Cicero Flashcards
(52 cards)
What was Cicero’s ideal vision for Rome?
He wanted a state of Concordia ordinum — harmony between the social orders — maintaining a perfect social order and status quo.
What did Cicero mean by cum dignitate otium?
A period of leisure combined with prestige; a Rome that prospered with dignity and rest.
Which values and philosophy influenced Cicero’s ideals?
Duty, libertas (freedom), dignitas (dignity), traditional morals, partly embodied by Stoic philosophy.
Was Cicero in favor of meritocracy or democracy?
No, he opposed them and wanted power to remain with the upper classes — optimates, equites, and the ‘boni’ in important positions.
How did Cicero envision the ruling class?
As a harmonious group of upper-class leaders who would establish peace and justice in Rome.
What was Cicero’s relationship with the optimates like?
It was central; as a novus homo and equites member, he had to prove he could work with them and build networks of amicitia (friendship/political alliances).
What notable defense did Cicero make as Aedile in 69 BC?
He defended Marcus Fonteius against extortion charges during his governorship of Gaul, strengthening his political network.
How did Cicero navigate the rise of Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus?
He tread carefully, balancing between the staunch optimates and the powerful populares he couldn’t ignore.
What was Cicero’s stance on Pompey’s special military commands?
In 67 BC, he kept a low profile on Pompey’s command against pirates (lex Gabinia). In 66 BC, as praetor, he supported Pompey’s command against Mithradates, framing it as vital for Rome’s safety.
What was the Manillian Law?
The law that gave Pompey imperium (military command) in the East, which Cicero supported.
How did Cicero react to Rullus’ land reform in 63 BC?
He opposed it, fearing it gave unconstitutional power to a few men (10 men controlling land distribution for 5 years). He also bribed his co-consul with a provincial governorship to reject it.
What does Cicero’s opposition to the land reform reveal about his political beliefs?
He distrusted individuals gaining excessive power and was cautious about unconstitutional acts.
What happened during the Catiline Conspiracy?
Cicero didn’t want to execute conspirators as it was illegal to kill a Roman citizen without a trial, but they were declared guilty and executed. This was unconstitutional but seen as saving the Republic.
How did Caesar and Cato differ on the Catiline Conspiracy?
Caesar suggested life imprisonment; Cato argued attempted treason was enough to execute them and had Senate backing.
How did Cicero describe his relationship with Pompey in 62 BC?
He wanted an alliance based on shared love for Rome, calling it an ‘association in politics and friendship.’
What were Pompey’s demands after his return from the East?
Land for his veterans, ratification of his treaties, and to delay consular elections until after his triumph.
How did the optimates respond to Pompey’s demands?
They opposed him strongly, including Cato who refused to allow the election delay.
Why couldn’t Cicero side fully with Pompey?
Supporting Pompey would alienate the optimates, with whom Cicero maintained strong ties.
What effect did Pompey’s rejection of Cato’s niece’s hand in marriage have?
It was a public insult, damaging amicitia between Pompey and the optimates.
How did Cicero’s relationship with other populares like Caesar develop?
Caesar’s requests were rejected by Cato and the optimates; Cicero also opposed Clodius and took part in his prosecution.
Why did Cicero side with the optimates overall?
He refused to allow any individual unprecedented power that could threaten the Republic.
How did Cicero view the First Triumvirate?
He saw it as a blow to his dream of Concordia ordinum and the Republic’s liberty, expressing disbelief in letters to Atticus.
What offers did Caesar make to Cicero?
Caesar offered him a job on his staff and to send him away from Rome to avoid political awkwardness, but Cicero rejected both.
What happened to Cicero during Clodius’ tribuneship in 58 BC?
Clodius sent Cicero into exile for the illegal killing of Roman citizens under a senatus consultum ultimum; Pompey did not support Cicero; Caesar supported Clodius.
