Why is Pliny the elder famous?

Pliny the Elder is famous for his extensive work as a Roman author, naturalist, and philosopher, particularly for his encyclopedic text "Natural History," which covers a vast range of topics including astronomy, geography, botany, and zoology. He is also known for his curiOSity about the natural world and his efforts to document knowledge of the time. Additionally, Pliny died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD while attempting to rescue friends and observe the phenomenon, which further cemented his legacy as a dedicated scholar.