Answer:
Plutarch, a Greek biographer and historian who lived in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, wrote extensively about the lives of famous Greeks and Romans, including many of the major figures in Roman history. According to Plutarch, the success or failure of these figures can be attributed to several factors:
Virtue: Plutarch believed that the most successful leaders were those who possessed a high degree of virtue, which he defined as a combination of wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control. Leaders who displayed these qualities were more likely to earn the respect and loyalty of their followers and to make wise decisions that benefited their society.
Fortune: Plutarch also recognized the role of luck or fortune in determining the success or failure of a leader. He believed that even the most virtuous leader could be undone by bad luck, such as being struck by illness or losing a key battle. Conversely, a leader with mediocre abilities could sometimes achieve great success simply because of fortunate circumstances.
Education and Training: According to Plutarch, a good education and proper training were essential for success in any field, including politics and military leadership. Leaders who had a solid foundation of knowledge and skills were better equipped to make informed decisions and to lead their followers effectively.
Ambition: Plutarch recognized that ambition was a powerful driving force for many leaders, and that it could be both a positive and a negative factor in their success. Ambitious leaders who were also virtuous and wise could achieve great things for their society, but those who were motivated solely by self-interest and greed were more likely to cause harm.
Relationships: Plutarch believed that a leader's success could also be influenced by their relationships with others, including friends, family, and political allies. Leaders who surrounded themselves with wise and trustworthy advisors were more likely to make good decisions and to maintain the support of their followers, while those who were isolated or surrounded themselves with sycophants were more likely to make mistakes and lose support.
Overall, Plutarch believed that a combination of virtue, luck, education, ambition, and relationships were the key factors that determined the success or failure of major figures in Roman history.