Parallel Lives: Alexander vs Julius Caesar: Plutarch

by Plutarch

Plutarch (46 - 119 AD) was a Greek philosopher and biographer born in the city of Chaeronea. He wrote over 200 books, most of which have survived to this day, but his most notable work is "Parallel Lives," a collection of 48 biographies of Greek and Roman figures, including legendary characters.
This specific volume of "Parallel Lives" places side by side two great figures of the Hellenic Alexander the Great - King of Macedonia, unifier of the West, and conqueror of Asia, and Julius Caesar - skillful military and political strategist. Plutarch's brilliantly achieved goal is to compare the profiles of these leaders, showing their values, common points, and differences.
Plutarch is considered one of the greatest Greek philosophers, and his works are of paramount importance for a better understanding of classical culture, politics, and philosophy.

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2024

About the author

Plutarch (later named, upon becoming a Roman citizen, Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus; AD 46–AD 120) was a Greek historian, biographer, and essayist, known primarily for his Parallel Lives and Moralia. He is classified as a Middle Platonist. Plutarch's surviving works were written in Greek, but intended for both Greek and Roman readers.

Reviews

[Gabriel Masseaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an immense pleasure to have the privilege of contemplating the lives of these great men through the words of a renowned intellect of Antiquity. Plutarch presents an analysis of each of these leaders’ personalities through a unique narrative of their great historical deeds. The modern reader encounters an engaging and surprisingly accessible text for a millennia-old work—a historical narrative with a dramatic arc that feels more like an epic adventure than an analytical dissertation. It serves not only as nourishment for the imagination but also as a source of inspiration for a virtuous way of life. Alexander was noble by nature, guided from childhood by higher principles, by a horizon of perfection and self-overcoming—a soul too vast for the world, always seeking to surpass its limits. The love of his followers was the result of genuine admiration, which Alexander earned effortlessly, simply by pursuing his own destiny. This love was rewarded with tremendous generosity, granting governments and fortunes to his soldiers and generals far beyond their most optimistic expectations. Even his enemies bore witness to his honor—he never took the women of his adversaries nor encouraged his men to do so; the defeated were treated with due respect.

Several moments stood out during my reading: when he tamed the horse Bucephalus, which none of his father’s men had been able to subdue—his first act of self-overcoming; when he showed great strength by crushing the Theban rebellion, destroying their city as an example; his departure to Asia in pursuit of his nemesis Darius, who died in his arms after recognizing Alexander’s greatness and bravery for having provided fortune and dignity to his family—an act that proves his moral superiority.

His death came while he was among the people of Persia, who honored him as their king, and whom he reciprocated by assimilating to their ways, much to the dismay of his compatriots.

If Alexander displayed his generosity as a form of gratitude for the love he received, Caesar used it to buy the support and loyalty of his followers—the pursuit of his people’s adoration was present throughout his life. His journey began by weaving his political power in the Republic, captivating the hearts of the people with festivals, public works, and gladiator games. He secured positions and legions that allowed him to reclaim Gaul, reached Britain, and returned to dispute power with Pompeus, after the death of his daughter Julia, in a devastating civil war. He pursued the enemy to Egypt, crushed the uprising of rebellious kings, and gave Cleopatra an heir, coining the famous phrase: I came, I saw, I conquered. He consolidated his victory after the Battle of Pharsalia and was elected dictator, flirted with royalty, and was killed by Brutus—heir to the regicide—at the feet of the his nemesis's statue, with twenty-three stab wounds dramatically delivered by astonished senators.

I recommend this reading to anyone interested in ancient history, or to more casual readers seeking quality entertainment with a good epic drama, complete with battle scenes and Howardian-style violence.