The Rise and Fall Of athens

What makes a leader? How does their character affect the fate of their people? Plutarch illustrates the rise and fall of Athens through nine lives, from the legendary days of Theseus, the city s founder, through Solon, Themistocles, Aristides, Cimon, Pericles, Nicias and Alcibiades, to the razing of its walls by Lysander. Plutarch s real interest is not in the greatness of their victories or achievements but in their moral strengths and failings - and he holds the weakness and ambition of its leaders responsible for the city s fall.