Competition in Context: philonikia in Agesilaus-Pompey

Abstract

In the Lives of Agesilaus and Pompey, Plutarch explores the role of competition in government and demonstrates that the absence or excess of philonikia is detrimental to a state. This balanced treatment of competition’s role in government contrasts with Plutarch’s negative presentation of philonikia in the Moralia, wherein Plutarch is commenting on contemporary society. This paper explores the possible influence that Plutarch’s exposure to contemporary politics had on his presentation of the role of political competition in Agesilaus-Pompey.