Biography of Cicero

Biography of Cicero

• Occupation: Roman Politician and Orator
• Born: January 3, 106 BC, in Arpinum, Italy
• Died: December 7, 43 BC, in Formia, Italy
• Best known for: Being the greatest speaker in the history of Rome

Biography of Cicero

Where did Cicero grow up?

In 106 BC, Cicero was born in Arpinum, a tiny hamlet southeast of Rome. He came from an affluent background and was smart as a child. He received the greatest instruction possible and picked up reading and writing skills in both Latin and Greek. He also studied the poetry and philosophy of the Greeks.

Cicero gained recognition as one of Rome’s brightest young men as he grew older. He kept learning Roman law and honing his speaking skills. Speaking well was regarded as an art at this time in Rome and was also referred to as oratory. Cicero would go on to become the most accomplished orator in Rome’s history.

Cicero’s Friends

Among his fellow law students, Cicero formed two lasting friendships. Atticus and Servius Rufus were their names. Throughout Cicero’s career, both would have significant roles to play in offering advice and assistance.

Early Political Career

Cicero firmly supported the principles of the Roman Republic. He desired to advance through the political ranks using the custom known as the Cursus honorum. After a brief stint in the service, he started a legal profession. He gained notoriety quickly for taking on difficult situations and coming out on top. The Roman tyrant Sulla also took a dislike to him.

In 75 BC, he was appointed Quaestor for the island of Sicily, which was his first political position. And so he ascended the political ladder. In 69 BC, he was made curule aedile, and in 66 BC, praetor. Cicero rose to prominence. Not only did he win every election he ran in, but he consistently received the most votes among all the contenders. In ancient Rome, this was a remarkable feat.

Famous Law Case

The people of Sicily petitioned Cicero, as Quaestor, to bring legal action against their strongman governor, Gaius Verres. Cicero’s chances of victory were slim. Quintus Hortensius was the best lawyer in Rome that Verres had recruited, and he was strong. Cicero, however, accepted the case because he saw it as a challenge.

When Cicero traveled to Sicily, he found proof against Verres. He then went on to make one of the most compelling arguments ever heard in a Roman judicial system. He gained notoriety for his speeches throughout this case and was dubbed the best orator in all of Rome. Since Cicero prevailed in the case, he gained a lot of favor with Rome’s populace.

Becoming Consul

Cicero was chosen to be the consul, the highest-ranking official in the Roman government, in 63 BC. As consul, Cicero put an end to a plot to topple the Roman republic. The Senate recognized his valiant efforts with the title Pater Patriae, which translates to “Father of the Country.”.

Exiled from Rome

Cicero had witnessed Julius Caesar’s ascent during his tenure in politics. Cicero feared Caesar’s desire for dominance. Cicero declined Caesar’s invitation to join a strong alliance. He turned Caesar into an enemy by doing this. Caesar promptly ordered Cicero’s banishment from Rome. After a year away from Rome, he returned in 57 BC.

Civil War

When Julius Caesar overthrew Pompey and became the city’s dictator, Cicero once again left Rome. But Caesar gave Cicero a pardon and permitted him to return. Cicero was not upset when Caesar was slain in 44 BC. He attempted to restore the Roman Republic by seizing control of the Senate.

Death of Cicero 

One of the main contenders to succeed Caesar, Mark Antony, found a fierce opponent in Cicero. Following their conquest of Rome, Mark Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus went after their adversaries. They located Cicero and put him to death. His final words were, “There is nothing proper about what you are doing, soldier, but do try to kill me properly.”

Biography of Cicero

Facts about Cicero

• His full name was Marcus Tullius Cicero.
• The name Cicero means “chickpea.”.
• Cicero’s writings had a great influence on writers for many years to come. Historians have learned a lot about the Roman government and how Romans thought through Cicero’s works.
• Two common themes in Cicero’s writing were “duty to country” and “duty to man.”.
• Cicero’s head and hands were cut off and nailed to the Rostra of the Forum Romanum.
• His wife, Terentia, was a wealthy and powerful woman who helped him along with his political career.
• His son Marcus became a consul in 30 BC.

Read also: Plebeians and Patricians of Ancient Rome