ABSTRACT
Plutarch’s treatment of the complex interplay between the roles of citizen, subject and mentor in the Life of Aratus provides a timely case study in statesmanship for Plutarch’s elite Greek readers. A discussion of the addressees of the Aratus and relevant passages from political Moralia contextualises Plutarch’s readership and their sociopolitical concerns. Aratus’ relationship with Philip functions as a historical exemplum of the role an elder Greek statesman could play vis-à-vis a younger member of the Roman imperial administration. Philip’s transformation from noble king to cruel tyrant allows Plutarch to explore the challenges of identifying a suitable political protégé, and how to react if such a relationship sours. Plutarch thus examines the potential benefits that could be won from a veteran Greek statesman’s discourse with a foreign ruler, as well as its private and public dangers.
