Letter B: Cicero writes to Atticus in 59 BC

What legislation is being passed in 59?

After the First Triumvirate was formed in 60, various pieces of legislation were passed in 59, including the Campanian Law.

What provision does Caesar include with his Campanian Law?

Caesar, anticipating opposition to his bill, included a provision that electoral candidates had to swear an oath to uphold the Campanian Law.

What is Caesar preparing for in 59 BC?

His Gallic campaign

Who was campaigning for the tribunate in 59?

Publius Clodius Pulcher, an ambitious popularis politician

What was the relationship between Cicero and Clodius?

Clodius was a prominent political opponent of Cicero and criticised him for his actions in 63

How does Cicero insult Clodius in this letter?

He plays on Clodius’ surname ‘Pulcher’ which means ‘beautiful’ calling him ‘Pulchelli’ which means ‘little beauty’

What is Cicero’s political position in 59?

He is still under political pressure on account of his execution of the Catiline conspirators in 63 BC

In the letter Cicero mentions an offer he had received from Caesar. What is this offer?

Caesar had been organising a number of provinces for himself (Cisalpine Gaul, Transalpine Gaul and Illyricum).

Caesar invited Cicero to join his staff as his legate and go on a state mission.

Why is Cicero hesitant to take Caesar’s job offer?

Clodius is involved in the mission (inimicitia)

He wants to remain in Rome upon his brother’s return

Who took the job offer after Cicero declined? (NOT MENTIONED IN LETTER)

Quintus Cicero joined Caesar’s staff in Gaul in 54.

Who is Statius?

Statius was the slave of Cicero’s brother Quintus. Quintus planned to free (manumit) Statius, which Cicero was unhappy about.

How does Cicero feel about the political situation in 59 BC?

• He was very upset with the way Libertas had been curtailed by the first triumvirate

• Angry that nobody speaks out about the oppressive state of Rome (dominatio)

• Complaints about the Campanian Law because it infringes on the mos maiorum

What gives this letter a candid tone? (4 points)

• No formal address

• Discussion of personal matters e.g. Statius

• Honest about his political concerns e.g. Clodius, Campanian law, death and exile

• Honest about his precarious political position

What are the purposes of this letter? (Give 3)

• To deliver news to Atticus on the political situation in Rome

• To ask for advice on the job offer he had received from Caesar

• To garner sympathy and vent about personal matters.

In what months of 59 BC was this letter written?

June/July