Chapter 2: Marcus Tullius Cicero: Politics in a Dying Republic

Marcus Tullius Cicero – Roman statesman and philosopher who staunchly defended Republican ideals.

Aristotle – His ideas on the highest callings influenced Cicero’s vision of public service.

highest callings – Cicero’s conviction that serving the state is the noblest pursuit.

Dream of Scipio – A visionary narrative linking personal virtue to Rome’s enduring legacy.

Senate – The core governing body of Rome that Cicero sought to uphold.

Tribunes – Officials elected to protect the rights of Rome’s common people.

ratio scripta – “Written reason”; the codified law that Cicero prized for ensuring justice.

Republic – Cicero’s ideal form of government based on mixed and balanced institutions.

Quaestor – An entry-level official in Roman politics, signifying the start of a public career.

Cataline – The conspirator whose plot against the Republic Cicero exposed.

First Triumvitrate – The alliance that destabilized the Republic, paving the way for Caesar’s rise.

Julius Caesar – His rise to power symbolized the end of traditional Republican rule.

Pompey – A leading military figure whose rivalry with Caesar underscored Rome’s internal conflicts.

vanished virtues – Cicero’s lament over the erosion of moral standards in Rome.

Philippics – Fiery speeches by Cicero directed against Mark Antony.

Mark Antony – A central adversary in Rome’s power struggles.

Octavian (Caesar Augustus) – The eventual victor who established imperial rule.

“On Duties” – Cicero’s treatise on the ethical responsibilities of public service.

natural law – The idea that universal moral principles should underpin human legislation.