Pliny, << PLIHN ee, >> the Younger (A.D. 61 or 62-113?) was a Roman writer. He was the nephew of another Roman writer, Pliny the Elder . His most important works are his Letters, collected in 10 books. They show the life and interests of a Roman gentleman, scholar, and philanthropist. The letter addressed to the historian Tacitus gives a detailed account of the eruption of Vesuvius and describes the death of his uncle. Pliny the Younger served as governor of Bithynia and Pontus , both in Asia Minor. He wrote letters to the Emperor Trajan describing the Christians and asking what to do about them. These letters are the earliest accounts of Christians written by a pagan.
Pliny the Younger was born in Novum Comum (now Como, Italy). His given and family name was Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus. By the age of 20, he was considered one of the most learned people of his time. He studied under Quintilian , a Roman teacher of oratory, and was a good public speaker.
