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AP Latin · Unit 2: Pliny's Letters: Vesuvius

2.1 Pliny the Younger & the Epistulae

The author

Pliny the Younger (Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, c. 61–113 CE) was a Roman lawyer and senator whose polished Epistulae (Letters) give a vivid picture of Roman life, society, and politics.

A literary form

Pliny's letters are carefully crafted literature, not casual notes — meant for publication. Each is a small essay on a topic: friendship, duty, disaster, or governance.

Uncle and mentor

His uncle, Pliny the Elder, was a famous scholar (author of the 'Naturalis Historia') and naval commander who died during the eruption of Vesuvius — the subject of Pliny's most famous letters.

Key terms

Pliny the Younger
Roman lawyer/senator; author of the Epistulae
Epistulae
his polished, published Letters
Pliny the Elder
his uncle; scholar and naval commander
Naturalis Historia
Pliny the Elder's encyclopedic work
Literary letters
crafted essays, not casual notes

Try an AP-style question

Pliny the Younger's Epistulae are…

  1. epic poems
  2. letters crafted for publication
  3. private diaries never shared
  4. legal codes
Show the answer

B. Literary letters.

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