Examples of Cato's integrity

When did Cato become Quaestor? What does Cato do as Quaestor?

In 64, Cato was assigned to the Treasury in Rome, where he reviewed its account and during his investigation he decided to identify exploiters of the proscription who received blood money.

This resulted in a series of murder prosecutions (including Catiline)

What is Cato’s corn-dole legislation? When did he implement it?

In 62 BC Cato proposed a tribunician bill to improve corn provision to the people of Rome which reduced the price of grain and extended the corn dole to double the original eligible group.

He made sure to put it through the senate rather than just bypassing it, showing his integrity.

What did Clodius’ tribunician bill entail?

In 58 it assigned Cato the provincia of annexing the wealthy island of Cyprus

What do historians believe Clodius’ purpose was for sending Cato to Cyprus? 

‘It removed from the city another potentially critical voice and cleverly tied Cato into Clodius’ legislative programme of 58; he would never be free to challenge something from which he had personally benefited’

Swain and Davies (2010)

How many talents of silver did Cato transport from Cyprus to Rome according to Plutarch?

7,000 talents of silver

How did Cato ensure that the wealth was transported safely from Cyprus?

He attached to each coffer of talents a long rope to the end of which a huge piece of cork was fastened .

This was largely impractical and more about showing his principles than any pragmatic financial gain.

What does Cato’s transportation of wealth from Cyprus say about his integrity?

It shows him as honest and displays his stoic principles of justice and temperance. He could have been selfish and self serving by embezzling the wealth but he didn’t.

It also shows his optimate values as he is preserving the status quo of the SPQR.

When was the trial of Plancus? What was Plancus accused of?

51BC

Plancus was an ex-tribune of the plebs being prosecuted for violence.

What witness practice was banned in court by Pompey?

The ability to praise the characters of people involved in court cases.

What did Pompey do during Plancus’ trial? How did Cato react?

Pompeu praised Plancus and Cato as juror covered his ears with his hands saying that if was wrong for him to listen as it was breaking the law.

What was the result of the Plancus trial?

Cato was thrown off the jury before casting his vote and Planus was convicted by a majority of other votes.

What does the Plancus trial show about Cato’s character?

It shows his stoic values of justice but also his poor judgement as practically it got him thrown off the jury so he could not make a vote.

When did Cato run for the consular elections?

51BC

Why did Cato fail to win the consulship election?

He refused to use bribes due to his principles of stoicism (temperance and justice)

Why was Cato’s refusal to use bribes poor judgement?

It meant that he could not complete his own cursus honorum.

As consul his dignitas and auctoritas would have increased. He would have been able to use his imperium and influence to pass legislation and enforce his values.

What does Marin (2000) say about Cato’s failed attempt for the consulship?

‘While the people might have applauded Cato for his moral integrity… this did not translate to votes for his consulship’