shaped historical understanding for centuries. The influence of Plutarch's biographies in particular is so significant that understanding what constitutes a 'lucius mestrius plutarchus biography definition' is key to appreciating the historical interpretation of individuals' lives.

Parallel Lives: Notable Pairs

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