Plutarch's Lives, Volume 3 (of 4)

"Plutarch's Lives, Volume 3 (of 4)" by Plutarch is a collection of biographical stories that recounts the lives of important people from ancient times; this volume examines the qualities and downfalls of people like Nikias and Crassus by looking closely at what they did and how they lived. In the beginning, Plutarch tells the story of Nikias, a well-known Athenian general, who had to juggle his military duties and relationships with the citizens of Athens. Nikias is shown as a wary person, someone who socialized but also had many superstitions, and these traits influenced how people saw him. Plutarch emphasizes the enormous pressure Nikias faced as a military leader as he reveals how Nikias had to navigate tricky political situations and rivalries. The scene is set for an examination into Nikias’s strategic military victories alongside his political battles, highlighting the interaction between ambition, religious devotion, and the demands of public service.