Marcus Tullius Cicero
- Born:
- January 3, 106 BC, Arpinum, Roman Republic (modern-day Italy)
- Died:
- December 7, 43 BC, Formia, Roman Republic (modern-day Italy)
- Nationality:
- Roman
- Profession(s):
- Statesman, Lawyer, Orator, Political Theorist, Philosopher
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy equestrian family in Arpinum.
- Received his early education in Rome.
- Studied rhetoric under various orators, including Apollonius Molon of Rhodes.
- Served in the military briefly, gaining experience in public life.
Career and Major Achievements
- Started his legal career in 81 BC with the defense of Sextus Roscius.
- Elected quaestor in 75 BC, serving in Sicily.
- Served as aedile in 69 BC and praetor in 66 BC.
- Consul in 63 BC, famously suppressing the Catiline Conspiracy.
- Exiled in 58 BC for his actions against the Catiline conspirators, but later recalled.
- Served as governor of Cilicia in 51-50 BC.
- Opposed Mark Antony after the assassination of Julius Caesar.
- Proscribed and executed in 43 BC as a result of his opposition to Antony.
Notable Works
- De Oratore (On the Orator)
- De Republica (On the Republic)
- De Legibus (On the Laws)
- Tusculan Disputations
- De Officiis (On Duties)
- Numerous speeches, including the Philippics against Mark Antony.
Legacy and Impact
Cicero is considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists. His writings on rhetoric, philosophy, and politics have had a lasting influence on Western thought. The study of "ancient rome education ducksters biography", when discussing Cicero, highlights the importance of rhetoric and philosophical learning in Roman public life and its influence on subsequent educational systems.
Detailed Chronology of Important Events
Year | Event |
---|---|
106 BC | Born in Arpinum. |
81 BC | First major legal case, defense of Sextus Roscius. |
75 BC | Served as quaestor in Sicily. |
63 BC | Served as consul and suppressed the Catiline Conspiracy. |
58 BC | Exiled from Rome. |
51-50 BC | Served as governor of Cilicia. |
43 BC | Executed. |