Frienemies de l’Antiquité: Aristide et Thémistocle vus par Plutarque

In the Parallel Lives, Aristides and Themistocles are two antithetical characters. This opposition, already present in Herodotus’work common to literary tradition of Persian wars, is particularly emphasized by Plutarch who shapes characters endowed with opposing character traits adopt completely different behaviors towards friends or wealth. profound contrast intended highlight collaboration between Athenians, ready put aside personal differences devote themselves together war against Persians. The episode reconciliation fact located, unlike other sources (Aristotle, Diodorus), before battle Salamis. However, do not limit settling their : they also take on role mediators during order address disagreements Athens Greek cities avoid hindering struggle barbarians. To this, adapts some passages Herodotus (directly choosing that made such changes) insert protagonists Lives create a climate tension can happily resolve. His authorial choices appear consistent criticisms De Herodoti Malignitate. reflection about wars Plutarch’s corpus seems therefore be animated coherent vision, born from elaborated Attic orators fourth century conflict seen as privileged moment union Greeks, capable overcoming almost endemic rivalries oppose them view good.