Cicero: Politics and Thought in the Late Republic

Cicero is the crucial figure for understanding the political, cultural and intellectual life of the Late Republic,. Not only did he publish his speeches and write essays on rhetorical theory and on all the branches of philosophy, he also corresponded with the most important and cultivated men of his time. In fact the collection of his letters includes replies from such famous historical figures as Pompey, Brutus, Cassius and Cato.

This topic explores Cicero’s political and private life, his education and training as an orator; his political and moral philosophy; his views, and those of other contemporaries, on religion and imperialism; the attitudes and lifestyle of his friend Atticus; the ethics of the Roman law-courts. The texts (set in translation) include speeches, essays and letters by Cicero, letters from his contemporaries, and works by his younger contemporaries Sallust and Cornelius Nepos, who provide an external view of Cicero and his friend Atticus and offer a contrast with Cicero’s style and attitudes.

Teaching is done through lectures and eight university classes held in Michaelmas Term. There is time for four tutorials to be on Cicero’s career and political life, but students are advised to do Roman History period I.5, and I.6 if possible, in conjunction with this topic.

If you offer this topic, you are expected to show a familiarity with the texts listed in the appended Examination Regulations, in translation, from which passages for comment will be set. University Classes on this topic normally take place in Michaelmas Term; lectures for I. 5 are recommended.

Choosing your combinations - you are strongly recommended to study I.5 Republic in Crisis if you offer this option, as there is a very close relationship between the two papers. This paper is also very helpful for I.6 Rome, Italy and Empire. It may not be combined with literature paper III.9 Cicero.