Cicero

NAME Marcus Tullius Cicero

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Cicero was a renowned Roman orator, statesman, philosopher, and writer. He is considered one of the greatest prose stylists of the Latin language and is often regarded as the father of Latin prose.

BIRTH Cicero was born on January 3, 106 BC, in Arpinum, a town about 100 kilometers southeast of Rome.

FAMILY BACKGROUND He was born into a wealthy equestrian family, which was part of the Roman middle class but not the elite senatorial class. His father, also named Marcus Tullius Cicero, was a learned man with connections to Rome’s upper class, although not politically active. Cicero’s mother, Helvia, came from a respectable local family.

CHILDHOOD Cicero grew up in Arpinum, but his family's status allowed him access to a high-quality Roman education. From a young age, he showed a talent for oratory and intellectual pursuits.

The Young Cicero Reading by Vincenzo Foppa (fresco, 1464), 

EDUCATION Cicero was educated in Rome, studying under the leading rhetoricians and philosophers of his day. He studied under Philo of Larissa in philosophy and under Quintus Mucius Scaevola in law. His education emphasized rhetoric, law, and philosophy, which became the foundation of his career. 

CAREER RECORD Cicero began his political career as a lawyer and quickly gained fame for his oratory skills. 

In 63 BC, as consul of Rome, he exposed and defeated the conspiracy of Catiline, a nobleman plotting to overthrow the Republic.

He also launched a series of political speeches, the Philippics, attacking Mark Antony after Julius Caesar’s assassination. Cicero was later declared an enemy of the state by the Second Triumvirate.

APPEARANCE Cicero was said to have an unimposing physical appearance. He had a large, slightly curved nose that was one of his most notable characteristics8. As he aged, Cicero began to go bald, particularly on his forehead. His commanding voice and presence made up for his lack of physical grandeur.

His cognomen "Cicero," meaning "chickpea," was said to be derived from an ancestor who had a cleft or wart on his nose resembling a chickpea. While Cicero was urged to change this potentially unflattering name when he entered politics, he refused, determined to make the name famous through his achievements.

First-century AD bust of Cicero By José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro

FASHION Cicero was not particularly known for vanity. He dressed in traditional Roman attire but did not overly concern himself with fashion or luxury, preferring a more modest, intellectual life compared to some of his contemporaries.

As a prominent Roman statesman and orator, Cicero would have worn clothing appropriate to his social status and public roles. This likely included the toga, which was the characteristic garment of Roman citizens, especially when engaged in public affairs.

CHARACTER Cicero was known for his sharp intellect and commitment to republican ideals. He was proud of his achievements and at times could be vain about his literary and political contributions. He was principled, sometimes to his detriment, as his uncompromising nature earned him powerful enemies.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Cicero had a witty sense of humor and often used his sharp wit in speeches and letters. One famous example is his quip about Julius Caesar’s fastidious hair: “When I notice how carefully arranged his hair is and when I watch him adjusting the parting with one finger, I cannot imagine that this man could conceive of such a wicked thing as to destroy the Roman constitution.”

RELATIONSHIPS Cicero married Terentia around 79 BC, when he was about 27 years old and she was about 1812. It was considered a marriage of convenience, as Terentia came from a wealthy family and her dowry helped support Cicero's political ambitions.

They had two children together - a daughter Tullia (born around 78 BC) and a son Marcus (born around 65 BC)3.

The marriage lasted about 30 years but became strained in the 40s  and they divorced around 46-47 BC. 

Depicting Terentia  as she is ripped from her sister Fabia from the Temple of the Vestals

Later in life, in 46 or 45 BC, Cicero married Publilia, a young woman who had been under his guardianship. It is believed that Cicero was motivated by financial considerations, especially after having to return the dowry of his ex-wife, Terentia, who came from a wealthy family, although this marriage was short-lived. 

The marriage was short-lived - Cicero divorced Publilia soon after his daughter Tullia's death in 45 BC, reportedly because Publilia seemed pleased about Tullia's passing

He had a network of close friendships with leading figures of his time, including the philosopher Atticus.

MONEY AND FAME Cicero accumulated significant wealth through his legal work and political career, but he was also generous. His fame extended beyond his legal success, largely due to his writings, which were widely read and studied.

FOOD AND DRINK Cicero enjoyed fine dining. A famous anecdote tells of him tasting a 40-year-old wine at a friend’s dinner in 63 BC. He remarked, “It is young for its age,” showcasing his characteristic wit even in social settings.

MUSIC AND ARTS Cicero appreciated the arts, particularly oratory, which he saw as an art form in itself. He was not known for engaging in music, but he was deeply involved in philosophical and literary endeavors.

Cicero's main interactions with the arts seem to have been as a patron and collector, which was common for wealthy Romans. He acquired artworks and books for his villas, but this was likely more about displaying status and culture than passionate interest.

LITERATURE Cicero was a prolific writer, producing works on oratory, philosophy, politics, and letters. His influence on the Latin language was immense, and he is considered one of Rome’s greatest prose stylists. His works, such as De Officiis (On Duties), De Republica (On the Republic), and his letters, remain crucial to the study of Latin literature and Roman philosophy.

He wrote poetry in his youth and translated Greek poetry, showing some literary interests.

Cicero's appearances in literature include:

1. Cicero is a minor character in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, where he appears briefly as one of the senators during the tense political struggles leading to Caesar’s assassination.

2. The most comprehensive modern literary portrayal of Cicero comes from British author Robert Harris in his Cicero Trilogy (Imperium, Lustrum, and Dictator). These historical novels vividly depict Cicero’s rise in Roman politics, his battles with Julius Caesar, and his downfall during the fall of the Republic.

3. Cicero features prominently in Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series:, especially in Caesar and The October Horse. He is depicted as a brilliant, though flawed, defender of the Republic.

NATURE Though Cicero was primarily a man of letters and politics, he had an estate in Tusculum where he enjoyed the natural beauty of the countryside. He often retired there to write and reflect.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Cicero enjoyed intellectual pursuits more than physical ones. He spent his leisure time writing, reading, and engaging in philosophical debates.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Cicero admired intellectual achievements, including those in science and mathematics. He was known to have discovered the neglected tomb of Archimedes in 75 BC, an event that reflects his deep respect for scientific and mathematical thinkers.

Cicero discovering the Tomb of Archimedes by Benjamin West (1805)

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Cicero was deeply influenced by Stoic, Epicurean, and Academic Skeptic philosophies. He believed in the importance of reason, ethics, and natural law, which influenced his political views. His philosophical writings attempted to adapt Greek thought to Roman circumstances.

POLITICS Cicero championed the Roman Republic and its traditional values. He was a vocal opponent of both Julius Caesar’s rise to power and the later dictatorship of Mark Antony. His orations and writings against these figures made him one of the most influential defenders of republicanism.

SCANDAL Cicero faced criticism for his role in the execution of the Catiline conspirators without trial, which caused a political scandal. Though he defended his actions as necessary for the Republic’s survival, it tarnished his reputation among some Romans.

MILITARY RECORD Cicero had very limited military experience. He served briefly in the military as a young man, but he was not a soldier by nature and preferred a career in law and politics

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Cicero suffered from various ailments throughout his life, including digestive problems and occasional bouts of exhaustion. He relied on Roman baths and retreats to restore his health.

HOMES Cicero had multiple homes, including estates in Arpinum and Tusculum, as well as a house on the Palatine Hill in Rome. His Tusculum villa was his favorite, where he wrote many of his philosophical works.

TRAVEL Cicero traveled frequently within Italy as part of his political and legal career. His most significant journey was to Greece in his youth, where he studied philosophy and rhetoric.

DEATH On December 7, 43 BC, Cicero was assassinated on the orders of Mark Antony. His last words are reputed to be, “There is nothing proper about what you are doing, soldier, but do try to kill me properly.” He was decapitated and his hands were also severed as retribution for his speeches.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Cicero, as one of ancient Rome’s most famous figures, has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, television, film, and theater, as a symbol of eloquence, political idealism, and the conflict between dictatorship and republicanism. Here are some notable appearances:

1. TELEVISION

Rome (2005–2007): Cicero is portrayed by David Bamber in HBO’s acclaimed series Rome. The show highlights his role in the power struggles between Caesar, Pompey, and later Mark Antony. Cicero is portrayed as an idealistic but often ineffectual figure, caught in the political machinations of more ruthless characters.

2. FILM

Cleopatra (1963): Cicero appears briefly in this famous historical epic starring Elizabeth Taylor. Played by actor Michael Gwynn, Cicero is part of the Senate and interacts with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony as part of the political intrigues surrounding Cleopatra.

Julius Caesar (1953): In this adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, Cicero is a minor character. He is portrayed as one of the figures reacting to Caesar's growing power but does not take a central role in the story.

3. COMICS AND ANIMATION

In the Asterix comic series, which humorously depicts life in ancient Gaul under Roman rule, various historical figures, including Cicero, are parodied or referenced. His role as a Roman orator and politician makes him a natural target for satire.

ACHIEVEMENTS Cicero’s achievements include his defense of the Republic, his mastery of oratory, and his vast body of written works. His influence on the Latin language was profound, and his philosophical writings bridged Greek and Roman thought. His legacy as a statesman, thinker, and writer endures to this day.