La vita di Marco Tullio Cicerone

Studied rhetoric and philosophy with Greek masters, worked at the Forum.

Wealthy landowners from the Equestrian Order.

106 BC

Questor, Senator, Aedile, Praetor, Consul, Proconsul.

A plot to overthrow the Roman government.

Political alliance between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus that weakened the Senate's power.

Forced to leave Rome for sixteen months due to political conflicts related to the Catiline conspiracy.

Cicerone was assassinated in 43 BC by supporters of Antonio and Ottaviano in his villa.

The text does not give details about Cicero's death

Cicerone defended republican institutions through his political actions and speeches, representing the interst in the res publica.

Powerful speeches given by Cicerone against Antonio, which helped establish his public image.

Cicerone was a conservative politician, but not inflexible, willing to compromise, and prioritized the Roman Republic.

Roman Oratory, particularly Cicerone's, was greatly influenced by Greek models like Lisia, Demostene and Isocrate.

Roman oratry emerged and developed thanks to the influence and application of Greek theories and practice.

Cicero's speech in defense of the Greek poet Aulo Licinio Archia, accused of falsely claiming Roman citizenship.

Oratory played a vital role in the social and political life of the Roman Republic.

Greek oratory included judicial, political (for persuading assemblies), and epideictic (for ceremonial purposes) styles.

Cicero's speech defending tribune Sestio, accused of organizing armed gangs. Critically analyses the Roman political climate.

Cicero's defense of Marcus Celio Rufo, accused by his ex-lover Clodia. Focuses on attacking Clodia's character.

Cicero's defense of Milon, who killed Clodius. A highly praised but ultimately unsuccessful speech.

A plot to overthrow the Roman government during Cicero's consulship in 63 BC. Discovered and suppressed.

Cicero's speeches against a land reform proposal. Successful in having the law withdrawn.

Four speeches against the Catiline Conspiracy, given between November and December 63 BC. Delivered to the Senate and the people, then published.

Cicero's time serving as consul in 63 BC, which saw the Catiline Conspiracy. Involved speeches and political action.

A series of speeches delivered by Cicero against Catiline's conspiracy, addressing public concerns and urging action against the plot.

14 speeches by Cicero delivered following Caesar's death to declare Mark Antony a public enemy.

Cicero's style was varied & adaptable, ranging from solemnity to brevity; it was characterized by complex yet harmonious sentence structure (concinnitas).

Cicero wrote extensively on rhetoric, politics, and philosophy, covering diverse topics of ancient philosophy.

A plot to overthrow the Roman government, countered effectively by Cicero.

Ancient Roman philosophy, influenced by Greek thought, encompassing diverse fields of inquiry.

Public speaking skill was vital in ancient Rome; oratory was a key part of political success.

Political discussions in ancient Rome often centered around public figures, conspiracies, and political actions.

Cicero's later philosophical writings (45-44 BC), reflecting on Greek philosophy and offering his views.

Cicero's treatise on law, meant as a sequel to De Republica, incomplete with 3 books surviving.

Cicero presents and discusses different philosophical theories using the method of recording and analyzing various opinions (dossographic method).

Philosophical schools that Cicero favored, highlighting his preference for the views of these schools.

Cicero's concept of human excellence, blending Greek philosophy with Roman values.

Cicero's early works; Consolatio used to express grief for his daughter, Hortensius, a philosophical persuasion.

Academic School's view on knowledge is that definitive certainty is unattainable, and the approximation of truth is achievable.

Cicero's writings on ethics, exploring theoretical and practical aspects of morality.

Cicero's work exploring the supreme good and ultimate goals of life, arguing against Epicureanism and Stoicism.

Cicero's dialogues on overcoming fear, pain, and other human emotions to achieve happiness and virtue, demonstrating a Stoic approach.

Cicero's exploration, in three books, of differing views on the nature of the gods, criticizing Epicurean and Stoic theories.

Cicero's work arguing against the belief in divination.

Cicero's last philosophical work, a guide on the duties and responsibilities of Roman citizens, emphasizing moral excellence.

Cicero's dialogue praising old age, highlighting the virtues that grow older people, and presenting a philosophical defense for the idea of growing old.

Cicero's dialogue on the nature and importance of friendship, showcasing the importance of virtuous companionship emphasizing its significance in life and society.

Cicero's work on the philosophical debate about fate and free will.