9.11a To Caesar

Date, recipient and author of the letter

19th March 49 BC. The letter is addressed to Julius Caesar and was written by Cicero from his villa at Formiae.

What type of letter is this?

This is a reply from Cicero to Caesar’s invitation for him to come to Rome to meet him and discuss the situation with Pompey.

Political context of the letter

This was during the Civil War of 49 BC between Caesar and Pompey. Pompey had left Italy for Brundisium and was now successfully established in Greece.

Why is this letter significant?

It is the third and final letter Cicero wrote during the civil war period, showing his attempt to manage relations between Caesar and Pompey while maintaining his own position.

What was the tone of Cicero’s letter to Caesar?

The tone was amicable but formal. Cicero attempted to maintain a respectful relationship with Caesar while expressing concerns about his actions.

Why did Cicero write this letter?

Cicero wanted to respond to Caesar’s invitation, act as a mediator between Caesar and Pompey, promote harmony, and preserve his friendship with both men.

What political role was Cicero trying to adopt during the Civil War?

Cicero attempted to act as a mediator between Caesar and Pompey, presenting himself as a neutral figure who could encourage reconciliation and peace.

What was Cicero’s aim regarding Caesar and Pompey?

Cicero wanted to remain friends with both men and avoid being forced into choosing one side. He promoted harmony and reconciliation rather than further conflict.

What theme of Cicero’s political thinking is shown in this letter?

The importance of concordia (harmony) is shown. Cicero believed political stability depended on cooperation between leading Roman statesmen rather than civil conflict.

How does the letter reflect Cicero’s claim of neutrality?

Cicero presents himself as impartial, attempting to defend Pompey’s position while also maintaining a respectful relationship with Caesar.

How does Cicero challenge Caesar’s behaviour in this letter?

Cicero suggests that Caesar’s actions have been unfair and that his treatment of Pompey has damaged Roman political harmony.

What does Cicero appeal to Caesar for?

Cicero appeals for fair treatment of Pompey and argues that Caesar should respect Pompey’s rights rather than continue hostile actions.

What rights does Cicero argue have been infringed?

Cicero argues that Pompey’s rights had been violated because he had been declared an enemy of the state despite being a leading Roman citizen.

How does Cicero use personal language in the letter?

Cicero uses the personal pronoun and the term ‘amicitia’ (friendship) to emphasise personal relationships and his desire to maintain bonds with both Caesar and Pompey.

What does the use of ‘amicitia’ reveal about Roman politics?

It shows that Roman politics was heavily based on personal relationships, alliances and networks of friendship between powerful individuals.

How does this letter reveal Cicero’s political principles?

It shows Cicero’s belief in compromise, negotiation, legality and the restoration of harmony rather than violence and personal domination.

Why was Cicero concerned about Caesar’s actions?

Cicero feared Caesar’s aggressive behaviour was damaging the traditional political system of the Republic and creating instability.

How does this letter reflect problems of the Late Republic?

It reflects the collapse of cooperation between powerful individuals, the use of military force in politics, and the breakdown of traditional Republican values.

What does Cicero’s attempt to mediate reveal about his view of the Republic?

Cicero believed the Republic could only survive through negotiation, respect for law and cooperation between Rome’s leading men.

What was Cicero’s relationship with Pompey at this time?

Cicero had traditionally been a supporter and ally of Pompey but attempted to maintain neutrality during the Civil War.

What was Caesar’s relationship with Cicero at this time?

Caesar attempted to maintain a relationship with Cicero and invited him to meet in Rome, recognising Cicero’s political influence and reputation.

Why was Cicero’s position difficult during the Civil War?

He was caught between his friendship with Pompey and Caesar’s growing power, forcing him to balance loyalty, survival and his Republican ideals.

Who was Lentulus and why is he mentioned in relation to Cicero?

Lentulus was a praetor during the Catiline Conspiracy who helped bring Cicero back from exile. He was later captured by Caesar.

Why is Lentulus’ fate significant?

It demonstrates Caesar’s control over his enemies and highlights Cicero’s concerns about Caesar’s treatment of defeated opponents.

How can this letter be used in an essay about Cicero’s political ideas?

It demonstrates Cicero’s commitment to concordia, amicitia, moderation and preserving the traditional values of the Republic through negotiation.

How can this letter be used in an essay about Caesar’s leadership?

It suggests Caesar was viewed by Cicero as powerful but increasingly aggressive, with actions that threatened Republican stability.

How does this letter show the importance of Pompey?

Pompey remained an important political figure despite leaving Italy, and Cicero argued that he deserved fair treatment rather than being treated as an enemy.