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Cicero
Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, and
writer in the last years of the Roman Republic.
He is best known for his remarkable speeches,
particularly for one that foiled a conspiracy
against the Roman government.
Marble statue of Cicero (106 b.c.–43 b.c.)
• Job: Lawyer, Consul, Politician
• Talents: Speechmaking, Writing
• Home: Rome
Cicero was born in 106 B.C. to a wealthy family in
Arpinium, a town southeast of Rome. He studied law
in Rome and philosophy in Greece. Cicero served
in the Roman military and was a successful lawyer.
Throughout his career, Cicero was involved in several
high-stakes political developments in ancient Rome.
In 63 B.C., as consul, Cicero attacked his rival Catiline by
exposing Catiline’s plan to overthrow the government.
After the speech, Catiline and the other conspirators
were put to death by order of the Senate. When Cicero
announced the deaths in the Senate, fellow senators
gave him a standing ovation. However, the Senate had,
in fact, overstepped its authority. Roman law forbade
the execution of a Roman citizen without a trial.
Because of his misuse of power, Cicero was exiled from
Rome. After his return from exile in 57 B.C., he never
regained the power he once held.
By 63 B.C., the Roman Republic was already falling into
chaos. Cicero did not join the alliance with Julius Caesar
and the First Triumvirate. He opposed the growing
power of the Roman army and urged the government to
restore the system of checks and balances. By 53 B.C.,
the triumvirate had collapsed. Caesar declared himself
dictator for life and put forth his own set of reforms.
The Senate, however, hated the reforms, and in 44 B.C.,
a group of senators murdered Caesar.
Cicero was not involved in the conspiracy to murder
Julius Caesar and was not present when Caesar was
murdered. However, after Caesar’s death, Augustus,
who was Caesar’s relative, joined in an alliance with
Mark Antony and another supporter to form the Second
Triumvirate. Cicero spoke out against Augustus, and,
more vigorously, against Antony. Antony condemned
Cicero and in 43 B.C. had him executed.
Cicero’s speeches and writings remain among his most
important legacies. Many of his writings have survived,
mostly in letters to friends. By describing everyday
life and events, Cicero's letters provide a glimpse into
Roman life during the Republic. The letters also provide
context for Cicero’s life as not only a statesman but also
a collector of art, a country gentleman, and a caring
father. In addition to his speeches and letters, Cicero's
legacy includes introducing the Romans to the works
of Greek philosophers. His translations of their works
had a lasting impact on the development of Latin as a
language and on the study of philosophy itself.
REVIEW & ASSESS
1.Analyze Cause and Effect Why was Cicero
exiled in 53 B.C.?
Chapter 10 Lesson 1.3
2.Draw Conclusions How did Cicero’s letters
provide a glimpse into life during the Republic?
© National Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning
Statue of Cicero (marble), Roman, (2nd century a.d.)/Ashmolean Museum,
University of Oxford, UK/Bridgeman Images
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