Marcus Tullius Cicero

Quick Facts: Who was Marcus Tullius Cicero?

Subject:

Marcus Tullius Cicero

Known for:

Orator, statesman, and philosopher who defined Roman rhetoric during the Republic's decline.

Born:

106 BC

Died:

43 BC

Century / Era:

-106s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Marcus Tullius Cicero ( SISS-ər-oh, Classical Latin: [ˈmaːrkʊs ˈtʊlli.ʊs ˈkɪkɛroː]; 3 January 106 BC – 7 December 43 BC) was a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar, philosopher, orator, and writer who tried to uphold optimate principles during the political crises of the Roman Republic that led to the establishment of the Roman Empire. The extensive writings of Cicero include treatises on rhetoric, philosophy, and politics. He is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists and the innovator of what became known as "Ciceronian rhetoric". Cicero was educated in Rome and in Greece. He came from a wealthy municipal (municipium) family of the Roman equestrian order, and served as consul in 63 BC.

Career & Major Achievements

Cicero greatly influenced both ancient and modern reception of the Latin language. A substantial percentage of his work has survived, and he was admired by ancient and modern authors alike. He adapted the arguments of the chief schools of Hellenistic philosophy in Latin and coined a large portion of Latin philosophical vocabulary via lexical innovation (e.g. neologisms such as evidentia, generator, humanitas, infinitio, qualitas, and quantitas), almost 150 of which were the result of translating Greek philosophical terms. Although he was an accomplished orator and successful lawyer, Cicero believed his political career was his most important achievement. During his consulship in 63 BC, he suppressed the Catilinarian conspiracy; however, because he had summarily and controversially executed five of the conspirators without trial, he was exiled in 58 but recalled the next year.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Spending much of the 50s unhappy with the state of Roman politics, he took a governorship in Cilicia in 51 and returned to Italy on the eve of Caesar's civil war. Supporting Pompey during the war, Cicero was pardoned after Caesar's victory. After the assassination of Caesar in 44 BC, he led the Roman Senate against Mark Antony, attacking him in a series of speeches (Philippicae). He elevated Caesar's heir Octavian to rally support against Antony in the ensuing violent conflict (War of Mutina); however, after Octavian and Antony reconciled to form the Second Triumvirate (with Lepidus), Cicero was proscribed and executed in late 43 BC while attempting to escape Italy for safety. His severed hands and head were then displayed on the Rostra.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 106 BC: Birth of Marcus Tullius Cicero — Orator, statesman, and philosopher who defined Roman rhetoric during the Republic's decline.
2. 43 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Marcus Tullius Cicero passed away on -43, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Marcus Tullius Cicero

“The Renaissance was above all things a revival of Cicero, and only after him and through him of the rest of Classical antiquity.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Marcus Tullius Cicero

True or False: “Cicero's primary political goal throughout his life was to establish the Roman Empire under one ruler.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Cicero consistently attempted to uphold the principles of the Roman Republic (optimate principles) against autocratic power grabs.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Cicero — Contemporary (Born in -106) (-106): Preeminent Roman orator, statesman, and philosopher of the late Republic.
• Pompey — Contemporary (Born in -106) (-106): Roman general and statesman, prominent in the final decades of the Republic.
• Wei Qing — Contemporary (Died in -106) (-106): Renowned Western Han general famed for Xiongnu campaigns and humble origins.
• Ovid — Contemporary (Born in -43) (-43): Master Roman poet, celebrated for 'Metamorphoses' and love poetry.
• Catiline — Contemporary figure (Born in -108) (-108): Patrician Roman politician infamous for the failed Catilinarian conspiracy.
• Dong Zhongshu — Contemporary figure (Died in -104) (-104): Prominent Han Dynasty philosopher who championed Confucianism as the state ideology.
• Jugurtha — Contemporary figure (Died in -104) (-104): King of Numidia, whose conflict with Rome sparked the Jugurthine War.
• Spartacus — Contemporary figure (Born in -103) (-103): Thracian gladiator who spearheaded the massive slave revolt in the Roman Republic.
• Lucius Manlius Torquatus (consul 65 BC) — Contemporary figure (Born in -110) (-110): Patrician consul in 65 BC; prominent figure during the late Roman Republic.
• Salvius Tryphon — Contemporary figure (Born in -101) (-101): Leader of the slave revolt in Sicily during the Second Servile War against Rome.
• -106 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -106
• -43 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -43

Frequently Asked Questions about Marcus Tullius Cicero