Pliny and his Letters

Pliny the Younger (c. 61–113 AD) was a Roman senator, lawyer, and author whose collection of letters provides a unique window into the social, political, and cultural life of the early Roman Empire. His letters cover a wide range of topics, from daily life and domestic affairs to major historical events like the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 and the trial of the provincial governor Marius Priscus. For GCSE Classical Civilisation students, studying Pliny's letters offers insight into Roman values, the workings of the imperial system, and the literary conventions of epistolary writing.

The OCR GCSE specification focuses on a selection of Pliny's letters, typically including those describing the eruption of Vesuvius (6.16 and 6.20), his correspondence with Emperor Trajan about Christians (10.96-97), and letters on social issues such as the treatment of slaves (8.16) or the education of young Romans (4.13). These letters are studied in translation, but students are expected to analyse their content, context, and purpose. Understanding Pliny's perspective as an elite Roman is crucial: he often presents himself as a model of traditional Roman virtues like humanitas (civilised behaviour), pietas (duty), and liberalitas (generosity).

Pliny's letters are not just historical documents; they are carefully crafted literary works. He revised and published them for a wider audience, meaning each letter has a rhetorical purpose. For example, the Vesuvius letters are designed to glorify his uncle Pliny the Elder's scientific curiosity and bravery, while the Christian letters show Pliny as a conscientious governor seeking imperial guidance. By studying these texts, students learn to evaluate sources critically, recognising bias and authorial intent, which is a key skill for the GCSE examination.