Source edition
Plutarch. Plutarch's Lives, Vol. X. Perrin, Bernadotte, editor. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1921.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a comparative essay by Plutarch that contrasts the lives and achievements of the Greek general Philopoemen and the Roman general Titus Flamininus. The author examines their contributions to Greece, their sacrifices in battle, their personal flaws, and the nature of their respective deaths. In terms of military experience, Philopoemen is highly praised for his unique accomplishments in reforming the military system and securing victories during Greece's decline. Conversely, Titus is portrayed as relying on Rome's established military institutions, distinguishing himself more through diplomacy and justice than through personal prowess in hand-to-hand combat. Ultimately, the author concludes the comparison by awarding the honor of military excellence to Philopoemen and the honor of justice to Titus, balancing the distinct virtues of both leaders.