Pliny the Elder was a Roman author, naturalist, and military commander born in 23 AD. He is best known for his encyclopedic work, Natural History, which covers various topics, including astronomy, geography, botany, and zoology. This extensive text aimed to compile all known knowledge of the natural world at the time. Pliny served in the Roman army and held various administrative positions. He died in 79 AD during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, while attempting to rescue friends and document the event. His writings have had a lasting impact on science and literature, influencing many scholars throughout history.