Cicero's governorship of Cilicia

When was Cicero sent to Cilicia?

51 BC

What law did Pompey pass in 52 BC? (reason for Cicero being sent to Cilicia)

Pompey passed a law on the provinces. A 5 year gap now occurred between the year a consul or praetor held office and the year they governed their assigned province.

Why did Pompey pass this law on provinces?

Pompey wanted to stop consuls and praetors recouping their electoral debts by exploiting their province, immediately after their year of office. Therefor ex-magistrates like Cicero were sent out.

How did Cicero feel about leaving Rome?

He was unhappy about it.

What is Berry’s view on Cicero’s governorship?

‘He (Cicero) was very distressed at having to be aw from the political scene at Rome’

What was the situation in Cilicia before Cicero arrived?

Governors, like Appius Claudius Pulcher, exploited the Cilicians e.g. giving out high interest loans and demanding billets.

What did Cicero claim in letters sent home from Cilicia?

That he was a model governor.

What did Cicero say about his governorship of Cilicia compared to his predecessor in a letter to Atticus?

‘While I am governor, however, not a single penny will be demanded’ (50 BC)

What is the name of the Client-king who helped Cicero? How did Client-kings support governors?

King Deiotarus of Galatia.

Client-kings often helped a Roman governor administer his province, such as by recruiting auxiliary troops and by supporting tax collection.

What did Cicero do that earned him the title of imperator?

Cicero defeated some hill-bandits in East Cilicia for which his troops called him imperator and for which he wanted a triumph.