2.3 The Catilinarian Conspiracy

Question 1

Who showed that one need not be of the optimate elite to achieve the highest office?

Answer 1

Pompey and Crassus

Their example inspired other aspiring politicians.

Question 2

Which two prominent figures were involved in the political scene alongside Catiline?

Answer 2

Julius Caesar and Cicero

Catiline was aristocratic while Cicero came from outside the establishment.

Question 3

What crime was Catiline prosecuted for after returning from Africa?

Answer 3

Provincial extortion

He had been a pro-praetorian governor.

Question 4

What event did Catiline allegedly plot against the consuls elect in 65?

Answer 4

Assassination

He was motivated by his inability to stand for consul due to his court case.

Question 5

What was Catiline’s plan involving L. Aurelius Cotta and L. Manlius Torquatus?

Answer 5

Murder them on 1 January, their first day in office

He aimed to seize the consulships.

Question 6

What is the term used by modern historians for the events involving Catiline in 65?

Answer 6

First Catiline Conspiracy

This should not be confused with the Catiline Conspiracy of 63.

Question 7

What did Cicero do in response to the rumors surrounding Catiline’s actions?

Answer 7

He used them to damage Catiline’s reputation

Initially, Cicero considered defending Catiline.

Question 8

What was Catiline’s proposal that gained popular support during his consulship bid?

Answer 8

Cancellation of debts

This proposal aimed to attract support from the upper classes and the masses.

Question 9

What economic issue contributed to the political climate in Italy during the mid-60s?

Answer 9

Credit crisis

This was caused by reluctance to invest in Asia after Mithridates’ uprising.

Question 10

According to Cicero’s Commentariolum Petitionis, what should be sought in an electoral campaign?

Answer 10

Amicitiae

Alliances with influential individuals for political support.

Question 11

What was the outcome of Cicero’s speech against the land bill proposed by P. Servilius Rullus?

Answer 11

The bill was not passed

Cicero persuaded the people that it was against their interests.

Question 12

What role did Caesar play in the trial of C. Rabirius?

Answer 12

Judge

It was a politically motivated show trial related to past events.

Question 13

What prestigious position did Caesar seek in late 63?

Answer 13

Pontifex Maximus

This position was highly regarded and influential.

Question 14

What did Catiline allegedly do in response to Cicero’s challenge?

Answer 14

Turn to armed uprising

He began to raise troops and plot violence.

Question 15

What did Cicero do on 8 November against Catiline?

Answer 15

Delivered the first of four speeches denouncing him

This was part of his campaign to expose Catiline’s conspiracy.

Question 16

Who did Catiline send to mobilize forces in Etruria?

Answer 16

C. Manlius

Manlius was tasked with raising troops for Catiline’s cause.

Question 17

What was the nature of the soldiers that supported Catiline’s cause?

Answer 17

Veterans

They were motivated by issues related to debt and loss of status.

Question 18

What accusation did Cicero make about Catiline’s supporters?

Answer 18

They were the worst members of society

He categorized them into six classes of disdain.

Question 19

What was Catiline’s justification for his revolutionary actions according to Sallust?

Answer 19

He claimed to support the miseri

His rhetoric emphasized missed opportunities and honor slighted.

Question 20

What did Catiline complain about in his letter?

Answer 20

He complained that he had been robbed of his just desserts and that the selfishness of a few powerful individuals pushed him into taking to the field.

Catiline justified his actions by claiming to support the miseri, but his tone indicated missed opportunities and slighted honor.

Question 21

What was the outcome of the emergency Senate session regarding the conspirators?

Answer 21

The consul elect D. Iunius Silanus proposed the death penalty, which was initially agreed upon until Caesar argued against it, advocating for a trial instead.

Caesar’s argument changed the opinion of the Senate, leading to a significant debate.

Question 22

Who delivered a speech that sealed the fate of the conspirators?

Answer 22

M. Porrius Cato delivered a withering speech that sealed the conspirators’ fate.

Cato’s reputation was bolstered by his family name, derived from his famous grandfather, Cato the Censor.

Question 23

How did Sallust view both Cato and Caesar?

Answer 23

Sallust admired both men, seeing Cato’s uprightness as a model and recognizing Caesar’s merit as significant.

He indicated that both were men of towering merit, despite their diverse characters.

Question 24

What role did Cicero play in the Senate debate according to his version?

Answer 24

Cicero emphasized his own role while downplaying Cato’s contribution.

Cicero later faced criticism for executing the conspirators without trial.

Question 25

What was the eventual fate of Catiline?

Answer 25

Catiline died in battle the following year.

His political supporters were inadequate, leading to his downfall.

Question 26

How can the Catiline Conspiracy be characterized overall?

Answer 26

It could be argued that it was a ‘storm in a tea cup’ due to inadequate political support and ineffective popular backing.

Only veteran forces were effective, despite being outnumbered.

Question 27

What social issue did Catiline address in his actions?

Answer 27

Catiline addressed the issue of debt, which was a significant burden for many at the time.

His actions highlighted the real social problems facing the populace.

Question 28

What lesson did the Catiline Conspiracy teach popularis politicians?

Answer 28

They learned that armed insurrection would not succeed and that they needed to subvert the existing system to bring about social change.

The conspiracy illustrated the limitations of revolutionary tactics in achieving political reform.