Plutarch’s Lives of Agesilaus and Lysander, and Theopompus: Moralism and Characterisation

Abstract

This paper offers a case study on Plutarch’s reading of Theopompus’ Philippica with particular attention to the characterisation of Lysander and Agesilaus in the relative Lives. Plutarch’s depiction of both personages may be seen mainly as a later literary construction, one which may be due much to the way in which fifth- and fourth-century Greek historians portrayed the Spartans and their leaders, rather than to Theopompus’ personal contribution only.