Makers of Rome - Classic Text | Alexandria
Makers of Rome (Parallel Lives) by Plutarch, a series of paired biographies, seemingly presents straightforward accounts of prominent Greek and Roman figures. Yet, beneath its ostensibly didactic surface lies a collection of nuanced character studies, ripe for interpretation and re-evaluation. Often mistaken solely as a historical record, the Parallel Lives are equally a profound exploration of virtue, vice, and the complex tapestry of human motivation.
Plutarch, writing in the late first and early second centuries CE—a period marked by both the Pax Romana and the simmering anxieties of imperial power—drew upon extensive primary sources, including now-lost letters, memoirs, and chronicles. While pinpointing exact dates of composition for specific biographies is challenging, internal references and external attestations suggest the work evolved over several decades. The Roman Empire, relatively stable yet haunted by the specter of its tumultuous past, forms an intriguing backdrop to Plutarch's reflections on leadership and moral consequence. His selections – figures like Romulus, Numa, Camillus, and Coriolanus – and their juxtapositions with Greek counterparts, speak volumes about the qualities deemed admirable (or not) in both cultures.
Interpretations of Makers of Rome have varied drastically across centuries. During the Renaissance, the Lives fueled humanist ideals of civic virtue, providing exemplars (and cautionary tales) for aspiring leaders. Later, Enlightenment thinkers, such as Rousseau, scrutinized Plutarch’s heroes through the lens of reason, questioning their claims to moral superiority. One particularly fascinating (and often overlooked) aspect of the Lives is Plutarch's portrayal of women. While often filtered through the biases of his time, glimpses of extraordinary agency and influence subtly challenge patriarchal norms. The unanswered question remains: to what extent did Plutarch intentionally subvert expectations, leaving clues for a more perceptive reader?
The enduring legacy of Makers of Rome lies not only in its historical insights but also in its masterful portrayal of human nature and its political implications. Today, Plutarch’s portraits continue to resonate within debates surrounding leadership, power, and the ethical responsibilities of those in positions of authority. Are the "makers" of Rome truly what they seem, or does Plutarch offer a more ambivalent and ultimately, more profound, understanding of the intricate forces shaping history? Exploration of this question awaits anyone who delves into the timeless narratives of Plutarch.