Plutarch Parallel Lives Of Noble Grecians And R... May 2026

The work serves as a moral guide. Plutarch intended the virtues of these great men to act as a "looking-glass" for readers (and himself) to adjust and adorn their own lives.

The biographies are arranged in 23 pairs (plus four single lives), typically consisting of one Greek and one Roman. Most pairs conclude with a synkrisis , a formal comparison that synthesizes their lives to highlight similarities and differences in character. Plutarch PARALLEL LIVES OF NOBLE GRECIANS AND R...

48 extant (originally more, including lost lives like Epaminondas and Scipio). The work serves as a moral guide

23 pairs (e.g., Demosthenes/Cicero, Theseus/Romulus) and 4 single lives (e.g., Artaxerxes, Galba). 18 formal comparisons ( synkrisis ) follow the pairs. Historical Influence Theseus/Romulus) and 4 single lives (e.g.