Who was Plutarch?
Plutarch was a native of Greece and a citizen of Rome (Mestrius Plutarchus). For many years he served as a priest at the temple of Apollo at the site of the Delphic Oracle. He wrote a collection of biographies known as the Parallel Lives, or simply, Plutarch’s Lives. He also wrote essays, which collectively are called the Moralia. His writings were rediscovered at the beginning of the Renaissance in Italy, and a complete Latin edition of the Lives was one of the first books printed (Rome 1470). His writings have been an inspiration to generations since.
