Pliny the Younger
(Caius Plinius Caecilius)
63–113
 |
CENTURIAN REPORTS TO PLINY, GOVERNOR OF BITHYNIA |
Pliny the Younger was a Roman statesman who held moderately important posts, but he is known primarily because of
his letters. He was a contemporary of Domitian and Trajan, and a personal friend of Tacitus the historian. As a man
of letters, his circle of friends and associates included some of the better writers of the
Silver Age including
Suetonius, Martial, Juvenal, and Quintilian. His career included the standard series of public offices, the
cursus
honorum, and he
was also known as an orator and advocate (or lawyer). He ended his career as the governor of Bithynia, appointed by Trajan to help
administer a province then in need of reform.
Among the more famous letters of Pliny were several written to Trajan during his service in Bithynia
requesting guidance on dealing with the burgeoning cult of Christianity. The strategy of offering all Christians
the opportunity to recant by burning incense upon the altar of the emperor was adopted. Pliny presided over persecutions
reluctantly, but with characteristic efficiency and thoroughness.
Key events during the life of Pliny the Younger:
Year |
Event |
79 |
Escaped from Pompeii during eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. Uncle perished. |
83 |
Military tribune in Syria. |
89 |
Quaestor. |
91 |
Tribune. |
93 |
Praetor. |
100 |
Consul. |
111 |
Proconsul of Pontus-Bithynia. |
113 |
Died. |
Other Resources
Contemporary |
Short Biography |
Spurnius |
Correspondent of Pliny the Younger. |
Tacitus |
Historian. Related to Agricola. Wrote Germania, Histories, and Annals. |
Domitian |
Third Flavian emperor. Known for purges and persecutions near end of reign. |
Trajan |
Second of "Five Good Emperors." Ruled with justice and integrity. Conquered Dacia. |
Martial |
Poet and satirist. Wrote twelve books of Epigrams. |
Juvenal |
Satirical poet; ridiculed the vices of imperial Roman society. |