Book description
Nine Greek biographies illustrate the rise and fall of Athens, from the
legendary days of Theseus, the city's founder, through Solon,
Themistocles, Aristides, Cimon, Pericles, Nicias, and Alcibiades, to the
razing of its walls by Lysander. Plutarch's life spanned the second
half of the 1st century AD. He was highly educated in rhetoric and
philosophy at Athens but his deep interest in religion led him to
Delphi, where he was eventually appointed a priesthood. He travelled,
most crucially to Rome, where he lectured and made friends of
considerable influence. He wrote and taught throughout his life.
