Lives within Lives: Plutarch’s “Life” of Perseus

Bailey, Colin

Lives within Lives: Plutarch’s “Life” of Perseus

Author

Bailey, Colin

Date

2022

Keywords

Perseus of Macedonia

Abstract (summary)

This article examines Plutarch’s treatment of Perseus of Macedonia in the Life of Aemilius and argues that Perseus is a secondary biographical subject. By directing our attention to aspects of the king’s birth and death, as well as his central moral traits, outstanding ancestors, and responses to changes in fortune, Plutarch integrates Perseus fully into the moral themes of the Aemilius-Timoleon. Aemilius, in his meetings with the king, reflects upon him as Plutarch suggests he himself studies his biographical subjects in the prologue to the pair, becoming a model reader of the Lives.

Publication Information

Bailey, C. (2021). Lives within Lives: Plutarch's "Life" of Perseus. Illinois Classical Studies 46(1), 213-239. https://www.muse.jhu.edu/article/850671.