The Life of Aemilius is one in a series of many biographies by Plutarch of notable Greek figureheads. In this biography, the Life of Aemilius details his extensive military service, then his election to office. From here, it talks about his family life – including the birth of his four children and the divorce of his wife. All of this is overshadowed by the downfall of his father in his early life, and touches on the idea of the fabled Greek tragedy being at work in the lives of the famous Greek figureheads.