Pliny the Younger was a Roman lawyer, author, and politician who lived from 61 to 113 AD. He is best known for his letters, which provide valuable insights into Roman life, politics, and culture during the early Empire. His correspondence includes discussions on various topics, including the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which he famously described in a letter to the historian Tacitus. Pliny served as a consul and held various administrative positions in the Roman government. His writings not only reflect his personal experiences but also offer a glimpse into the social and political issues of his time, making him an important figure in Roman history.