Dr. Van der Blom joins to explore Cicero's rise to power, his influential speeches, relationships with Julius Caesar, and exposure of the Catiline Conspiracy. They discuss his education, flexibility in supporting different ideals, and defense of supporters in court.
Cicero's early career as a forensic speaker in the law courts helped him gain recognition and fame.
Cicero's political journey and personal philosophies showcased his adaptability and commitment to the principles he believed in.
Deep dives
Cicero's Rise to Prominence and Education in Rome
Cicero came from a well-off family in a small town called Appinam. His father decided to move the family to Rome for a proper education. Cicero received a thorough education and even studied rhetoric in Athens and Rhodes. His background as a 'non-political' family made his use of oratory skills to enter politics somewhat unusual. However, this strategic move set him apart from others who pursued military careers. Cicero's early career as a forensic speaker in the law courts helped him gain recognitition and fame.
The Catabiline Conspiracy: Cicero and Catiline
In 63 BC, Cicero accused Catiline of plotting against the state in a speech delivered to the Senate. Catiline fled Rome, and Cicero presented evidence of the conspiracy in early December. The Senate decreed the execution of captured conspirators. Although there was criticism of Cicero's actions, Cicero justified his decision, presenting himself as the savior of the Republic. The Catiline conspiracy solidified Cicero's political standing, but it also raised questions about the execution of Roman citizens without a trial.
Cicero's Political Flexibility and Philosophical Works
In the years following his exile, Cicero had to align himself with powerful figures like Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus to defend their supporters in court. While his early career showed strategic flexibility, later in his life, Cicero expressed his political beliefs more openly. He wrote treatises on politics and philosophy, emulating Plato's works, to present his perspectives on the governance of the Roman Republic and its laws. Cicero's political journey and personal philosophies showcased his adaptability and commitment to the principles he believed in.
The Legacy of Cicero
Cicero's legacy as an orator and political figure continues to be widely recognized. His speeches and writings provide invaluable insights into the final years of the Roman Republic and the prominent figures of his time, such as Sulla, Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar. Cicero's strategic use of his oratory skills, his defense of the Republic, and his enduring philosophical works have solidified his position as one of the most famous orators in ancient history.
Marcus Tullius Cicero is one of the most famous orators in ancient history, and a central figure during the final years of the Roman Republic.
To explore his life and career, Tristan is joined by Dr Henriette van der Blom from the University of Birmingham. Together they explore Cicero's rise to power, how his speeches shaped public opinion, his relationships with the likes of Julius Caesar, and of course, how he exposed the Catiline Conspiracy.
This episode was produced by Elena Guthrie and Annie Coloe, and edited by Joseph Knight.
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