Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar, and writer. He is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists, and the innovator of what became known as "Ciceronian rhetoric." Cicero was also a prolific author, and his works include treatises on rhetoric, philosophy, and politics.
Cicero was born into a wealthy equestrian family in Arpinum, a town in central Italy. He received a classical education and began his political career in the 70s BC. Cicero was a member of the Senate, and he served as consul in 63 BC. During his consulship, Cicero uncovered a conspiracy to overthrow the Roman government, and he helped to suppress it.
Cicero was a staunch defender of the Roman Republic, and he opposed the rise of Julius Caesar. After Caesar's victory in the civil war, Cicero was exiled from Rome. However, he was later allowed to return, and he continued to speak out against Caesar.
In 43 BC, Cicero was assassinated by order of Mark Antony, one of Caesar's supporters. Cicero's death marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire.
Cicero was a complex and controversial figure, but he is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Roman history. His legacy continues to be felt today, and his writings are still studied by scholars and political leaders around the world.
Here are some of the key achievements of Marcus Tullius Cicero:
- He was one of the greatest orators and prose stylists in Roman history.
- He was a prolific author, and his works include treatises on rhetoric, philosophy, and politics.
- He was a staunch defender of the Roman Republic, and he opposed the rise of Julius Caesar.
- He played a key role in suppressing the Catiline Conspiracy, which aimed to overthrow the Roman government.
Cicero was a complex and controversial figure, but he was undoubtedly one of the most important and influential people in Roman history. His legacy continues to be felt today, and his writings are still studied by scholars and political leaders around the world.