Glossary

9.2 Greek biographical traditions: Xenophon to Diogenes Laertius

3 min read•august 5, 2024

Greek biographical traditions evolved from early works by and to more comprehensive approaches by Hellenistic writers. These early biographers focused on celebrating notable figures, setting the stage for future developments.

Roman-era Greek biographers like expanded the genre, comparing Greek and Roman figures. Writers like and focused on philosophers and sophists, showcasing the growing interest in .

Early Greek Biography

Xenophon and Isocrates: Pioneering Greek Biographers

Top images from around the web for Xenophon and Isocrates: Pioneering Greek Biographers

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Xenophon and Isocrates: Pioneering Greek Biographers

1 of 3
  • Xenophon's Agesilaus presents a laudatory account of the Spartan king , focusing on his military achievements and virtues as a leader
  • Isocrates' is a eulogy praising the life and accomplishments of Evagoras, the king of Salamis in Cyprus, emphasizing his noble character and political success
  • Both works demonstrate early forms of Greek biographical writing, which often aimed to celebrate and commemorate notable figures (kings, statesmen)

Satyrus and Hermippus: Hellenistic Biographers

  • , a Peripatetic philosopher, wrote a series of biographies in the 3rd century BCE, including lives of Philip II of Macedon and Dionysius I of Syracuse
  • of Smyrna, a 3rd-century BCE biographer, composed lives of various philosophers, orators, and poets, such as , , and
  • These Hellenistic biographers expanded the scope of biographical subjects beyond political figures to include intellectuals and

Roman-era Greek Biography

Plutarch's Parallel Lives: Comparing Greek and Roman Figures

  • Plutarch (c. 46-120 CE) wrote a series of paired biographies called , comparing the lives of notable Greeks and Romans (Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar)
  • He focused on the and virtues of his subjects, using their lives as examples to instruct and inspire readers
  • Plutarch's biographical approach influenced later Western biographical traditions, emphasizing the of biography

Philostratus and Diogenes Laertius: Lives of Philosophers and Sophists

  • Philostratus' (c. 230 CE) presents biographies of notable Greek sophists, orators, and philosophers from the Roman imperial period
  • Diogenes Laertius' (c. 3rd century CE) provides a comprehensive account of the lives and teachings of ancient Greek philosophers, organized by philosophical school (Stoics, Epicureans)
  • These works demonstrate the growing interest in documenting the lives and ideas of intellectual figures in the Roman era

Biographical Techniques

Anecdotal Tradition and Moral Exempla

  • Greek and Roman biographers often relied on anecdotal traditions, using memorable stories and sayings to illustrate the character and personality of their subjects
  • These served as , providing lessons and models of behavior for readers to emulate or avoid (Diogenes living in a barrel as an example of simplicity and self-sufficiency)
  • The use of anecdotes allowed biographers to create vivid, engaging narratives that conveyed the essence of their subjects' lives and values

Comparison (Synkrisis) as a Biographical Device

  • Comparison, or , was a common technique in ancient biography, particularly in Plutarch's Parallel Lives
  • Biographers would compare and contrast the lives of two figures, highlighting their similarities and differences to draw moral and philosophical conclusions
  • This comparative approach allowed readers to reflect on the qualities and actions that made a life praiseworthy or blameworthy, encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection

Key Terms to Review (28)

Agesilaus II: Agesilaus II was a prominent Spartan king who ruled from 398 to 360 BCE and is known for his military leadership during the late Classical period. His reign marked significant events in Greek history, particularly in the context of the Peloponnesian War and subsequent conflicts that shaped Sparta's role in Greece. Agesilaus is often highlighted for his campaigns in Asia Minor and his influence on the power dynamics between city-states.
Anecdotes: Anecdotes are short, often personal stories or accounts that provide insights or illustrate a point. They are commonly used in biographies to add depth to a subject's character and offer relatable examples of their experiences, thoughts, and actions.
Aristotle: Aristotle was an ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, considered one of the greatest thinkers in Western history. His works cover various subjects, including metaphysics, ethics, politics, and biology, laying foundational concepts that influenced the development of Western philosophy. His ideas about virtue ethics and the nature of the good life significantly shaped later moral philosophy and biographical traditions.
Character sketch: A character sketch is a concise and vivid portrayal of an individual's personality, traits, and behaviors, often used to provide insight into their motivations and life experiences. This literary device captures the essence of a person, allowing readers to understand their complexities and how they fit into their historical or cultural context. In ancient literature, character sketches served as a way to immortalize notable figures, shaping their legacy through biographical narratives.
Cultural icons: Cultural icons are symbols or figures that hold significant meaning and represent particular values, ideals, or characteristics within a society. They often emerge from various fields such as art, literature, philosophy, or politics and play a vital role in shaping collective identity and cultural narratives. In the context of ancient biographical traditions, these icons not only represent individuals but also encapsulate broader social and historical contexts.
Demosthenes: Demosthenes was an ancient Greek statesman and orator, widely regarded as one of the greatest speakers in classical antiquity. His speeches and political activities were crucial in the fight against the rising power of Macedonia under Philip II and later his son, Alexander the Great. His life and works have become central to the understanding of Greek rhetorical traditions and biographical accounts from Xenophon to Diogenes Laertius.
Didactic purpose: Didactic purpose refers to the intention of a text or work to instruct or teach its audience, often conveying moral, ethical, or educational lessons. This concept is especially relevant in the realm of biographical narratives and comparative studies, where the lives of individuals are presented not just for historical record but to impart wisdom and provoke thought about virtue, character, and leadership.
Diogenes Laertius: Diogenes Laertius was a Greek philosopher and biographer known for his work 'Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers,' which is a key source for understanding the lives and teachings of ancient philosophers. His writings represent a significant contribution to the Greek biographical tradition, bridging the gap between earlier historians like Xenophon and later biographers by emphasizing the personal anecdotes and philosophical insights of figures such as Socrates, Epicurus, and the Stoics.
Ethos: Ethos refers to the credibility or ethical appeal that a speaker or writer brings to their communication. It plays a crucial role in shaping how audiences perceive the integrity and reliability of the subject being presented, especially in biographical narratives where the character and moral values of the individual are highlighted to establish trustworthiness.
Eudaimonia: Eudaimonia is an ancient Greek term often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing.' In philosophical contexts, it refers to the highest good for human beings, representing a state of being that arises from living virtuously and fulfilling one's potential. It connects deeply with moral and ethical life, emphasizing that true happiness is achieved through virtue and the pursuit of excellence.
Evagoras: Evagoras was a significant historical figure from the city-state of Salamis on Cyprus, known for his efforts to unify the island under his rule during the 4th century BCE. His life and achievements were documented by ancient historians, particularly in the context of Greek biographical traditions that span from Xenophon to Diogenes Laertius, illustrating the intertwining of political leadership and personal narrative in classical literature.
Hermippus: Hermippus was an ancient Greek biographer and scholar known for his contributions to the development of biographical literature during the Hellenistic period. His work primarily focused on the lives of famous philosophers, particularly Plato, and he is noted for blending biography with philosophical analysis, which helped shape later biographical traditions in Greek literature.
Historical context: Historical context refers to the circumstances and conditions that surround an event, person, or work, which help to understand its significance and impact. This concept emphasizes the importance of the cultural, social, political, and economic factors that influence how we interpret historical figures and their contributions.
Intellectual lives: Intellectual lives refer to the thoughts, ideas, and philosophical inquiries that individuals engage in, shaping their understanding of the world and influencing their actions. This concept is particularly important in the context of biographical traditions, where the life stories of philosophers and thinkers are documented, showcasing how their intellectual pursuits reflect their personal experiences and societal contexts.
Isocrates: Isocrates was an ancient Greek rhetorician and educator, considered one of the most significant figures in the development of rhetorical theory and practice. He emphasized the importance of rhetoric as a means of civic engagement and believed that education should focus on preparing students for active participation in public life. His writings influenced later philosophers and educators, particularly in the realm of biography and the portrayal of character.
Legacy: Legacy refers to the lasting impact, influence, or contributions of individuals, particularly in how their lives, actions, and ideas are remembered and affect future generations. In the context of Greek biographical traditions, legacy highlights how the works of figures like Xenophon and Diogenes Laertius shaped the understanding and appreciation of past thinkers and philosophers, serving as a bridge between their historical context and modern interpretations.
Lives of eminent philosophers: The 'lives of eminent philosophers' refers to a genre of biographical writing that focuses on the lives, teachings, and contributions of significant philosophical figures in ancient history. This literary tradition offers insights into the personal experiences, beliefs, and intellectual legacies of philosophers from Socrates to later thinkers, bridging their philosophical ideas with their life stories. Such accounts were essential in preserving their thoughts and making them accessible for future generations.
Lives of the Sophists: The Lives of the Sophists is a collection of biographies detailing the lives, teachings, and contributions of various sophists in ancient Greece. These accounts are essential for understanding the sophistic movement, a significant intellectual trend that emerged in the 5th century BCE, known for its emphasis on rhetoric, relativism, and education.
Moral character: Moral character refers to the set of personal qualities and ethical attributes that shape an individual's behavior and decisions, particularly regarding what is considered right or wrong. This concept is crucial in understanding how individuals are depicted in historical texts, as it reveals their virtues, vices, and the moral frameworks that influenced their actions and reputations throughout history.
Moral exempla: Moral exempla are anecdotes or stories used to illustrate ethical principles or moral lessons, often drawn from the lives of notable individuals. These narratives serve to inspire and guide behavior by providing relatable examples of virtue and vice, making them an important tool in biographical writings, particularly in ancient texts where moral character was highly valued.
Parallel Lives: Parallel Lives is a series of biographies written by Plutarch in the 1st century AD, which pairs prominent Greek and Roman figures to highlight their virtues and vices. This work serves not only as a historical account but also as a moral guide, illustrating how these lives can be compared to draw ethical lessons and insights about human character.
Philosophical biography: Philosophical biography is a genre that focuses on the lives of individuals while exploring the philosophical ideas and values that shaped their experiences and contributions. This approach combines biographical details with an analysis of the subjects' intellectual influences, allowing readers to understand how philosophy intersects with personal and historical narratives.
Philostratus: Philostratus was a Greek writer and philosopher of the early 3rd century CE, best known for his work 'Life of Apollonius of Tyana.' He is significant in the context of Greek biographical traditions as he contributed to the development and refinement of biographical writing, particularly in the realm of portraying philosophical figures. His works reflect the blending of biography with elements of mythology and philosophy, influencing later biographical traditions.
Plutarch: Plutarch was a Greek biographer and philosopher known for his work 'Parallel Lives', which compares the lives of notable Greeks and Romans. His contributions significantly shaped Greek biographical traditions and influenced the way biographies were written in the ancient world, impacting both historical narrative and moral philosophy.
Pythagoras: Pythagoras was an ancient Greek philosopher and mathematician, best known for his contributions to mathematics and his establishment of a religious movement known as Pythagoreanism. His teachings emphasized the importance of numbers in understanding the universe, which significantly influenced later philosophical and scientific thought, connecting to the rich biographical traditions that document the lives and beliefs of prominent figures from Xenophon to Diogenes Laertius.
Satyrus: Satyrus was a notable figure in ancient Greek literature, specifically recognized as a biographer and an early historian. His work contributed significantly to the development of Greek biographical traditions, which aimed to document the lives and philosophies of influential figures from the past, ultimately influencing later historians such as Xenophon and Diogenes Laertius. Satyrus is often remembered for blending biographical narratives with literary analysis, offering insights into the characters and thoughts of those he wrote about.
Synkrisis: Synkrisis is a rhetorical term referring to the comparison of two or more subjects, often used in biographical contexts to highlight similarities and differences. This technique allows writers to draw moral lessons and provide insight into character by juxtaposing figures, thereby enhancing understanding of their virtues and vices. In the realm of biography, especially in ancient texts, synkrisis plays a critical role in shaping perceptions of historical figures through their relationships and contrasts with others.
Xenophon: Xenophon was an ancient Greek historian, philosopher, soldier, and student of Socrates, best known for his writings on history, military affairs, and the character of Socrates. His work plays a crucial role in the development of Greek biographical traditions and provides a unique perspective on notable figures of his time, connecting him to later biographers like Diogenes Laertius and Plutarch.
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
Back
Practice QuizGlossary
Practice QuizGlossary
Next guide