Sertorius With Eumenes (Comparison)
Plutarch's Comparison of Sertorius and Eumenes is a short essay in which he compares and contrasts the lives and careers of two famous generals: Quintus Sertorius (c. 126–73 BC) of Rome and Eumenes of Cardia (c. 362–316 BC) of Greece.
Both Sertorius and Eumenes were brilliant military leaders who played a key role in the history of their respective countries. Sertorius led a successful rebellion against the Roman Senate in Spain, while Eumenes served as a general under Alexander the Great and his successors.
However, Sertorius and Eumenes also had their differences. Sertorius was a self-made man who rose to prominence through his own merits. Eumenes, on the other hand, was a secretary to Alexander the Great before becoming a general. Sertorius was known for his kindness and generosity, while Eumenes was known for his arrogance and his love of wealth.
In the end, Sertorius and Eumenes both met with tragic ends. Sertorius was assassinated by his own men, while Eumenes was executed by his enemies.
Plutarch concludes his essay by noting that Sertorius and Eumenes were both complex and controversial figures. They were both brilliant military leaders, but they were also flawed individuals who made mistakes. Their lives are a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and ambition.
Here is a table comparing and contrasting Sertorius and Eumenes:
| Characteristic | Sertorius | Eumenes |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Roman | Greek |
| Social status | Self-made man | Secretary to Alexander the Great |
| Personality | Kind and generous | Arrogant and ambitious |
| Fate | Assassinated by his own men | Executed by his enemies |
Plutarch's Comparison of Sertorius and Eumenes is a thought-provoking and insightful essay that explores the lives and careers of two of the most famous generals in ancient history. It is a valuable source of information for anyone interested in learning more about the ancient world.