cicero the man - catherine steele

Why do we know so much about Cicero?

  • We know more about Cicero than almost any other person from classical antiquity.

  • This is because:

    • he was politically important → other people wrote biographies of him

    • he was a prolific writer → speeches, letters, philosophical treatises, poetry

  • Cicero contributed to a rich textual tradition, which later bifurcates:

    • Cicero the politician

    • Cicero the writer

  • These two strands overlap but can also be distinct.

“we probably know more about cicero as a person than we do about any other figure from classical antiquity.”

  • This highlights:

    • his importance in Roman history

    • his exceptional visibility as an individual

What was Cicero’s family background like?

  • His family’s wealth made him extremely privileged (elite level wealth)

  • Wealth based mainly on:

    • land ownership

    • property in Rome (e.g. apartment blocks generating income)

  • Cicero describes families like his as:

    • “domi nobiles” = noble in their home communities

  • His family:

    • dominated local politics in Arpinum

    • were not active in Roman politics

➡ Therefore Cicero was a novus homo (“new man”):

  • first in his family to enter Roman politics

  • this was a disadvantage in elite Roman political culture

How was Cicero similar to Marius?

  • Both came from Arpinum

  • Probably related (at least through marriage)

  • Both were novi homines

How was he different?

  • Cicero and his family were not closely politically aligned with Marius

  • Marius:

    • a populares politician

    • appealed directly to the people

  • Cicero:

    • aligned with the conservative / senatorial elite (optimates)

    • preferred working within traditional structures

➡ Key addition:

  • Marius’ success helped show that someone from outside Rome could reach high office

  • This likely expanded Cicero’s political ambitions

What do we know about Cicero’s education?

  • He moved to Rome when young and was educated there

Roman elite education included:

  • Rhetoric (public speaking)

  • Law

  • Strong Greek influence (rhetoric + philosophy)

➡ Purpose: preparation for public/political life

  • His earliest prose work:

    • De Inventione (on rhetoric)

    • not fully original, but shows early intellectual engagement

Practical training (“internship”)

  • Cicero:

    • spent time with leading politicians and lawyers

    • observed and possibly assisted them

➡ Learning was:

  • partly theoretical

  • partly practical (shadowing)

What was his military experience?

  • Military service was a normal expectation for elite men

  • Cicero:

    • served during the Social War (91 BC)

    • did less military service than typical

  • Outcome of the Social War:

    • Rome won

    • all of Italy was granted Roman citizenship

➡ This had major long-term political consequences

⚖ Cicero and the Law Courts (Your second section – improved)

What is Roman civil law?

  • Deals with:

    • property

    • inheritance

    • wills

    • contracts

➡ Essentially:

  • disputes involving money and compensation

What is Roman criminal law?

  • Deals with offenses against the res publica (the Roman state)

Examples:

  • extortion

  • treason

  • political violence

Trial of Sextus Roscius – why is it “deeply political”?

  • Sextus Roscius accused of murdering his father

  • Cicero:

    • defends his client

    • engages with the political realities of Sulla’s regime

➡ Key idea:

  • His speech is both:

    • legal defence

    • political positioning

“he’s doing his best for his client but… showing he is a supporter of the new Sullan regime”

What happens after Pro Roscio?

  • Begins formal political career:

    • becomes quaestor

  • Continues:

    • working as a legal advocate

What are the Verrines?

  • Speeches prosecuting Gaius Verres (governor of Sicily)

  • Charge: res repetundae (extortion / recovery of stolen goods)

➡ Verres abused power to extort Sicilians

Why did Cicero prosecute Verres?

  1. Sicilian communities asked for his help

  2. Opportunity to align with anti-corruption / reform movement

  3. Chance to:

    • defeat a powerful opponent

    • build his reputation

What is Cicero’s argument in In Verrem?

  • Focus is not just attacking Verres directly

  • Instead:

    • defends Sicily

    • presents Rome as morally upright

➡ Key argument:

  • If Verres is acquitted:

    • it proves senatorial juries are corrupt

    • they may lose their judicial power

What did Verres do?

  • Went into exile after the first speech

➡ Shows:

  • Cicero’s overwhelming success

Why did Cicero publish the speeches?

  • Already had the material

  • To:

    • consolidate success

    • publicly expose corruption

    • reinforce his dominance

Who was Hortensius?

  • Cicero’s main rival in the courts

  • Defender of Verres

  • Previously the dominant orator in Rome

⭐ Key takeaway

  • Cicero’s early career shows:

    • law and politics are deeply interconnected

    • courtroom speeches =

      • legal advocacy

      • political self-promotion