Cicero and Cato

What are the similarities between Cicero and Cato? (5 POINTS)

• Both optimates

• Both able orators

• Both concerned with corruption

What are the differences between Cicero and Cato? (5 POINTS)

• Cicero was elected consul and Cato was not

• Cato was a stoic and Cicero was not

• Cicero accepted clementia from Caesar and Cato did not

• Cicero was a new man whilst Cato had a consular ancestor

How did Cicero and Cato differ in terms of values?

Cicero was more pragmatic and flexible than Cato as he was willing to adapt his political values to maintain auctoritas

What did Cicero say about Cato in 60 BC?

‘He [Cato] speaks in the Senate as though he is living in Plato’s Republic [an idealised state] rather than the sewers of Rome’

(Cicero Letters to Atticus 2)

KEY EPISODE

Catiline Revolt 63 BC

Cato argued for the execution of the conspirators and Cato was part of the senate who honoured Cicero with Pater Patriae

KEY EPISODE

Murena Trial 63 BC

Cato prosecuted Murena for electoral bribery. Cicero successfully defended Murena.

KEY EPISODE

Cilician governorship

When Cicero was seeking a triumph in 50 BC for his Cilician governorship, Cato blocked this request.

KEY EPISODE

Cato’s suicide

Following Cato’s suicide in 46, Cicero wrote a pamphlet praising his optimate friend