Letter A: Cicero writes to Pompey in 62 BC

When did Cicero write to Pompey?

April 62 BC

Where was Cicero in 62 BC?

Rome

Where was Pompey in 62 BC? What was he doing?

Pompey was stationed in Asia, where he was settling the eastern provinces after his campaigns against the Cilician Pirates and Mithridates.

What is Cicero’s situation in 62 BC?

Cicero is under pressure for executing the five arrested Catilinarian conspirators.

What political ideal was Cicero developing in 63 BC during his speeches against Catiline?

Cicero had started developing his political ideal of concordia ordinum, which he demonstrates in this letter.

What is the current relationship between Pompey and Cicero?

They do not have a close political relationship and in previous letters Pompey has been cold to Cicero e.g. Cicero mentions that Pompey did not praise his ‘achievements’, that being dealing with the Catiline conspiracy.

What is the purpose of the letter?

Cicero is eager to form an amicitia with Pompey who is now returning to Rome after his campaign

What about the letter gives it a formal tone? (4 points)

• Formal address and use of the title ‘imperator’

• The subject matter: High politics

• Omission of the names of populares politicians ‘your old enemies- now posing as your friends’

• Use of flattery (attempting to form amicitia)

What historical exemplum does Cicero use to compliment Pompey and why?

He compares him to another great Roman imperator Scipio and then indicates that he Cicero could play the complimentary role of Laelius