# Plutarch

> Greek philosopher and historian (c. AD 46 – after AD 119)

**Wikidata**: [Q41523](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q41523)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutarch)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/plutarch

## Summary
Plutarch was a Greek philosopher and historian (c. AD 46 – after AD 119) known for his biographies of famous Greeks and Romans, particularly in *Parallel Lives*. His works remain foundational in the study of ancient history and philosophy.

## Biography
- Born: c. AD 46, Chaeronea, Greece
- Nationality: Greek
- Education: Trained in philosophy and rhetoric
- Known for: Writing *Parallel Lives*, a collection of biographies of prominent Greeks and Romans
- Employer(s): Served as a priest and magistrate in ancient Rome
- Field(s): Philosophy, history, biographical writing

## Contributions
- **Parallel Lives**: Wrote a series of biographies comparing the lives of famous Greeks and Romans, such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. This work is considered a cornerstone of biographical literature and historical analysis.
- **Philosophical Essays**: Composed essays on various philosophical topics, contributing to the development of Stoic and Platonic thought.
- **Historical Works**: Authored historical accounts that provided insights into the political and social conditions of his time.

## FAQs
**What is Plutarch best known for?**
Plutarch is best known for his *Parallel Lives*, a collection of biographies that compare the lives of famous Greeks and Romans, such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar.

**Where was Plutarch born?**
Plutarch was born around AD 46 in Chaeronea, Greece.

**What was Plutarch's profession?**
Plutarch was a philosopher, historian, and biographer. He served as a priest and magistrate in ancient Rome.

**What philosophical schools did Plutarch follow?**
Plutarch's philosophical works reflect influences from both Stoicism and Platonism, integrating elements of both schools into his writings.

**What are some notable works by Plutarch?**
Some notable works by Plutarch include *Parallel Lives*, which includes biographies of figures like Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Cato the Younger, as well as essays on various philosophical topics.

**How did Plutarch's works influence later historians and philosophers?**
Plutarch's works have had a lasting influence on historians and philosophers, providing models for biographical writing and historical analysis. His comparisons of famous figures continue to be studied and referenced in academic circles.

## Why They Matter
Plutarch's contributions to historical and philosophical literature are monumental. His *Parallel Lives* remains a foundational text in the study of ancient history, offering unique insights into the lives and character of prominent figures. His philosophical essays have also influenced later thinkers, shaping the development of Stoic and Platonic thought. Plutarch's works continue to be studied and referenced, ensuring their enduring relevance in the fields of history and philosophy.

## Notable For
- Writing *Parallel Lives*, a collection of biographies that compare the lives of famous Greeks and Romans.
- Serving as a priest and magistrate in ancient Rome, demonstrating his involvement in both religious and political spheres.
- Integrating elements of Stoicism and Platonism into his philosophical writings, contributing to the development of these schools of thought.
- His works have had a lasting influence on historians and philosophers, providing models for biographical writing and historical analysis.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Plutarch was born around AD 46 in Chaeronea, Greece. He received his education in philosophy and rhetoric, laying the foundation for his later works.

### Career and Professional Roles
Plutarch served as a priest and magistrate in ancient Rome, demonstrating his involvement in both religious and political spheres. His roles in these capacities provided him with unique perspectives on the social and political conditions of his time.

### Philosophical Contributions
Plutarch's philosophical works reflect influences from both Stoicism and Platonism. He integrated elements of these schools into his writings, contributing to the development of these philosophical traditions. His essays on various topics have been influential in shaping later philosophical thought.

### Historical Works
Plutarch authored historical accounts that provided insights into the political and social conditions of his time. His works have been instrumental in the study of ancient history, offering unique perspectives on the lives and character of prominent figures.

### Notable Works
- **Parallel Lives**: A collection of biographies that compare the lives of famous Greeks and Romans, such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Cato the Younger. This work is considered a cornerstone of biographical literature and historical analysis.
- **Philosophical Essays**: Composed essays on various philosophical topics, contributing to the development of Stoic and Platonic thought.

### Influence and Legacy
Plutarch's works have had a lasting influence on historians and philosophers, providing models for biographical writing and historical analysis. His comparisons of famous figures continue to be studied and referenced in academic circles. His philosophical essays have also shaped the development of Stoic and Platonic thought, ensuring their enduring relevance in the fields of history and philosophy.

## References

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