Cornelius Nepos
Latin · Geography · Biography · Historiography
25 works · 6,222 aligned sentences
Birth: 100 BC / Death: 25 BC
Ostiglia → Rome · historian · writer · biographer
Agesilaus
This work is a biographical encomium depicting the life and virtues of the Spartan king Agesilaus II. The narrative begins with his accession to the throne with the support of Lysander. During his Persian expedition, Agesilaus demonstrates his piety by keeping his oaths and achieves brilliant victories through strategic ingenuity; however, upon receiving orders from his homeland, he humbly cuts his campaign short to return. In subsequent battles at Coroneia and Corinth, he shows profound compassion for fellow Greeks and refuses to destroy their cities. In his later years, as Sparta faces decline, he saves the city through quick-witted defense, contributes to its recovery by securing funds, and strictly maintains his traditional, frugal lifestyle. The work concludes with his death on his way back from an expedition to Egypt, presenting an enduring portrait of his patriotism and noble character.
Geography8 chunks · §1.1-1.5–§8.1-8.7285 aligned sentencesRead →Alcibiades
This work is a biographical narrative depicting the turbulent life of Alcibiades, the Athenian politician and general, focusing on his extreme duality of virtues and vices as well as his extraordinary talents. The narrative begins with his outstanding qualities, his youth under the guardianship of Pericles, and his special bond with Socrates. Accused of sacrilege during the Sicilian Expedition, he flees to Sparta and later to Persia, using his brilliant intellect to pressure Athens. Although he eventually makes a triumphant return to Athens as a victorious general, he soon loses public favor once more and is forced into exile in Thrace and Persia. His life ends tragically with his assassination orchestrated by political rivals, but the work concludes by praising his unparalleled ability to adapt to diverse cultures and excel wherever he went.
Geography11 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§11.1-11.6402 aligned sentencesRead →Aristides
This work is a biography depicting the life and outstanding virtue of "justice" of Aristides, an ancient Athenian politician and general. The narrative begins with his rivalry with Themistocles and the famous anecdote of his ostracism, which was triggered paradoxically by his reputation as "the Just" (Dikaios). Recalled from exile during the Persian Wars, Aristides plays a crucial military role in the battles of Salamis and Plataea. His exceptionally fair and impartial character wins the trust of the Greek city-states, facilitating the transition of hegemony from Sparta to Athens. In his later years, he takes on the heavy responsibility of assessing the tributes for the Delian League with utmost fairness, yet he remains devoted to poverty in his private life, dying so poor that he does not even leave enough money for his own funeral. The work vividly portrays the portrait of a selfless patriot who dedicated his life to the state.
Geography3 chunks · §1.1-1.5–§3.1-3.377 aligned sentencesRead →Atticus
This biographical work depicts the life of Titus Pomponius Atticus, a Roman knight (eques) who navigated the turbulent period of the late Roman Republic with exceptional wisdom and moral integrity. The narrative begins with Atticus's noble lineage, his literary education during youth, and his study in Athens, where his generosity earned him the deep affection of the citizens. Throughout the civil wars, he maintained a strict stance of political neutrality, winning the trust of opposing leaders such as Caesar, Antony, and Octavian, while continuously providing aid to those on the losing side. In his private life, despite his great wealth, he maintained a remarkably simple and moderate lifestyle, cultivating deep friendships with figures like Cicero and engaging in intellectual pursuits, including the compilation of historical works. Upon falling terminally ill in his later years, he steadfastly chose to end his life through fasting, bringing a dignified and self-determined close to his noble existence.
Geography22 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§22.1-22.4724 aligned sentencesRead →Cato
This work is a concise biography tracing the life and political career of Cato the Elder (Marcus Porcius Cato), a prominent statesman and military commander of the Roman Republic. The narrative begins with his youth, his relocation to Rome, and his early political climb from military tribune to praetor, noting his significant act of bringing the poet Ennius to the city. It then details his achievements as consul during his campaign in Hispania and his rivalry with Scipio Africanus. The latter part of the work focuses on his severe measures as censor and his lifelong political struggles against various adversaries. Ultimately, the biography presents a vivid portrait of Cato's unyielding character and his dedicated efforts to preserve traditional Roman virtues.
Geography2 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§2.1-2.471 aligned sentencesRead →Chabrias
Chabrias is a biographical work depicting the military achievements and turbulent life of the outstanding Athenian general Chabrias. The narrative begins with his brilliant exploit in a battle at Thebes, where he introduced a unique defensive tactic of bracing the shield with the knee and presenting the spear, successfully halting the advance of the Spartan king Agesilaus. This victory led to the erection of a statue in his honor and established his fame. Subsequently, Chabrias distinguished himself in various foreign campaigns in Egypt and Cyprus; however, to escape the jealousy of the Athenian populace, he was forced to spend much of his time abroad. Ultimately, during the Social War at the siege of Chios, he fought courageously at the forefront as a private citizen and chose an honorable death when his ship sank.
Geography4 chunks · §1.1-1.3–§4.1-4.3126 aligned sentencesRead →Cimon
This biographical work depicts the turbulent life and noble character of Cimon, a prominent Athenian general and statesman. The narrative begins with his harsh youth, during which he was imprisoned due to a heavy fine inherited from his father, only to be released through the self-sacrificing marriage of his sister. Once freed, Cimon quickly rose to prominence, achieving great military victories against the Persians and enriching Athens. Although he later suffered ostracism, he was recalled in times of national crisis to broker peace with Sparta, eventually passing away from illness during an expedition to Cyprus. The biography concludes by highlighting his extraordinary generosity, depicting how he selflessly used his vast wealth to aid impoverished citizens.
Geography4 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§4.1-4.4100 aligned sentencesRead →Conon
This biography depicts the turbulent life of the Athenian general Conon. The story begins with Athens suffering a crushing defeat at the Battle of Aegospotami in Conon's absence, prompting him to seek refuge with the Persian satrap Pharnabazus. Conon wins the trust of the Persians and achieves great success by blocking the invasion of the Spartan king Agesilaus. When denouncing a traitor to the Persian king, he cleverly communicates in writing to avoid performing the ritual prostration, thereby preserving the dignity of Athens. He subsequently defeats the Spartans at the Battle of Cnidus, liberating Greece and restoring the defensive walls of his homeland. However, his later ambition to recover territories for Athens leads to his capture by the Persians, leaving his ultimate fate shrouded in historical mystery.
Geography5 chunks · §1.1-1.3–§5.1-5.4156 aligned sentencesRead →Datames
This biography depicts the turbulent life of Datames, a highly capable Cappadocian general who served the Persian Empire. The narrative begins with his rise to prominence through military achievements and his success in suppressing various rebellions, which earns him the king's trust. However, his outstanding successes arouse the jealousy of the royal courtiers, forcing him to defect from the king upon discovering a plot against his life. Though isolated, Datames repeatedly repels pursuing armies and betrayers through his exceptional tactical skills and ingenious strategies. Ultimately, however, he is assassinated by Mithridates, who wins his trust by posing as an ally and deceives him through a meticulously planned trap. The work vividly portrays the tense struggles and tragic end of a brilliant strategist who ultimately fell victim to treacherous conspiracies.
Geography11 chunks · §1.1-1.2–§11.1-11.5416 aligned sentencesRead →Dion
This biography depicts the turbulent life of Dion, a prominent politician of Syracuse. Possessing exceptional talents, Dion is highly favored by the tyrant Dionysius I and successfully invites the philosopher Plato to Syracuse, but conflict arises with the successor, Dionysius II. Banished by the tyrant and seeing his family driven to ruin, Dion raises an army, liberates Syracuse, and successfully corners the tyrant. However, after assassinating his co-leader Heracleides due to deepening conflict, Dion loses public support and becomes plagued by anxiety and suspicion. Ultimately, Dion is brutally assassinated through a conspiracy orchestrated by his trusted acquaintance Callicrates. Upon his death, the citizens quickly reverse their hostility, praising him as the "liberator of their country" and honoring him with a public funeral.
Geography10 chunks · §1.1-1.5–§10.1-10.3364 aligned sentencesRead →Epaminondas
This biographical historical work depicts the life and outstanding character of Epaminondas, the great general and statesman of ancient Thebes. The author begins with an introduction cautioning against judging foreign customs by one's own standards, and goes on to describe Epaminondas's noble yet impoverished background, his advanced education, and his exceptional physical and military training. The narrative highlights his selfless nature, including his strict refusal of bribery, and his brilliant eloquence in confronting political rivals and conducting diplomacy. It also recounts how he extended his military command during a national crisis to save his country, and later used his wit to overcome an unjust trial. Finally, the work portrays his dramatic end at the Battle of Mantinea, where he held back death until he was assured of the Boeotian victory. By showing that the prosperity of Thebes ended with his passing, the work illustrates the monumental impact of this single great individual.
Geography10 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§10.1-10.4370 aligned sentencesRead →Eumenes
This work is a biography depicting the turbulent life of Eumenes, a brilliant general from Cardia who fought against the adversity of his non-Macedonian origin during the struggles for hegemony among Alexander the Great's successors (Diadochi). Highlighting Eumenes' profound loyalty to the Macedonian royal family, the narrative follows his strategic battles against powerful rivals such as Antigonus. Despite facing intense jealousy from native Macedonian generals, Eumenes repeatedly overcomes crises through ingenious tactics, such as exercising horses in the besieged fortress of Nora and using decoy campfires to delay the enemy. Ultimately, however, betrayal by his own troops leads to his capture and delivery to Antigonus, who reluctantly permits his execution due to strong pressure from subordinates. The biography concludes with the poignant fact that only after Eumenes' death did the surviving generals finally dare to declare themselves kings, underscoring his immense restraining influence during his lifetime.
Geography13 chunks · §1.1-1.6–§13.1-13.4492 aligned sentencesRead →Hamilcar
This biographical work depicts the life and military achievements of the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca. The narrative begins with his remarkable defense of Sicily during the final stages of the First Punic War and his strategic decision to negotiate peace under pressure. Upon returning to Carthage, Hamilcar uses his exceptional leadership to suppress a dangerous mercenary rebellion and successfully restores peace to the state. He is subsequently granted command of an expedition to Hispania, taking his young son Hannibal with him, where he conquers vast territories and enriches Carthage. Although he falls in battle while planning an invasion of Italy, the work concludes by showing how his fierce hostility toward Rome was passed down to his son Hannibal, ultimately triggering the Second Punic War.
Geography4 chunks · §1.1-1.5–§4.1-4.3101 aligned sentencesRead →Hannibal
This work is a biography tracing the tumultuous life of Hannibal, the legendary Carthaginian general. The narrative begins with his childhood oath of lifelong hatred toward Rome, sworn before his father, which drives his epic march over the Pyrenees and the Alps into Italy. Hannibal achieves legendary status through consecutive victories, such as at Cannae, remaining undefeated in Italy until he is recalled to defend his homeland and is ultimately defeated by Scipio at the Battle of Zama. Following the war, despite his efforts to reform Carthage's administration, Roman hostility forces him into exile across the Eastern Mediterranean. Constantly pursued, he continues to resist Rome by aiding various eastern kings with ingenious tactics, but eventually takes his own life by poison when cornered. The work portrays him not only as a military genius but also as a man of great intellect who maintained his resolve until his tragic end.
Geography13 chunks · §1.1-1.3–§13.1-13.4518 aligned sentencesRead →Iphicrates
This work is a biography depicting the life and military achievements of the Athenian general Iphicrates. The narrative begins by describing his outstanding character and his innovative military reforms, particularly his improvements to infantry armor and weaponry such as shields, spears, and swords. It then highlights his exceptional leadership through his brilliant military exploits in Thrace and Corinth, his training of mercenaries during the Egyptian expedition, and his relief of Sparta during the Theban threat. Finally, the text touches upon his remarkable physical appearance and personality, his relationship with the Macedonian royal family, his acquittal in a trial in his later years, and a witty dialogue involving his son Menestheus. Through these episodes, the work vividly portrays the multifaceted life of a military genius.
Geography3 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§3.1-3.4108 aligned sentencesRead →Lysander
This biographical work depicts the life, ambitious pursuit of power, and ultimate downfall of Lysander, the Spartan general who brought the Peloponnesian War to an end. Following his victory over Athens, Lysander attempts to establish his own tyrannical hegemony by imposing decarchies (ten-man rules) on the defeated cities. However, his rule is characterized by extreme cruelty and duplicity, as demonstrated by his treacherous treatment of the people of Thasos. Driven by boundless ambition, he even plots to abolish the traditional Spartan kingship by attempting to bribe various oracles, though this scheme fails. In an effort to dispel rumors of his misconduct, he seeks a letter of recommendation from the Persian satrap Pharnabazus, only to be outwitted and handed a letter of denunciation instead. By presenting this letter himself to the Spartan ephors, Lysander unwittingly seals his own ruin, and his conspiratorial designs are fully exposed after his death in battle.
Geography4 chunks · §1.1-1.5–§4.1-4.3109 aligned sentencesRead →Miltiades
This biographical work depicts the life of Miltiades, the great Athenian general. The narrative begins with his early successes, including being chosen by the Delphic oracle to lead a colony to the Chersonese and bloodlessly capturing Lemnos through his wit. As the Persian threat looms, Miltiades strongly advocates for an immediate attack at the Battle of Marathon, where he brilliantly utilizes the terrain to defeat a massive Persian army with a smaller force. Despite this monumental victory and the modest but supreme honors he receives, his fortunes turn during a subsequent expedition to Paros, where a misunderstood signal leads to a retreat, resulting in treason charges and his death in prison. Ultimately, the work explains that his conviction was not due to true guilt, but rather the Athenian citizens' deep-seated fear of tyranny (tyrannus) and their suspicion of his overwhelming influence and authority.
Geography8 chunks · §1.1-1.6–§8.1-8.4298 aligned sentencesRead →On Kings
This historical and biographical work provides a concise account of the lives, characters, and ultimate fates of prominent foreign kings. The author begins by outlining the achievements and personalities of Spartan King Agesilaus and several great Persian monarchs, including Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes, and the Artaxerxes. The narrative then progresses to the formidable rulers of the Greek and Macedonian worlds, such as Philip II and Alexander the Great of Macedon, Pyrrhus of Epirus, and Dionysius I of Sicily. Finally, the work examines the tragic ends of the successor kings who vied for power after Alexander's death, before transitioning into the accounts of the Carthaginian generals Hamilcar and Hannibal. Through these brief portraits, the text highlights both the historical impact and the personal destinies of these foreign rulers.
Geography3 chunks · §1.1-1.5–§3.1-3.5121 aligned sentencesRead →Pausanias
This historical biography depicts the turbulent life of Pausanias, the Spartan general who achieved a glorious victory at the Battle of Plataea. The narrative begins with his great military achievements and the subsequent conflict with his homeland, caused by his pride and self-glorification. Pausanias secretly communicates with the Persian King Xerxes and exposes his inner ambition through his adoption of Persian luxury and arrogant behavior. Although the Spartan ephors suspect his treason, they proceed cautiously due to a lack of decisive evidence. Eventually, a young messenger betrays him, leading to a trap that exposes his conspiracy; cornered, Pausanias flees to a temple, where he met his tragic end by being sealed inside and starved to death.
Geography5 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§5.1-5.5207 aligned sentencesRead →Pelopidas
This work is a biography depicting the life of Pelopidas, a great general and patriot of Thebes. The narrative begins with the Spartan occupation of Thebes, which forces Pelopidas and other dissidents to flee into exile in Athens. From there, a small group of exiled youths, including Pelopidas, secretly return to their homeland under the cover of night during a magistrates' banquet to execute a daring plan of liberation. Exploiting the magistrates' carelessness, they assassinate the rulers and rouse the citizenry, successfully freeing Thebes from Spartan control. Following this triumph, Pelopidas plays a pivotal role alongside his close ally Epaminondas, contributing to the rise of Thebes in key events such as the Battle of Leuctra. The biography concludes with his capture and rescue in Thessaly, his heroic death on the battlefield, and the immense honors bestowed upon him and his family after his passing.
Geography5 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§5.1-5.5168 aligned sentencesRead →Phocion
This biography depicts the turbulent life, noble character, and tragic end of the Athenian statesman and general Phocion. The first half highlights his integrity, depicting how he steadfastly refused lavish gifts from King Philip of Macedon and chose a life of honorable poverty, earning the title of "the Good." However, the latter half details how he gradually lost the trust of the citizens due to diplomatic missteps and involvement with political rivals. Caught in the factional struggles of Athens and the political shifts of Macedon, Phocion is ultimately accused and sentenced to death without even being granted an opportunity to defend himself. The work concludes on a poignant note, showing how the once-celebrated leader falls from power and is buried by the hands of slaves, illustrating the ruthlessness of politics and the volatility of human fortune.
Geography4 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§4.1-4.4129 aligned sentencesRead →Themistocles
This biographical work depicts the turbulent life of Themistocles, the great Athenian politician and general. The narrative begins with his youth, where he reformed his profligate ways to rise rapidly through his unparalleled political and strategic talents. Facing the Persian threat, he successfully strengthened the Athenian navy and orchestrated the historic Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis through brilliant stratagems. Following the war, he spearheaded the rebuilding of Athens' city walls, outwitting Spartan opposition through skillful diplomacy. However, his fortunes turned when he was ostracized and forced to flee to his former enemy, Persia. The work traces his dramatic journey to the Persian court, where his extraordinary intellect earned him the king's favor, concluding with his death in exile and the secret return of his remains to Attica.
Geography10 chunks · §1.1-1.4–§10.1-10.5409 aligned sentencesRead →Thrasybulus
This biographical work depicts the life and achievements of Thrasybulus, the Athenian general who liberated Athens from the tyranny of the Thirty Tyrants. The author begins by praising Thrasybulus as one of the greatest generals, highlighting his immortal virtues and deeds. The narrative follows his rebellion, starting with the seizure of the fortress of Phyle with only a few supporters, and his clever expansion of forces by exploiting the tyrants' complacency, culminating in the defeat of their leader Critias. Following the peace mediated by the Spartan king Pausanias, democracy is restored in Athens. To heal the divided city, Thrasybulus enacts a law of amnesty ("law of oblivion") to pardon past offenses and strictly enforces it. Although honored with a simple olive wreath for his modesty and service, his life ends tragically when he is killed in a night attack during an expedition in Cilicia.
Geography4 chunks · §1.1-1.5–§4.1-4.4128 aligned sentencesRead →Timoleon
This work is a biography depicting the life and achievements of Timoleon, a general from Corinth. The narrative begins with his agonizing decision to have his own brother, who had become a tyrant, put to death in order to preserve the freedom of his homeland—a choice that plunged him into deep despair due to maternal discord and public controversy. He is later dispatched to Sicily, where he expels the tyrant Dionysius II and defeats various enemies, including the Carthaginian forces, to liberate Syracuse. Timoleon dedicates himself to the reconstruction of war-torn Sicily and the re-establishment of laws and liberty; despite holding absolute power, he relinquishes his authority to live his remaining years as a private citizen. Even after losing his sight in his old age, he maintains his humility, attributes his success to divine favor, and is honored with a grand state funeral upon his death.
Geography5 chunks · §1.1-1.6–§5.1-5.4181 aligned sentencesRead →Timotheus
This biographical work depicts the life, brilliant achievements, and later tragedies of the great Athenian general Timotheus. The first half details his outstanding military successes, including the recapture of Samos and the defeat of the Spartan fleet, which re-established Athens' maritime hegemony and earned him honors alongside his father Conon. However, the narrative shifts to a tragic turn in his later years, when he was recalled to service but unjustly blamed for a military failure due to the slander of a co-commander, resulting in his condemnation and exile. The work concludes with the Athenians' subsequent regret, an anecdote illustrating Timotheus's noble character, and a reflection on the end of the era of great Athenian generals.
Geography4 chunks · §1.1-1.3–§4.1-4.6162 aligned sentencesRead →