Cicero summary

Introduction to the Life and Times of Cicero

In Cicero, Anthony Everitt takes us on a journey through the life and times of one of Rome's most fascinating figures. Marcus Tullius Cicero, a lawyer, orator, philosopher, and statesman, lived through the tumultuous period of the late Roman Republic. Everitt's biography provides a detailed account of Cicero's rise to prominence, his political and intellectual pursuits, and his ultimate downfall.

We begin with Cicero's early years, growing up in a small town southeast of Rome. His father, a member of the equestrian order, ensured Cicero received an excellent education. After moving to Rome, Cicero studied law and philosophy, quickly establishing himself as a brilliant orator and an astute lawyer. His early success in the courts and his eloquence earned him the nickname 'the Tully', after a famous Roman orator.

Cicero's Political Career and Philosophical Contributions

After a stint as a soldier, Cicero embarked on a political career, winning election to various offices, including the consulship, the highest position in the Roman Republic. As a statesman, he was known for his integrity, eloquence, and commitment to the principles of the Republic. He championed the rule of law, the supremacy of the Senate, and the preservation of traditional Roman values.

Simultaneously, Cicero was a prolific writer and a deep thinker. He contributed significantly to Roman philosophy, particularly in his moral essays, such as De Officiis, which explored the nature of duty, justice, and the ideal statesman. His philosophical works, written in the form of dialogues, were widely read and admired throughout antiquity.

Cicero's Struggle Against Caesar and His Downfall

However, Cicero's unwavering defense of the Republic put him at odds with powerful political forces. His most significant conflict was with Julius Caesar, who, in his quest for power, undermined the traditional Roman institutions. Despite his reservations about Caesar, Cicero initially tried to work with him, but as Caesar's ambitions became increasingly apparent, Cicero became one of his most vocal critics.

Following Caesar's assassination, Cicero initially supported the conspirators, including Brutus and Cassius. However, when Mark Antony, Caesar's right-hand man, emerged as a powerful figure, Cicero turned against him. His scathing speeches, known as the Philippics, attacked Antony and his policies, earning him Antony's undying enmity.

The Final Years and Legacy of Cicero

Everitt vividly portrays the final years of Cicero's life, marked by political turmoil and personal tragedy. In 43 BC, following the defeat of the conspirators, Cicero was declared an enemy of the state, and he was hunted down and executed. His severed head and hands were displayed in the Roman Forum, a brutal end to a remarkable life.

In conclusion, Cicero offers a comprehensive and engaging account of a man who embodied the virtues and vices of the late Roman Republic. Cicero's life and writings continue to inspire and provoke, raising crucial questions about the nature of power, the responsibilities of the individual in society, and the fragility of political institutions. Everitt's biography serves as a compelling introduction to this complex and influential figure, bringing Cicero's world and ideas vividly to life.