Plutarch's Parallel Lives

Leader: Dr. John M. Peterson, Graduate Director of Classical Education, University of Dallas

In this course, we will examine “the road to Caesar” through the lives and times of seven Romans from the last century of the Roman republic, when agrarian and military reforms by the Gracchi and Marius, violations of long-established customs, and foreign and civil wars under Marius and Sylla precipitated the rise of Julius Caesar and his establishment in a permanent dictatorship. We will also consider, through the lives of Cicero and Cato the Younger, the failure of all alternatives to Caesarism. Through this lens we will discuss permanent political and historical questions such as the distinction between the few and the many, the virtues of leaders, and the limits of republicanism and empire.

June 4-20

Tuesdays and Thursdays

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (AZ)

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm (Central)

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Eastern)

View the Syllabus

FREE for Great Hearts employees: use voucher code ghemployee (case sensitive) at checkout.