The consequences of the Catiline conspiracy

When was the Catiline conspiracy?

63 BC

How did Cicero uncover the Catiline conspiracy?

Cicero had spies inside and outside Rome.

Fulvia, a respectable matron, informed on Curius, a key conspirator. Envoys, from the Allobroges tribe in Cisalpine Gaul, also gave Cicero evidence.

What were Catiline’s plans?

To assassinate Cicero and to burn key urban buildings. Then seize control of Rome and other parts of Italy through armed farmers, gladiators, slaves, and veterans.

When did Cicero inform the Senate of Manlius’ (another conspirator) plans in Etruria? How did the Senate react?

21st October 63

The Senatus Consultum Ultimum was passed giving the consuls its support.

When did Cicero inform the Senate of the conspirators efforts to assassinate him?

November 7th

He openly accused Catiline in the Senate

How did Catiline react to being exposed?

He fled North and north and now led the rebel army.

How many men were in Catiline's rebel army?

10,000 men in Etruria

When were the 5 key conspirators arrested in 63?

December

When did the Senate debate the fate of the conspirators?

December 5th

What was the main debate regarding the conspirators?

Most senators argued for execution especially Cato, whilst Caesar argued against.

What happened to the Catilinarian conspirators?

They were led out by Cicero and strangled by his order.

What additional event took place in January 63?

A tribune Rullus proposed a land reform bill. It aimed at organising colonies in Italy and the provinces for landless plebs via 10 commissioners.

What did Cicero think about Rullus’ land bill?

Cicero spoke strongly against it and it was voted down. Although may plebs were desperate for land, many optimates were against it.

What additional event took place in November 63?

Cato prosecuted Murena for electoral bribery.

How did Cicero react to the prosecution of Murena?

Cicero defended Murena, in part by mocking Cato’s stoicism.

What was Cicero trying to do politically?

Cicero was trying to strike a balance between maintaining his auctoritas, following his ideals, and being pragmatic when working within the res publica.

What honours did Cicero receive after executing the 5 conspirators?

Pater Patriae and a Corona Civica

What popularis tribune tried to challenge Cicero’s success? And how?

Metellus Nepos proposed the recall of Pompey prior to Catiline’s defeat. Cato as tribune vetoed this.