The Elder Pliny
The Elder Pliny, full name Gaius Plinius Secundus (23-79 AD). Roman author. After service as a cavalry officer, he filled several important administrative posts. Only the Natural History, a huge digest of information on astronomy, geography, zoology, and mineralogy, survives from his numerous writings. He was suffocated while directing rescue operations during the eruption of Vesuvius. His nephew Pliny the Younger, full name Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus (61-114 AD), was a writer, lawyer, and administrator. His Letters (97-109) deal with various subjects. His correspondence with Emperor Trajan, written while he was a provincial governor, is a valuable historical source.
