Marcus Tullius Cicero, was born on January 3, 106 BCE, in Arpinum, Italy. In 90 BCE, when Cicero was 16 years old, he served under Pompey Strabo (father of Pompey the Great) in the Marsic war between Rome and some of the independent states. During his early education, Cicero became fluent in Latin and Greek, enabling him to study the ideas of the ancient Greek philosophers and historians. Inspired by the writing of ancient Greek poet, Archias, he honed his skills in the art of rhetoric. This led to his publication of a five-part treatise on rhetorical argumentation, the first part of which was titled De Inventione . In this work, he set out some guidelines for rhetorical argumentation that he would later apply in earning a reputation as one of Rome’s most eloquent orators and engaging writers.
Cicero’s career was multifaceted. He held various positions in the Roman government, including consul in 63 BCE, and played a significant role in Roman politics during the late Republic. He was known for his defense of the Roman Republic’s traditional institutions against the rise of autocracy and dictatorship, particularly his opposition to figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.
His writings cover a wide range of topics, including rhetoric, philosophy, politics, ethics, and more. Some of his notable works include “De Oratore” (On the Orator), “De Re Publica” (On the Republic), “De Legibus” (On the Laws), and his letters, which provide valuable insights into the political and social life of the time. Cicero was a proponent of Stoicism, a philosophical school that emphasized virtue, reason, and self-control. His philosophical works, such as “De Officiis” (On Duties), explored ethical principles and moral duties.
Despite his contributions to Roman society and politics, Cicero faced challenges and was eventually caught in the power struggles of the time. He was proscribed and executed on December 7, 43 BCE, by order of Mark Antony during the proscriptions following Caesar’s assassination.
Cicero’s legacy extends more than 2 millennia beyond his lifetime. His writings have been influential throughout history, especially in the realms of rhetoric, philosophy, and political thought. His ideas on governance, the rule of law, and the importance of liberty continue to resonate, making him a pivotal figure in Western intellectual history.
