Plutarch's Lives, Volume Ix: Demetrius And Anto... File

Plutarch credits Demetrius for winning his own victories, whereas he notes that many of Antony's greatest triumphs were actually won by his generals in his absence.

A powerful Roman general whose life was defined by his relationship with Cleopatra. Plutarch portrays him as a man of great potential who squandered "the most costly outlay"—time—on luxury and diversion. The Point of Comparison: Synkrisis Plutarch's Lives, Volume IX: Demetrius and Anto...

Plutarch’s Parallel Lives , specifically of the Loeb Classical Library edition , presents a fascinating departure from his typical biographical formula. While Plutarch generally highlights virtuous men to inspire imitation, the pairing of Demetrius Poliorcetes and Mark Antony serves as a stark "negative example". Plutarch credits Demetrius for winning his own victories,

Through these two lives, Plutarch illustrates the Platonic concept that "great natures produce great vices as well as virtues". A Study in Excess and Self-Destruction A Study in Excess and Self-Destruction A Greek

A Greek king of the Hellenistic period known for his innovative siege engines and erratic brilliance. Plutarch highlights his loyalty to his father, Antigonus, and his early humanity, but ultimately records a life spiraling into indolence and wine.

Plutarch distinguishes their collapses: Demetrius was deserted by his soldiers, but Antony deserted his soldiers by fleeing during battle.

In the Comparison of Demetrius and Antony that concludes their section, Plutarch makes several biting distinctions: