Cicero

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) was a Roman statesman, lawyer, philosopher, orator, and writer, widely regarded as one of the greatest speakers and prose stylists of ancient Rome. Born at Arpinum to an equestrian family, he rose through Rome’s political system and became consul in 63 BC. Cicero was a prominent defender of the Roman Republic and played a leading role in opposing the conspiracy of Catiline during his consulship. His political career unfolded during a period of intense conflict that eventually brought about the fall of the Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar and, later, Augustus. A prolific author, Cicero wrote extensively on rhetoric, philosophy, politics, ethics, and friendship. His philosophical works, including De Officiis (On Duties), De Re Publica (On the Republic), and De Senectute (On Old Age), helped introduce and develop Greek philosophical ideas for Roman readers. His speeches and letters are also among the most important surviving sources for the history and intellectual life of the late Roman Republic. Cicero was executed in 43 BC during the political proscriptions of the Second Triumvirate. His writings had an enormous influence on European literature, political thought, rhetoric, and philosophy, particularly during the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.