The Age of Caesar

The Age of Caesar brings to life figures such as Pompey, Caesar, Cicero, Brutus, and Antony—names that echo across the centuries. These major figures in the civil wars, which harshly ended the Roman Republic, remain poignant examples of how the craving for personal power can overshadow collective politics, how the glorification of the military can erode civilian authority, and how even the best intentions can lead to dire consequences.

Plutarch vividly portrays these historic lives as dynamic, flesh-and-blood characters, using small details like the careful financial habits of Brutus or Caesar's disdain for Cicero's grandiose eloquence to bring them to life.

A Greek intellectual living about a century after the age of Caesar, Plutarch was well-acquainted with Roman power but chose to immerse himself in the history of great Greek and Roman figures. His biographical profiles were meant to serve as mirrors of character, intended to inspire readers to embrace virtues and avoid flaws. For Plutarch, character was destiny, influencing both individual and state outcomes, and he was a pioneer of the biographical form, influencing later writers like Shakespeare and Gibbon.

This edition features a new translation by Pamela Mensch, offering a brilliant clarity to Plutarch's prose. James Romm provides insightful notes that navigate readers through the profiles' references to people, places, and events. Additionally, a preface by Romm and an introduction by Mary Beard offer an excellent framework for understanding Plutarch and the significant history he recounts.