Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarch's Lives, Vol. III. Perrin, Bernadotte, editor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1916.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work compares the achievements and character of Pericles, the great statesman who led Athens during its golden age, and Fabius Maximus, the general who sustained Rome during the crisis of the Second Punic War. It begins by contrasting the nature of their leadership and the challenges they faced: Pericles governed Athens during a period of prosperity, whereas Fabius supported Rome on the brink of collapse. In terms of military prowess, the text examines their respective victories and failures, evaluating their tactical decisions as well as the accuracy of their predictions regarding the outcomes of their wars. The comparison further delves into their political ethics, contrasting Pericles's role in instigating war with Fabius's magnanimity, and looking at their respective attitudes toward wealth and integrity. Ultimately, by highlighting both Pericles's magnificent architectural legacy in Athens and Fabius's steady endurance, the work provides a multi-faceted evaluation of these two outstanding ancient leaders.