Marcus Tullius CiceroMarcus Tullius Cicero106 BCE – 43 BCE 106 BCE – 43 BCE

Marcus Tullius Cicerohis rise to prominence

Born 106 BC at Arpinum into wealthy equestrian family;Born 106 BC at Arpinum into wealthy equestrian family; A A novus homo = novus homo = the first in his family to pursue a public career the first in his family to pursue a public career Study of rhetoric and philosophy at RomeStudy of rhetoric and philosophy at Rome Appeared in the Forum under mentorship of great orator Lucius Licinus Crassus Appeared in the Forum under mentorship of great orator Lucius Licinus Crassus 89 BCE military service in Social War under command of Pompeius Strabo89 BCE military service in Social War under command of Pompeius Strabo 81 BCE his debut as orator; 80 BCE defended Sextus Roscius (Pro Roscio) on 81 BCE his debut as orator; 80 BCE defended Sextus Roscius (Pro Roscio) on

important figure of Sulla’s regime (by doing this took on important figure of important figure of Sulla’s regime (by doing this took on important figure of Sulla’s regime)Sulla’s regime)

79-77 BCE study of philosophy in Greece And Asia Minor and rhetoric with 79-77 BCE study of philosophy in Greece And Asia Minor and rhetoric with Molon of Rhodos Molon of Rhodos

On his return marries Terentia, has a daughter, Tullia in 76 BCE, son Marcus 65 On his return marries Terentia, has a daughter, Tullia in 76 BCE, son Marcus 65 BCEBCE

75 BCE Quaestor in Sicily75 BCE Quaestor in Sicily 70 BCE takes Sicilians as clients in prosecution against ex-governor Verres for 70 BCE takes Sicilians as clients in prosecution against ex-governor Verres for

extortion and corruption; wins case; earns reputation as Rome’s leading oratorextortion and corruption; wins case; earns reputation as Rome’s leading orator 69 BCE Aedile69 BCE Aedile 66 BCE Praetor, supports Pompey the Great in obtaining special command with 66 BCE Praetor, supports Pompey the Great in obtaining special command with

enormous enormous imperiumimperium against pirates and Mithradates, king of Pontus in the East against pirates and Mithradates, king of Pontus in the East 63 BCE Consul – apex of his career; puts down conspiracy of Catiline63 BCE Consul – apex of his career; puts down conspiracy of Catiline

Cicero’s fall from graceCicero’s fall from grace Troubled by First Triumvirate (60 BCE) between Pompey, Crassus and CaesarTroubled by First Triumvirate (60 BCE) between Pompey, Crassus and Caesar Disliked alliance - too private for his taste– a threat to the senate’s authorityDisliked alliance - too private for his taste– a threat to the senate’s authority 58 BCE Cicero is accused of having put to death without due trial the fellow 58 BCE Cicero is accused of having put to death without due trial the fellow

conspirators of Catiline, members of the nobility (prominent senatorial families) in conspirators of Catiline, members of the nobility (prominent senatorial families) in his consulship, made enemy of Iulius Caesar (patrician family) Cicero a his consulship, made enemy of Iulius Caesar (patrician family) Cicero a novus novus homohomo

Sent into exile, his house razed to the groundSent into exile, his house razed to the ground 57 BCE recalled to Rome57 BCE recalled to Rome 56-51 BCE attempts (with difficulty) to collaborate with triumvirs,56-51 BCE attempts (with difficulty) to collaborate with triumvirs, 51 Governor of Cilicia (in East)51 Governor of Cilicia (in East) 49 BCE Civil Wars at Rome – Cicero joins cause of Pompey; Pompey defeated; 49 BCE Civil Wars at Rome – Cicero joins cause of Pompey; Pompey defeated;

Cicero pardoned by CaesarCicero pardoned by Caesar 46 divorces Terentia, married his ward Publilia, divorced her after a few months46 divorces Terentia, married his ward Publilia, divorced her after a few months 45 BCE daughter Tullia dies; he never recovers from this tragedy45 BCE daughter Tullia dies; he never recovers from this tragedy During Caesar’s dominance in public life, stays ways from politics, Period in which During Caesar’s dominance in public life, stays ways from politics, Period in which

he composes series of philosophical workshe composes series of philosophical works 44 BCE Caesar is murdered, Cicero returns to politicial life; opposes Antony, series 44 BCE Caesar is murdered, Cicero returns to politicial life; opposes Antony, series

of speeches against him: the Philippics; supports cause of Senateof speeches against him: the Philippics; supports cause of Senate Octavian abandons support o Senate and joins Antony and Lepidus in Second Octavian abandons support o Senate and joins Antony and Lepidus in Second

TriumvirateTriumvirate Each Triumvir had to give up one supporter: Octavian sacrifices CiceroEach Triumvir had to give up one supporter: Octavian sacrifices Cicero Cicero murdered Dec. 7, 43 BCE by Antony’s henchmenCicero murdered Dec. 7, 43 BCE by Antony’s henchmen

Cicero and Roman Politics: Cicero and Roman Politics: his ideologyhis ideology

Participant in Rome’s crisis that leads to end of Participant in Rome’s crisis that leads to end of Roman Republican government;Roman Republican government;

develops develops ethical-political programethical-political program in attempt to in attempt to remedy situation.remedy situation.

Although a Although a novus homonovus homo. His program intended to . His program intended to provide a solid intellectual, ethical, political base provide a solid intellectual, ethical, political base for a dominant class: a balance of respect for for a dominant class: a balance of respect for national tradition (national tradition (mos maiorummos maiorum) and pleasures ) and pleasures of of otiumotium (leisure) filled with art, literature, or (leisure) filled with art, literature, or pleasures of refined style of life summed up in pleasures of refined style of life summed up in the term the term humanitashumanitas – a consciousness of – a consciousness of culture,capacity to distinguish and appreciate culture,capacity to distinguish and appreciate what is beautiful and fitting.what is beautiful and fitting.

Ideology reflected in many of his speeches and Ideology reflected in many of his speeches and philosophical works philosophical works

The Works of CiceroThe Works of Cicero

The speechesThe speeches

Some of the most important Some of the most important speeches include: Pro Quinctius (81), speeches include: Pro Quinctius (81), Pro Roscio Amerino (80), Pro Cluentio Pro Roscio Amerino (80), Pro Cluentio (66), De Imperio Cn. Pompeii or Pro (66), De Imperio Cn. Pompeii or Pro Lege Manilia (66), the 4 Catilinarians Lege Manilia (66), the 4 Catilinarians (63), Pro Sestio (56), Pro Caelio (56), (63), Pro Sestio (56), Pro Caelio (56), In Pisonmem (55), Philippics (44-43), In Pisonmem (55), Philippics (44-43),

Rhetorical and Political worksRhetorical and Political works

De Inventione (c.54 BC), De oratore De Inventione (c.54 BC), De oratore (54 BC), Oratoriae (c.54), De optimo (54 BC), Oratoriae (c.54), De optimo genere oratorum (52 BC), Brutus (46 genere oratorum (52 BC), Brutus (46 BC), Orator (46 BC), Topica (44)BC), Orator (46 BC), Topica (44)

De republica (54-51 BC) On the De republica (54-51 BC) On the RepublicRepublic

De legibus (52 BC) On LawsDe legibus (52 BC) On Laws

Philosophical worksPhilosophical works

Paradoxa StoicorumParadoxa Stoicorum Stoic Paradoxes(46), Stoic Paradoxes(46), Academica (45), Academica (45), De finibus bonorum et De finibus bonorum et malorummalorum On the limits of good and On the limits of good and evil(45), evil(45), Tuslucan Disputations Tuslucan Disputations Tusculan Tusculan Disputations (45), de natura deorum Disputations (45), de natura deorum (45), de divinatione On the nature of the (45), de divinatione On the nature of the gods(44), de divinatione On divinations gods(44), de divinatione On divinations (44), de fato On Fate(44), Cato Maior de (44), de fato On Fate(44), Cato Maior de Senectute Cato the Elder on Old Age(44), Senectute Cato the Elder on Old Age(44), Laelius de Amicitia Laelius on Laelius de Amicitia Laelius on Friendship(44), De Officiis On Duties(44)Friendship(44), De Officiis On Duties(44)

Correspondence and moreCorrespondence and more

Ad familiaresAd familiares in 16 books (letters to in 16 books (letters to family)family)

At AtticusAt Atticus in 16 books (letters to his in 16 books (letters to his friend Atticus)friend Atticus)

Ad Quintum FratremAd Quintum Fratrem 27 letters (letters 27 letters (letters to his brother Quintusto his brother Quintus

Ad M. BrutumAd M. Brutum 2 books – authentic? 2 books – authentic? (Letters to Brutus(Letters to Brutus

Some (bad) poetry – survived only in Some (bad) poetry – survived only in fragments fragments

Cicero and PoliticsCicero and Politics

Variety of works allows us to see Variety of works allows us to see connection between personal life connection between personal life experience and his public position, experience and his public position, especially his speeches and his especially his speeches and his private lettersprivate letters

The Catilinarian The Catilinarian ConspiracyConspiracy

The Political SettingThe Political Setting66-60 BCE66-60 BCE

Pompey the Great had raised the bar for political competition for everyone; Pompey the Great had raised the bar for political competition for everyone; campaigns for office have become extremely expensive campaigns for office have become extremely expensive

65 BCE – Julius Caesar (Aedile) proposes massive gladiatorial show (320 65 BCE – Julius Caesar (Aedile) proposes massive gladiatorial show (320 pairs of gladiators); senate forces him to reduce the scale;pairs of gladiators); senate forces him to reduce the scale;

Caesar incurs massive debt; bailed out by Crassus (who in turns want Caesar incurs massive debt; bailed out by Crassus (who in turns want military command) ; military command) ;

64 BCE – Crassus and Caesar support L. Sergius Catilina (aka. Catiline) for 64 BCE – Crassus and Caesar support L. Sergius Catilina (aka. Catiline) for the consulship of 63 BCE; Defeated by M. Tullius Cicero.the consulship of 63 BCE; Defeated by M. Tullius Cicero.

63 BCE – Cicero and Antonius Hybrida are elected consuls; 63 BCE – Cicero and Antonius Hybrida are elected consuls; Catiline (hopelessly in debt) tries again for 62 BCE; Catiline (hopelessly in debt) tries again for 62 BCE; The Conspiracy of Catiline foiled by Cicero (In Catilinam); allegations of The Conspiracy of Catiline foiled by Cicero (In Catilinam); allegations of

Caesar’s and Crassus’ involvement; Catiline and many followers die on the Caesar’s and Crassus’ involvement; Catiline and many followers die on the battlefield; Caesar argues for clemency, M. Porcius Cato for death; Cicero battlefield; Caesar argues for clemency, M. Porcius Cato for death; Cicero executes the conspirators. executes the conspirators.

The Conspiracy of CatilineThe Conspiracy of Catiline ““After these preparations, Catiline nonetheless stood for the consulship for After these preparations, Catiline nonetheless stood for the consulship for

the next year (62 BC), hoping that should he be elected he could easily do the next year (62 BC), hoping that should he be elected he could easily do what he liked with Antonius. In the meantime he was not idle, but kept what he liked with Antonius. In the meantime he was not idle, but kept working on all kinds of plots against Cicero, who, however, was not lacking in working on all kinds of plots against Cicero, who, however, was not lacking in the guile and the astuteness to evade them. For at the very start of his the guile and the astuteness to evade them. For at the very start of his consulship, by numerous promises made through Fulvia, Cicero had consulship, by numerous promises made through Fulvia, Cicero had persuaded Quintus Curius, whom I mentioned a short while ago, to lay bare persuaded Quintus Curius, whom I mentioned a short while ago, to lay bare Catiline’s plots to him. He had also persuaded his colleague Antonius not to Catiline’s plots to him. He had also persuaded his colleague Antonius not to harbour designs against the state by agreeing to let him have his province; harbour designs against the state by agreeing to let him have his province; he had also secretly stationed around himself bodyguards of friends and he had also secretly stationed around himself bodyguards of friends and clients. When election day came and Catiline was successful neither in his clients. When election day came and Catiline was successful neither in his candidature nor in the plots he had made against the consuls in the Campus candidature nor in the plots he had made against the consuls in the Campus Martius, he decided on war and resorting to extreme measures, since his Martius, he decided on war and resorting to extreme measures, since his undercover attempts had met with failure and dishonour. He therefore undercover attempts had met with failure and dishonour. He therefore dispatched Gaius Manlius to Faesulae and that area of Etruria, a certain dispatched Gaius Manlius to Faesulae and that area of Etruria, a certain Septimius Camerinum to the Picene district, Gaius Julius to Apulia, and others Septimius Camerinum to the Picene district, Gaius Julius to Apulia, and others to any other places he believed might suit his purpose. In the meantime he to any other places he believed might suit his purpose. In the meantime he was busy with many plans at once; laying traps for the consul, preparing to was busy with many plans at once; laying traps for the consul, preparing to set fires, stationing armed men in strategic places, and himself went armed, set fires, stationing armed men in strategic places, and himself went armed, ordering the others to do the same, and urging them to be always alert and ordering the others to do the same, and urging them to be always alert and ready.” (Sallust, ready.” (Sallust, Conspiracy of CatilineConspiracy of Catiline, 26.1-27.2 , 26.1-27.2

Our versions:Our versions:

Catiline’ s objectivesCatiline’ s objectives Somewhat clouded by the sources (Sallust, Somewhat clouded by the sources (Sallust, Conspiracy Conspiracy

of Catilineof Catiline; Cicero, ; Cicero, Against CatilineAgainst Catiline).). Lost elections to consulship twice;Lost elections to consulship twice; Desperate for the office to recover his debts Desperate for the office to recover his debts Planned to seize the consulship by force; abolish Planned to seize the consulship by force; abolish

debts.debts. Legislation in the interests of families who were Legislation in the interests of families who were

victims of Sulla.victims of Sulla. Many elite families proscribed in Sulla’s regime and Many elite families proscribed in Sulla’s regime and

lost their family fortunes; Sons of the dispossessed lost their family fortunes; Sons of the dispossessed ready to claim their ‘birthright’ the right to high officeready to claim their ‘birthright’ the right to high office

PopularesPopulares rhetoric. rhetoric. Optimates Optimates

Implicating CaesarImplicating Caesar ““At the same time Quintus Catulus (cos. 78) and Gaius Piso At the same time Quintus Catulus (cos. 78) and Gaius Piso

(cos. 67) in vain tried by entreaties, influence and bribes to (cos. 67) in vain tried by entreaties, influence and bribes to persuade Cicero to have a false accusation brought against persuade Cicero to have a false accusation brought against Gaius (Julius) Caesar either through the Allobroges or some Gaius (Julius) Caesar either through the Allobroges or some other witness. For both were bitter personal enemies of other witness. For both were bitter personal enemies of Caesar; Piso, when on trial for extortion, had been charged Caesar; Piso, when on trial for extortion, had been charged by him with unjustly executing a man from Transpadane by him with unjustly executing a man from Transpadane Gaul, while Catulus’ hatred arose out of his candidature for Gaul, while Catulus’ hatred arose out of his candidature for the pontificate, because he had reached a ripe old age and the pontificate, because he had reached a ripe old age and attained the highest offices but was beaten by Caesar, attained the highest offices but was beaten by Caesar, while still a young man. Moreover, it seemed an opportune while still a young man. Moreover, it seemed an opportune time as Caesar, through his pre-eminent generosity in time as Caesar, through his pre-eminent generosity in private life and lavish entertainments in office, was heavily private life and lavish entertainments in office, was heavily in debt. But they were unable to incite the consul to so in debt. But they were unable to incite the consul to so monstrous a crime…” (Sallust, monstrous a crime…” (Sallust, Conspiracy of CatilineConspiracy of Catiline, 49.1-, 49.1-4. Dillon & Garland, 12.20)4. Dillon & Garland, 12.20)

A Naturally Gifted OratorA Naturally Gifted Orator “…“…for when he was of an age for taking lessons, his natural talent for when he was of an age for taking lessons, his natural talent

shone out clear and he won name and fame among the boys, so shone out clear and he won name and fame among the boys, so that their fathers used to visit the schools in order to see Cicero that their fathers used to visit the schools in order to see Cicero with their own eyes and observe the quickness and intelligence in with their own eyes and observe the quickness and intelligence in his studies for which he was extolled, though the ruder ones his studies for which he was extolled, though the ruder ones among them were angry at their sons when they saw them among them were angry at their sons when they saw them walking with Cicero placed in their midst as a mark of honour. And walking with Cicero placed in their midst as a mark of honour. And although he showed himself, as Plato thought a nature should do although he showed himself, as Plato thought a nature should do which was fond of learning and fond of wisdom, capable of which was fond of learning and fond of wisdom, capable of welcoming all knowledge and incapable of slighting any kind of welcoming all knowledge and incapable of slighting any kind of literature or training, he lent himself with somewhat greater literature or training, he lent himself with somewhat greater ardour to the art of poetry. And a little poem which he wrote when ardour to the art of poetry. And a little poem which he wrote when a boy is still extant, called Pontius Glaucus, and composed in a boy is still extant, called Pontius Glaucus, and composed in tetrameter verse. Moreover, as he grew older and applied himself tetrameter verse. Moreover, as he grew older and applied himself with greater versatility to such accomplishments, he got the name with greater versatility to such accomplishments, he got the name of being not only the best orator, but also the best poet among of being not only the best orator, but also the best poet among the Romans.  His fame for oratory abides to this day, although the Romans.  His fame for oratory abides to this day, although there have been great innovations in style; but his poetry, since there have been great innovations in style; but his poetry, since many gifted poets have followed him, has altogether fallen into many gifted poets have followed him, has altogether fallen into neglect and disrepute.” neglect and disrepute.” (Plutarch, (Plutarch, CiceroCicero, 2. Loeb Classical Library, , 2. Loeb Classical Library, 1919)1919)

Launching a Political Career:Launching a Political Career:Cicero and the Cicero and the Pro RoscioPro Roscio (80 BCE) (80 BCE) ““About this time Chrysogonus, a freedman of Sulla's, put up at About this time Chrysogonus, a freedman of Sulla's, put up at

public auction the estate of a man who, as it was said, had been public auction the estate of a man who, as it was said, had been put to death under proscription, and bought it in himself for two put to death under proscription, and bought it in himself for two thousand drachmas. Then Roscius, the son and heir of the thousand drachmas. Then Roscius, the son and heir of the deceased, was indignant and set forth clearly that the estate was deceased, was indignant and set forth clearly that the estate was worth two hundred and fifty talents, whereupon Sulla, enraged to worth two hundred and fifty talents, whereupon Sulla, enraged to have his actions called in question, indicted Roscius for the have his actions called in question, indicted Roscius for the murder of his father, Chrysogonus having trumped up the murder of his father, Chrysogonus having trumped up the evidence. No advocate would help Roscius, but all avoided him evidence. No advocate would help Roscius, but all avoided him through their fear of Sulla's cruelty, and so at last, in his through their fear of Sulla's cruelty, and so at last, in his destitution, the young man had recourse to Cicero. Cicero's destitution, the young man had recourse to Cicero. Cicero's friends encouraged him to undertake the case, arguing that he friends encouraged him to undertake the case, arguing that he would never again have a more brilliant or a more honourable would never again have a more brilliant or a more honourable opportunity to win fame. Accordingly, he undertook the defence of opportunity to win fame. Accordingly, he undertook the defence of Roscius, won his cause, and men admired him for it; but fearing Roscius, won his cause, and men admired him for it; but fearing Sulla, he made a journey to Greece, after spreading a report that Sulla, he made a journey to Greece, after spreading a report that his health needed attention. For in fact he was spare and lean, his health needed attention. For in fact he was spare and lean, and owing to a weakness of the stomach could only with difficulty and owing to a weakness of the stomach could only with difficulty take a little light food late in the day; his voice, however, was full take a little light food late in the day; his voice, however, was full and strong, but harsh and unmodulated, and since, owing to the and strong, but harsh and unmodulated, and since, owing to the vehemence and passion of his oratory, it was always forced into vehemence and passion of his oratory, it was always forced into the higher tones, it made men apprehensive for his health.”the higher tones, it made men apprehensive for his health.” (Plutarch, (Plutarch, CiceroCicero, 3. Loeb Classical Library, 1919), 3. Loeb Classical Library, 1919)

Proof of Cicero’s Power of Oratory:Proof of Cicero’s Power of Oratory:The Death of Cicero (43 BCE)The Death of Cicero (43 BCE)

““But meantime his assassins came to the villa, Herennius a centurion, and But meantime his assassins came to the villa, Herennius a centurion, and Popillius a tribune, who had once been prosecuted for parricide and Popillius a tribune, who had once been prosecuted for parricide and defended by Cicero; and they had helpers. After they had broken in the defended by Cicero; and they had helpers. After they had broken in the door, which they found closed, Cicero was not to be seen, and the inmates door, which they found closed, Cicero was not to be seen, and the inmates said they knew not where he was. Then, we are told, a youth who had been said they knew not where he was. Then, we are told, a youth who had been liberally educated by Cicero, and who was a freedman of Cicero's brother liberally educated by Cicero, and who was a freedman of Cicero's brother Quintus, Philologus by name, told the tribune that the litter was being Quintus, Philologus by name, told the tribune that the litter was being carried through the wooded and shady walks towards the sea. The tribune, carried through the wooded and shady walks towards the sea. The tribune, accordingly, taking a few helpers with him, ran round towards the exit, but accordingly, taking a few helpers with him, ran round towards the exit, but Herennius hastened on the run through the walks, and Cicero, perceiving Herennius hastened on the run through the walks, and Cicero, perceiving him, ordered the servants to set the litter down where they were. Then he him, ordered the servants to set the litter down where they were. Then he himself, clasping his chin with his left hand, as was his wont, looked himself, clasping his chin with his left hand, as was his wont, looked steadfastly at his slayers, his head all squalid and unkempt, and his face steadfastly at his slayers, his head all squalid and unkempt, and his face wasted with anxiety, so that most of those that stood by covered their wasted with anxiety, so that most of those that stood by covered their faces while Herennius was slaying him.  For he stretched his neck forth faces while Herennius was slaying him.  For he stretched his neck forth from the litter and was slain, being then in his sixty-fourth year. Herennius from the litter and was slain, being then in his sixty-fourth year. Herennius cut off his head, by Antony's command, and his hands — the hands with cut off his head, by Antony's command, and his hands — the hands with which he wrote the Philippics. For Cicero himself entitled his speeches which he wrote the Philippics. For Cicero himself entitled his speeches against Antony "Philippics," and to this day the documents are called against Antony "Philippics," and to this day the documents are called Philippics. When Cicero's extremities were brought to Rome, it chanced that Philippics. When Cicero's extremities were brought to Rome, it chanced that Antony was conducting an election, but when he heard of their arrival and Antony was conducting an election, but when he heard of their arrival and saw them, he cried out, "Now let our proscriptions have an end." Then he saw them, he cried out, "Now let our proscriptions have an end." Then he ordered the head and hands to be placed over the ships' beaks on the ordered the head and hands to be placed over the ships' beaks on the rostra, a sight that made the Romans shudder; for they thought they saw rostra, a sight that made the Romans shudder; for they thought they saw there, not the face of Cicero, but an image of the soul of Antony.there, not the face of Cicero, but an image of the soul of Antony. (Plutarch, (Plutarch, CiceroCicero, 48-9. Loeb Classical Library, 1919), 48-9. Loeb Classical Library, 1919)

Roman OratoryRoman Oratory

And PoliticsAnd Politics

The development of Oratory The development of Oratory and its place in Roman cultureand its place in Roman culture

Two necessary prerequisites for social and political Two necessary prerequisites for social and political advancement in the Roman Republic: 1. Military advancement in the Roman Republic: 1. Military reputation, 2. Oratorical skillsreputation, 2. Oratorical skills

Oratory always central to political life Oratory always central to political life Native Roman tradition until 200 BCE, then influenced by Native Roman tradition until 200 BCE, then influenced by

Greek models. Greek models. First famous Roman orator: M. Porcius Cato the last “Native First famous Roman orator: M. Porcius Cato the last “Native

Roman” oratorRoman” orator Ser. Sulpicius Galba (Cos. 144 BCE) and M. Lepidus (Cos. Ser. Sulpicius Galba (Cos. 144 BCE) and M. Lepidus (Cos.

137 BCE) were the first to import Greek rhetorical skills into 137 BCE) were the first to import Greek rhetorical skills into Roman oratoryRoman oratory

By Cicero’s time 2 oratorical styles prevailed: By Cicero’s time 2 oratorical styles prevailed: 1. 1. AsiaticAsiatic (Flowery, descriptive, emotional, verbose), 2. The (Flowery, descriptive, emotional, verbose), 2. The

AtticAttic (Plain, unornamented, brief, to the point, economical) (Plain, unornamented, brief, to the point, economical)

The Importance of Style:The Importance of Style:Cicero on the Ideal OratorCicero on the Ideal Orator

““The student of oratory must acquire knowledge of a great The student of oratory must acquire knowledge of a great many things, without which knowledge fluency of speech is many things, without which knowledge fluency of speech is empty and ridiculous. The student must develop his style empty and ridiculous. The student must develop his style by careful attention not only to word choice but also to by careful attention not only to word choice but also to sentence construction. He must be thoroughly acquainted sentence construction. He must be thoroughly acquainted with all the emotions which nature has bestowed on the with all the emotions which nature has bestowed on the human race because he must use all his power and ability human race because he must use all his power and ability at speaking to calm or, alternatively, to stir up those who at speaking to calm or, alternatively, to stir up those who are listening to him. He should also include in his style of are listening to him. He should also include in his style of speaking a certain charm and wit, erudition worthy of a speaking a certain charm and wit, erudition worthy of a well-bred man, quickness and brevity both in replying and well-bred man, quickness and brevity both in replying and rebutting, as well as refined elegance and urbanity. He rebutting, as well as refined elegance and urbanity. He must moreover memorize history and a wealth of must moreover memorize history and a wealth of precedents, and not neglect knowledge of the laws and civil precedents, and not neglect knowledge of the laws and civil code. Need I speak further about delivery itself?” (Cicero, code. Need I speak further about delivery itself?” (Cicero, About the OratorAbout the Orator 1.16-20. Jo Ann Shelton, Doc. 159) 1.16-20. Jo Ann Shelton, Doc. 159)

Quintilian Criticizes the Asiatic Quintilian Criticizes the Asiatic StyleStyle

““The result of this emphasis on brilliance is The result of this emphasis on brilliance is usually a deterioration of our oratorical usually a deterioration of our oratorical skills, primarily because the best skills, primarily because the best expressions are those which are least expressions are those which are least contrived and which have an air of contrived and which have an air of simplicity, as if deriving from the truth simplicity, as if deriving from the truth itself. For those expressions which betray itself. For those expressions which betray their artfulness and strive to appear their artfulness and strive to appear polished and carefully designed fail to polished and carefully designed fail to produce a pleasing effect and do not win produce a pleasing effect and do not win credibility.” (Quintilian, credibility.” (Quintilian, The Elements of The Elements of OratoryOratory, 8. 22-26. Jo Ann Shelton, Doc. , 8. 22-26. Jo Ann Shelton, Doc. 158).158).

Types of Roman OratoryTypes of Roman Oratory

3 types of Roman Oratory: 1.Judicative, 2. 3 types of Roman Oratory: 1.Judicative, 2. Deliberative, 3. DemonstrativeDeliberative, 3. Demonstrative

Judicative = Judicial questions coming Judicative = Judicial questions coming before a court – most important (see before a court – most important (see Cicero’s career)Cicero’s career)

Deliberative = Political or policy questions Deliberative = Political or policy questions used when coming before the senate or used when coming before the senate or one of the assembliesone of the assemblies

Demonstrative = Attribution of praise or Demonstrative = Attribution of praise or blame; more relevant in the Principate.blame; more relevant in the Principate.

The Components of OratoryThe Components of Oratory Public Orations consisted of several component partsPublic Orations consisted of several component parts ExordiumExordium = preliminary remarks – nature of the case – = preliminary remarks – nature of the case –

importance of the caseimportance of the case NarratioNarratio = outline of the facts on which the main = outline of the facts on which the main

arguments will relyarguments will rely PropositioPropositio = the main argument (thesis) = the main argument (thesis) ArgumentatioArgumentatio = the arguments supporting the thesis = the arguments supporting the thesis ConfutatioConfutatio = outline and refutation of the main arguments = outline and refutation of the main arguments

(real or imagined) used by an opponent(real or imagined) used by an opponent PeroratioPeroratio = Summary of argument; concluding remarks and = Summary of argument; concluding remarks and

exhortationexhortation

The Composition ProcessThe Composition Process

Several formal elements for the Several formal elements for the composition of an effective orationcomposition of an effective oration

InventioInventio = The gathering of material = The gathering of material DispositioDispositio = Laying out the material in the = Laying out the material in the

most effective ordermost effective order ElocutioElocutio = Choice of most effective = Choice of most effective

language for making the caselanguage for making the case

The Place of Oratory in the Life The Place of Oratory in the Life of the Roman Statesmanof the Roman Statesman

Oratorical skills needed to plead Oratorical skills needed to plead cases in the law courts and the cases in the law courts and the assemblyassembly

Good way for a young and ambitious Good way for a young and ambitious politician to get noticedpolitician to get noticed

Strong orators desired as a Strong orators desired as a patronuspatronus or a or a clienscliens