Pliny came to Rome at an early age and joined the general. Military service in the cavalry brought him to Germany.
His public career included several posts as procurator, notably of eastern Spain. He was a member of the councils of Emperors Vespasian and Titus.
Throughout his life Pliny was a prolific writer. He wrote a Natural History in thirty seven books, which are still extant. His work had great influence on later antiquity the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance, he remains a major figure in the history of science.
With topics ranging from wine making to mining, medicine to geography, the book contained as much of the ancient world’s knowledge as Pliny could gather.
His Natural History published in 77-79 AD, Pliny the Elder records several curious experiments ascribed to the neo-Pythagorean philosopher Anaxilaus of Larissa.
Anaxilaus, a Pythagorean philosopher and physician, born at Larissa, was accused of practicing magic and banished from Rome and Italy by Augustus.
He lost his life in the great eruption of mount Vesuvius, on August 25, in the year 79 AD. He was in his 56th years when he died.
Pliny the Elder
