Marcus Tullius Cicero

Marcus Tullius Cicero was born in Arpinum, a hill town about 100 kilometers southeast of Rome. His family belonged to the equestrian order, a wealthy class below the nobility.

Cicero moves to Rome to study law and rhetoric, attending lectures by leading orators and jurists. He studies under Quintus Mucius Scaevola, a prominent jurist, and becomes proficient in both fields.

Cicero travels to Greece and Rhodes to further his studies in philosophy and rhetoric. He studies under the philosopher Antiochus of Ascalon and the rhetorician Molon, honing his skills as an orator.

Cicero is elected quaestor, his first public office, and serves in Sicily. His role involves financial and administrative duties, including overseeing the grain supply to Rome.

Cicero gains fame by successfully prosecuting Gaius Verres, the former governor of Sicily, for corruption and extortion. His eloquent speeches are widely admired and establish his reputation as a skilled orator.

Cicero is elected consul, the highest office in the Roman Republic. During his consulship, he thwarts a conspiracy led by Catiline to overthrow the government, delivering famous speeches against the conspirators.

Cicero is exiled from Rome by his political enemies, particularly Publius Clodius Pulcher, for his role in the execution of the Catilinarian conspirators without a trial. He spends 18 months in Thessalonica, Greece.

Cicero returns to Rome after his exile is lifted. He is welcomed back by a large crowd and resumes his political and legal activities, though his influence is diminished.

Cicero delivers a series of speeches known as the Philippics, vehemently criticizing Mark Antony and calling for his overthrow. These speeches are among his most famous and politically significant.

Cicero is assassinated by soldiers of Mark Antony near Formiae, as part of the proscriptions ordered by the Second Triumvirate. His death marks the end of his political career and influence.