He wrote, “I must make the founder of lovely & famous Athens the counterpart … to the father of … glorious Rome”
On the February 19, 2025 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy category was “The Ancients Speak.” The clue presented to contestants was:
“He wrote, ‘I must make the founder of lovely & famous Athens the counterpart … to the father of … glorious Rome.'”
Contents
Who is Plutarch?
Plutarch, a Greek historian, biographer, and philosopher of the first century AD, is best known for his work Parallel Lives. This collection of biographies pairs notable Greek and Roman figures, drawing comparisons between their virtues, achievements, and leadership styles. The quote in the Jeopardy! clue comes from his introduction to the biography of Theseus, the legendary founder of Athens. Plutarch stated that he sought to create a counterpart between Theseus and Romulus, the founder of Rome, reinforcing the parallelism that defined his work.
This comparison reflects Plutarch’s broader interest in highlighting shared traits between the two civilizations. He aimed to show how the founders of these great cities embodied leadership, resilience, and governance, despite their cultural differences. His approach was not purely historical but also philosophical, encouraging readers to reflect on moral character and governance.
Theseus and Romulus: A Comparative Legacy
Plutarch’s decision to compare Theseus and Romulus was rooted in the belief that Athens and Rome represented two of the most significant powers of the ancient world. Theseus was known for uniting the disparate communities of Attica under Athenian rule, establishing a centralized government and promoting democracy. His legendary feats, including slaying the Minotaur and instituting political reforms, symbolized the Athenian ideals of courage, intellect, and civic responsibility.
Romulus, by contrast, was depicted as a warrior and conqueror, traditionally credited with founding Rome in 753 BC. His story involves fratricide, as he famously killed his brother Remus, and his rule was marked by military expansion and political structuring. The stark contrast between Theseus’ more diplomatic leadership and Romulus’ aggressive strategies provided Plutarch with material to explore the philosophical underpinnings of governance in Greek and Roman societies.
The Influence of Parallel Lives
Plutarch’s Parallel Lives has had a lasting impact on historical and literary traditions. His comparative method influenced Renaissance thinkers, Enlightenment philosophers, and even modern biographers. The work provided insight into classical ideals of leadership and governance, reinforcing the view that history offers lessons in moral and civic virtues.
The biographies were widely read in both Greek and Latin throughout antiquity, and they continued to shape historical narratives well into the modern era. Figures such as Shakespeare drew inspiration from Plutarch’s accounts, particularly in plays like Julius Caesar and Coriolanus. His ability to weave history with moral analysis ensured that his work remained relevant across different cultures and time periods.
Conclusion
The February 19 Jeopardy! clue referencing Plutarch and his comparison of Theseus and Romulus highlights the historian’s significant contribution to classical literature. By drawing parallels between Greek and Roman figures, Plutarch provided a framework for understanding leadership, governance, and morality in the ancient world. His influence persists in historical analysis and literary traditions, making him one of the most enduring figures in classical scholarship.
