cicero and the young octavian - kathryn tempest

Cicero and the Young Octavian

• Octavian’s rise:

  • Only 18 years old in 44 B.C.

  • Posthumously adopted by Julius Caesar → became Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus

  • Inherited wealth, popularity, and political influence

• Cicero’s first meeting with Octavian:

  • Occurred shortly after Julius Caesar’s assassination (Ides of March, 44 B.C.)

  • Cicero hosted him at villas in Cumae and Puteoli

  • Initially respectful and friendly, but Cicero doubted Octavian’s intentions

• Cicero’s concerns:

  • He judged Octavian against the Republican ideal of a “good citizen” (bonus)

  • The “boni” (good men) defended senatorial authority and the Republic

  • Octavian adopting Caesar’s name raised suspicion in Cicero’s eyes

• Political tension:

  • Octavian needed his inheritance, but faced opposition from Mark Antony

  • Rumors circulated that Octavian might plot against Antony → Cicero was cautious

  • Cicero recognized Octavian’s ambitions and military potential

• Mutual dependency:

  • Octavian sought Cicero’s advice and legitimacy → wanted him to act as spokesman

  • Cicero needed Octavian’s army and popularity to oppose Antony

• Cicero’s assessment:

  • Cautious about Octavian’s youth and intentions

  • Recognized Octavian as politically ambitious and potentially dangerous

  • Strategy involved alliances despite distrust