His Year: Cicero (63 B.C.E.)
Historia Civilis・13 minutes read
The young outsider Marcus Tullius Cicero won the Consul election in 63 BCE by attacking opponents' characters, particularly Catilina, and preventing a conspiracy to overthrow the government, advocating for execution of the conspirators against opposition from Julius Caesar. Cicero's strategic actions led to the elimination of the threat, a Senate vote in favor of executing the prisoners, and an eventual one-sided slaughter of the rebel army, earning him the title "Father of the Republic" and widespread admiration.
Insights
- Marcus Tullius Cicero, despite being an outsider, won the Consul election in 63 BCE by attacking his opponents' characters, particularly Catilina, and accusing them of corruption, showcasing the power of strategic campaigning and public perception in Roman politics.
- Cicero's uncovering of Catilina's plot to overthrow the government, his successful prevention of violence through strategic actions, and his advocacy for the execution of conspirators, despite opposition from figures like Julius Caesar, highlight his commitment to upholding the Republic's stability and his willingness to take decisive actions to protect it, ultimately leading to his significant recognition as the "Father of the Republic."
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Recent questions
Who was Marcus Tullius Cicero?
Marcus Tullius Cicero was a young senator from an unknown family who was chosen by the Conservatives in Rome to run for Consul in 63 BCE, despite being considered an outsider.
What was the land reform bill proposed by Tribunes of the Plebs?
The land reform bill proposed by Tribunes of the Plebs was vehemently opposed by Cicero, who was elected as Consul, leading to its rejection by the Senate.
What plot did Cicero uncover during his time as Consul?
Cicero uncovered a plot by Catilina to overthrow the government, leading to his arrest and the Senate passing the "Senatus Consultum Ultimum" for defense.
How did Julius Caesar respond to the execution of the conspirators?
Julius Caesar argued against the execution, proposing life imprisonment instead, which gained support in the Senate.
Why was Cicero honored as the "Father of the Republic"?
Cicero was honored as the "Father of the Republic" for his strategic actions in preventing violence, arresting conspirators, and leading to the execution of prisoners who posed a threat to the Republic, ultimately preserving the Senate's authority and the stability of Rome.
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Summary
00:00
Cicero's Rise and Triumph in Rome
- The Conservatives in Rome faced a challenge during the consular election of 63 BCE due to the tainted reputation of older members from Sulla's Reign of Terror.
- Marcus Tullius Cicero, a young senator from an unknown family, was chosen by the Conservatives despite being considered an outsider.
- Cicero's campaign strategy involved attacking the characters of his opponents, particularly Catilina, accusing them of corruption and association with Julius Caesar.
- Cicero won the election for Consul, with Catilina coming in third and Antonius serving as his Co-Consul.
- Cicero faced a land reform bill proposed by Tribunes of the Plebs, which he vehemently opposed, leading to its rejection by the Senate.
- As Consul, Cicero focused on legal cases, defending a Senator falsely accused of murder and leading the defense against bribery accusations in election results.
- Cicero uncovered a plot by Catilina to overthrow the government, leading to his arrest and the Senate passing the "Senatus Consultum Ultimum" for defense.
- Cicero's strategic actions, including wearing body armor and using spies, prevented violence and led to the arrest of conspirators, with Cicero advocating for their execution.
- Julius Caesar argued against the execution, proposing life imprisonment instead, which gained support in the Senate.
- Cato, a young but influential figure, convinced the Senate to prioritize eliminating the threat posed by the conspirators to preserve the Republic, leading to a shift in the Senate's decision.
12:06
Senate Votes for Execution, Caesar Confronts Opposition
- The Senate voted in favor of executing the prisoners, leading to a confrontation where Caesar attempted to attack the opposition, causing a fight to break out. Cicero called for his armed bodyguards, breaking the rule against swords in Rome, and after a tense standoff, Caesar left the Senate house, not returning while Cicero was Consul.
- Cicero and the Senators took the prisoners to an old converted cistern serving as a jail, where they were hanged one by one. The rebel army to the North fled upon hearing of their leaders' deaths, leading to a one-sided slaughter by the Senate's army. Cicero was honored as "Father of the Republic" for his actions, with a crowd cheering him until the end of his term as Consul.
