Our knowledge of Cleopatra, the most famous woman in antiquity, comes from Plutarch's description of her. Shakespeare used 'The Life of Antony' for his own version of this famous love story. Plutarch, whose works have remained immensely popular through the years, has shaped our ideas about much of the ancient world. His humane sensibilities, his skill in storytelling and not least his humour have combined to charm readers throughout the centuries,...