Letter H: Cicero writes to Atticus 45 BC

When does Cicero write to Atticus in 45 BC?

7th or 8th August 45 BC

What is the context of August 45 BC?

Civil war is over with Caesar’s defeat of Pompey’s sons at Munda in Spain

What was the situation with Cicero and Atticus’ nephew, Quintus?

Quintus was returning to Rome from Spain under a cloud as his elders were unhappy that he had joined the Caesarian cause against his father and his uncle Marcus’ wishes

What was Marcus Brutus doing in August 45 BC?

He had returned to Rome after governing Cisalpine Gaul as a propraetor. An active member of Caesar’s administration, Brutus was writing to Cicero about Caesar’s intentions.

What was Atticus doing in August 45 BC?

He had been overseeing a family tree artwork for Brutus depicting his consular ancestors Brutus and Ayala, both of whom had dealt with tyrants.

What different feelings does Cicero express in this letter?

• Disillusionment and cynicism with Caesar

• Anger and disappointment with Quintus junior

• Frustration with the correspondence of Marcus Brutus since he seems to think positively of Caesar

How is this letter significant?

Despite being recently ‘forgiven’ by Caesar for siding with Pompey, Cicero here shows little allegiance to Caesar.