Which sources did Plutarch use for Parallel Lives?

Plutarch’s Parallel Lives demonstrate extensive research and learning, though he did not claim to be writing formal history. Instead, he distinguished his biographical work from historical accounts, aiming to delight and edify his readers through the study of character and noble deeds.1

Regarding his sources, Plutarch utilized a diverse range of materials, including:

• Historians: He consulted various historical works to construct his narratives.1
• Memoirists: Writers of memoirs provided significant source material for his accounts.1
• Anecdote mongers: He frequently incorporated anecdotes to illustrate the character and lives of his subjects.12

While Plutarch quoted many sources, it is likely that he did not consult all of them firsthand. His research was extensive and occupied many years of his life. For the Roman Lives, his work was somewhat constrained by his imperfect knowledge of Latin, which he had learned later in life. The specific details included in each biography varied depending on the subject and the availability of these diverse source materials.1