Plutarch's Lives, Volume Ix: Demetrius And Anto... Site

A powerful Roman general whose life was defined by his relationship with Cleopatra. Plutarch portrays him as a man of great potential who squandered "the most costly outlay"—time—on luxury and diversion. The Point of Comparison: Synkrisis

Neither death is praised. Demetrius is criticized for allowing himself to be captured and "tamed like a wild beast" in prison. Antony ’s suicide, while deemed "pitiful and ignoble," is slightly preferred only because it prevented him from falling into enemy hands. Why Plutarch Wrote Them Plutarch's Lives, Volume IX: Demetrius and Anto...

Demetrius and Antony are framed as mirrors of one another: both were renowned for their military brilliance, immense generosity, and charismatic leadership, yet both were ultimately undone by their own lack of restraint. A powerful Roman general whose life was defined

Plutarch credits Demetrius for winning his own victories, whereas he notes that many of Antony's greatest triumphs were actually won by his generals in his absence. Demetrius is criticized for allowing himself to be

Plutarch distinguishes their collapses: Demetrius was deserted by his soldiers, but Antony deserted his soldiers by fleeing during battle.