Gaius Plinius Secundus ( AD 23 - August 25 , AD 79 ) , better known as Pliny the Elder , was a Roman author , naturalist , and natural philosopher , as well as naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire , and personal friend of the emperor Vespasian .
Gaius Plinius Secundus ( 23 AD - 25 August 79 AD ) , better known as Pliny the Elder , was a Roman author , naturalist , and natural philosopher , as well as naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire , and personal friend of the emperor Vespasian .