Episode CCXXIII - The Championship of the Oppressed (The Catiline Conspiracy IV)
Apr 26, 2024
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Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans discusses Catiline's rebellion against Cicero in ancient Rome, highlighting the Senate's response, the intrigue of the conspiracy, and the dynamics between the two figures. They explore the implications of Cicero's actions, the debate surrounding his motives, and Catiline's dramatic departure from Rome, claiming to fight for the oppressed.
Catiline positioned himself as the advocate of the oppressed, while Cicero faced threats and suspicions in asserting power.
The Catiline Conspiracy reveals deep socio-political tensions in ancient Rome, pitting the ruling elite against the disenfranchised rebels.
Deep dives
Cicero and the Senate's Decree for Ultimate Power
Cicero seeks Senate's approval for expanded powers by invoking the Cenatus Consultum Ultimum, granting him authority in emergencies to levy troops, conduct wars, and apply force without popular assembly approval. Scholars question Cicero's motives for this extreme decree, with some suspecting personal threats overriding state concerns.
Conspiracy and Letters of Threat
Anonymous letters circulate, urging prominent figures to join a conspiracy, including plans to assassinate Cicero. Speculation arises regarding the authenticity of these letters and Cicero's potential involvement to gain power. Scholars debate Cicero's motivations and whether the letters were part of a plot to implicate others.
Catiline's Rebellion and Cicero's Response
Catiline aligns with rebels, incites uprisings, and challenges the Roman Republic's authority due to grievances over land, debt, and lack of representation. Cicero confronts Catiline in the Senate, accusing him of treason and driving him to flee Rome. The conflict intensifies with Catiline's departure and Cicero's pursuit of resolving the unrest.
Manlius's Uprising and Catiline's Justifications
Manlius leads an army in Etruria, symbolizing popular grievances and seeking a fairer system through armed rebellion. Catiline defends his actions as championing the oppressed against ingrained injustices. The dynamics between Cicero, Catiline, and the rebels highlight the tensions between the ruling elite and the disenfranchised in ancient Rome.
Catiline and Cicero draw their lines of battle in the senate, with Catiline claiming to represent the will of the wretched and destitute. But his attacks on Cicero, directly or indirectly, earn him many enemies, and he is forced to flee the city of Rome.
Part IV of The Catiline Conspiracy
Guest: Associate Professor Rhiannon Evans (Classics and Ancient History, La Trobe University).
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