Contrast of Plutarch's Lives of Sulla and Caesar.
An interesting, but dramatic understanding of roman history can be reached by analyzing the differences in the Lives of Sulla and Caesar, specifically the effect and uses of money during their rise to power. Plutarch's writings give insight on not only those great men, but on Plutarch himself. The use of money, either for bribery, compensation of soldiers, or public displays was instrumental in both men's lives. Sulla's greediness and love of vulgarity is characterized, as well as Caesar's generosity towards supporters who were running for office. Sulla rejected his hereditary poverty and flaunted his wealth in lewd ways, while Caesar's noble beginnings are shown by his more stylish way of handling financial matters.
Analysis of any of Plutarch's works must be qualified by the idea that he is not a historian, but had an in depth knowledge of ancient history that he presupposes his readers to have (Scardigli 67). His accounts have more to do with character and morals than with historical significance. Since he lived and wrote after these events had taken place, he had no particular agenda to fulfill. As said by Plutarch, "So very difficult a matter it is to trace and find out the truth of anything by history, when, on one hand, those who afterwards write it find long periods of time intercepting their view, and, on the other hand, the contemporary records of any actions and lives, partly through envy and illwill, partly through favour and flattery, pervert and distort the truth." (Fuller II). This quote generally summarizes his attitude towards actual chronological history. He was more interested in the drama of each individual's success or failure (Plutarch 8).
With regard to this, connections can be found between Sulla's failures and immorality with his use of his monetary gains. Plutarch illustrates his views on Sulla's greediness with his immediate mention of Rufinus.
Julius Caesar was born to Aurelia and Gaius Julius Ceasar, on the 13th day of Quintilis 100 BCE. ... Sulla, the dictator at that time in 85 BCE, wanted him to be executed and Caesar went into hiding. ... When Sulla, the dictator, died in 78 BCE, Caesar began a career as a lawyer in Rome and from then on throughout his lifetime, his eloquence in speaking was surpassed by none. ...
The second attack upon the city was carried our by Marius" enemy Sulla, leader of the optimates, in 82 BC on the latter's return from the East. ... Caesar left Rome for the province of Asia on the condition that he divorce his wife because Sulla would only allow him to leave on that condition. When he heard the news that Sulla had been killed he returned to Rome. ... The optimates, led by Quintus Lutatius Catulus and Lucius Licinius Lucullus , were chiefly men whose careers had been made by Sulla. Pompey and Crassus were consuls in 70 BC and had rescinded the most offensively reactionary ...
The second attack upon the city was carried our by Marius" enemy Sulla, leader of the optimates, in 82 BC on the latter's return from the East. ... Caesar left Rome for the province of Asia on the condition that he divorce his wife because Sulla would only allow him to leave on that condition. When he heard the news that Sulla had been killed he returned to Rome. ... The optimates, led by Quintus Lutatius Catulus and Lucius Licinius Lucullus , were chiefly men whose careers had been made by Sulla. Pompey and Crassus were consuls in 70 BC and had rescinded the most offensively reactionary ...
Through this marriage, however, Caesar also gained the hostility of Sulla, because Cinna was one of Sulla's enemies. When the Optimate dictator, Sulla was in power, he ordered Caesar to divorce her, when Caesar refused, Sulla proscribed him and Caesar went into hiding... When Sulla died in 78 BC, Caesar returned to Rome and began a career as a lawyer and a life as an elegant man about town... Thereafter, Caesar was elected quaestor and obtained a seat in the Senate; he married Pompeia, a granddaughter of Sulla. ...
The second attack upon the city was carried our by Marius" enemy Sulla, leader of the optimates, in 82 BC on the latter"s return from the East. ... Caesar left Rome for the province of Asia on the condition that he divorce his wife because Sulla would only allow him to leave on that condition. When he heard the news that Sulla had been killed he returned to Rome. ... The optimates, led by Quintus Lutatius Catulus and Lucius Licinius Lucullus , were chiefly men whose careers had been made by Sulla. Pompey and Crassus were consuls in 70 BC and had rescinded the most offensively reactionary measu...