Catos early career
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58 Terms
When and where was Cato born?
Cato was born in Rome in 95 BC.
Who were Cato's parents?
Cato was the son of Marcus Cato and Livia.
Who raised Cato after his parents died?
His maternal uncle, Marcus Livius Drusus, raised him after the death of his parents.
Who else was brought up alongside Cato?
His sister Porcia, Quintus Servilius Caepio and his half-sisters Servilia Major and Servilia Minor.
Why was the assassination of Marcus Livius Drusus significant for Cato?
Cato was only four years old when his uncle was assassinated in 91 BC, an event that helped trigger the Social War and shaped his early political outlook.
What does Cato's upbringing suggest about his later political beliefs?
Growing up during political violence helped develop his commitment to Republican values and hostility towards tyranny.
How was Cato described by his teacher Sarpedon?
Sarpedon described him as obedient and inquisitive but slow to be persuaded, stubborn and difficult to restrain.
What qualities did Cato display from childhood?
Determination, independence, courage and an unwillingness to compromise his beliefs.
What story involving Quintus Silo demonstrates Cato's stubbornness?
When Quintus Silo asked the children to support his political cause, Cato refused to respond even after Silo held him upside down out of a window.
Why is the story of Quintus Silo important?
It illustrates Cato's refusal to be intimidated or pressured into supporting ideas he did not agree with.
How does Plutarch portray Cato through the Quintus Silo story?
Plutarch presents Cato as fearless, incorruptible and committed to his principles from an early age.
What story demonstrates the respect Cato's peers had for him?
During the Roman military game "Troy", all the boys wanted Cato as their leader, forcing Pompey's nephew Sextus to step aside.
Why is the story of the Game of Troy significant?
It highlights Cato's natural leadership qualities and the respect he commanded even as a child.
What was Cato's relationship with Sulla as a child?
Sulla frequently invited Cato and Caepio to visit him despite Cato openly criticising his opinions and policies.
How was Cato connected to Sulla's family?
Sulla's daughter Cornelia married Cato's uncle Mamercus Livianus.
What question did Cato ask Sarpedon about Sulla?
He asked why nobody had killed the dictator despite the suffering he caused.
How did Sarpedon answer Cato's question about Sulla?
"They fear him more than they hate him."
How did Cato respond to Sarpedon's explanation?
He declared that he would willingly take a sword and kill Sulla himself.
Why did Sarpedon become more cautious after this incident?
He realised Cato's strong Republican convictions and feared he might genuinely attempt to attack Sulla.
What do the stories about Sulla reveal about Cato?
They demonstrate his courage, hatred of tyranny and unwavering commitment to Republican ideals.
What did Cato do after receiving his inheritance?
He left his uncle's house and devoted himself to studying Stoic philosophy and politics.
Which philosophy most influenced Cato?
Stoicism.
Why did Stoicism appeal to Cato?
It emphasised self-discipline, virtue, duty, endurance and moral integrity, qualities that defined Cato's public life.
How did Cato model his lifestyle?
He deliberately copied the simple lifestyle of his great-grandfather, Marcus Cato the Elder.
How did Cato demonstrate Stoic self-discipline?
He subjected himself to harsh physical exercise, endured cold with minimal clothing, ate only what was necessary and drank the cheapest wine available.
Why did Cato live so modestly?
He believed luxury weakened character and chose simplicity for philosophical rather than financial reasons.
How wealthy was Cato?
His inheritance allowed him to live comfortably, but he deliberately rejected luxury.
Why was Cato rarely seen in public?
He preferred a private life devoted to philosophy and self-improvement.
How was Cato regarded when he spoke in public?
His speeches and rhetorical ability were highly admired in the Forum.
What apparent contradiction existed in Cato's lifestyle?
Although he lived simply, he was known to drink wine generously.
Who was Cato's first wife?
Atilia.
Who were Cato's children with Atilia?
Marcus Porcius Cato and Porcia.
Why is Porcia historically significant?
She later became the second wife of Marcus Brutus, one of Caesar's assassins.
Why did Cato divorce Atilia?
He divorced her because of unseemly behaviour.
Who was Cato's second wife?
Marcia.
Why did Cato allow Hortensius to marry Marcia?
Hortensius remained childless, so Cato gave Marcia to his close friend out of loyalty and friendship (amicitia).
What happened after Hortensius died?
Marcia returned to live with Cato.
What does the Marcia episode reveal about Cato?
It demonstrates his unemotional nature and his commitment to amicitia over personal feelings.
When did Cato volunteer to fight Spartacus?
In 72 BC.
Why did Cato join the war against Spartacus?
He volunteered partly to support his brother Caepio.
What military office did Cato hold in 67 BC?
He served as military tribune in Macedon.
How old was Cato when he commanded a legion?
He was twenty-eight years old.
How did Cato lead his soldiers?
He shared their work, food and sleeping quarters, leading from the front.
How did Cato balance discipline and leadership?
He enforced strict discipline and punishment but earned the respect and loyalty of his soldiers.
What personal tragedy occurred during Cato's service in Macedon?
His brother Caepio died in Thrace before Cato could reach him.
How did Cato respond to Caepio's death?
He was overwhelmed with grief and organised an expensive funeral according to his brother's wishes.
Why is Cato's reaction to Caepio's death significant?
It reveals that beneath his Stoic self-control he possessed deep loyalty and family affection.
What did Cato do after his military service ended?
He travelled privately through the Roman provinces in the Middle East.
Why did Cato prosecute Lucius Murena in 63 BC?
Murena was accused of excessive electoral bribery while standing for the consulship.
Who defended Lucius Murena?
Cicero.
Why did Cicero defend Murena successfully?
Cicero argued that Rome could not risk losing an elected consul during the Catiline Crisis despite evidence of bribery.
How did Cicero criticise Cato during the Murena trial?
He gently mocked the extreme rigidity of Cato's Stoic philosophy.
What does the Murena trial reveal about Cato?
He placed principle and legality above political convenience.
How did Cato attempt to combat corruption in 60 BC?
He proposed and passed decrees designed to reduce electoral bribery.
Why was Cato strongly opposed to bribery?
He believed corruption undermined Republican government and violated Stoic principles of justice and virtue.
How did Stoicism shape Cato's political career?
It led him to prioritise duty, honesty, justice and constitutional principles over popularity or political compromise.
Why was Cato admired by supporters of the Republic?
He consistently defended traditional Republican values, resisted corruption and refused to compromise his principles.
How could historians interpret Cato's career?
Cato can be viewed either as the Republic's greatest moral defender or as an inflexible politician whose refusal to compromise contributed to the collapse of the Republican system.