Source edition
Lucian, Vol. 1. Harmon, Austin Morris, editor. London: William Heinemann, Ltd.; Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1913.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This prose work collects historical examples of long-lived individuals to demonstrate the connection between longevity and proper regimen or self-control. The author begins by revealing that he wrote this piece as a birthday gift for his friend Quintillus, following a dream oracle, and outlines the structure of his discourse. In the main body, he lists various long-lived kings and rulers from regions such as Tartessos, Sicily, and Persia, detailing their lifespans and achievements. He then focuses on Eastern kings and famous philosophers who attained an extremely advanced age through strict self-discipline, describing their lives and final days. Furthermore, the work presents specific anecdotes about the longevity of diverse intellectuals and cultural figures, including historians, orators, poets, grammarians, and legislators. Finally, the author concludes the work by promising to address the longevity of Romans in a separate writing.