Cicero Letters Prescribed Sources Flashcards
5.7 From Cicero to Pompey
To Pompey, who is in Asia
62 BC
Formal tone
Context: Pompey has just defeated the mithridates, Cicero has defeated the catilline conspiracy. Before the triumvirate.
Amicitea: tries to drive Pompey away from other populares like Caesar
Cicero writes to Pompey to congratulate him on his success of conquering territories such as Asia Minor
Cicero mentions him crushing the Catiline Conspiracy
We see Cicero appealing to their shared love of Rome
Cicero is flattering Pompey and their relationship with many signs of amicitia
2.18 Cicero to Atticus
59 BC
Cicero in Rome while Atticus is away
Tone is informal
context: to Atticus his long time friend. Very wealthy part of the equestrian class. Loaned Cicero money. After formation of the TV in secret, and Caesars first consulship.
Cicero is writing at the time that the 1st Triumverate is being formed.
Caesar is asking Cicero to join them, however Cicero rejects the offer
We see Cicero’s patriotism says that the destruction of Rome is te ‘ greatest evil’.
Atticus and Cicero are old friends. Atticus lent Cicero money, however Atticus has stayed out of politics
2.4 Cicero to Curio
53 BC
Informal Tone
Curio was praised by Cicero before for being the only one who publicly opposed Caesars regime. His was an acclaimed orator. Cicero has withdrawn from political life to focus on writing. Rome is being affected by mob violence.
Cicero is writing to Curio saying that that he doesn’t have anything to write about
The political situation, he implies, means that he cannot write freely and freedom of speech is impossible
2.11 Cicero to Caelius
50 BC
Informal tone
Cicero is away in Cicilia. He is sad about being away from Rome, but rules fairly and efficiently. This is at time where Senate are trying to call back Ceasar and tensions are rising between JC and Pompey
Cicero is away from Rome as governor of a province. He writes about his sadness of being away from Rome and that he refuses to send Caelius panthers for the festivals in Rome as Caelius is the aedile.
He is asking Caelius about information about the political situation in Rome
9.11a To Caesar
49 BC
Context: Caesar has sparked civil war. Negotiations had failed to convince Pompey and Caesar to disband army. Caesar wants Cicero on his side.
Tone is amicable but formal
Cicero is responding to Caesar’s invitation to meet him in Rome. Caesar wants to use Cicero’s advice, status, influence and help
They talk how Pompey has left with the senate to Brundisium
Cicero asks for harmony and peace in Rome
Cicero has proclaimed neutrality throughout the tension between Pompey and Caesar, he says he understands Caesar’s anger but also asks Caesar to treat Pompey fairly.
We see Cicero’s friendship with Caesar. However he is careful to claim openly his friendship with both Pompey and Caesar
8.8 To Atticus
49 BC
Shortly after Caesar crossed Rubicon and before Caesar asked for his help. Cicero is writing from outside Rome
Cicero is deliberating whether he should support
Pompey or Caesar
We see an insight to Cicero’s personality and his raw emotion. He is deeply upset about Pompey’s actions to leave Rome and his responsibility in forming the monster that is Julius Caesar.
Cicero realizes te threat of Caesar and says that he has to stand up to him
9.4 To Atticus
49 BC
Informal Tone
This is sent a day after the first one. Caesar is a tyrant while Pompey is a liberator. It is clear that the good of Rome is at the forefront of his mind.
Still wondering on who he should support. Pompey or JC
Says that it is risky to write about politics at this time, so writes unspecific questions incase his letters are intercepted.
Should he support Pompey= they have history, share same principals and morals, he has military experience, good leader, Pompey supports Republic and Status Qou which Cicer does as well, Senate’s army supports Pompey
Caesar= has military experience, good leader, time for change which JC can bring, he is supported by the people
Asks many questions. Shows how he is struggling to choose.
13.40 To Atticus
45 BC
After Civil War. Caesar had pardoned Cicero and allowed him back into Rome
Asks Atticus if he should return to Rome
Asks Atticus questions of the political situation in Rome as he is away in Tusculum
Cicero in this letter shows little allegiance to Caesar, even though Caesar forgave him for siding with Pompey
14,4 To Atticus
44 BC
Cicero fled to his villa outside of Rome.
He is interested that libertas has not returned yet even with the return of the republic
Asks Atticus for news from Rome
This is a few weeks after the assassination of JC
Cicero supports the assassination, calling the assassinators his heroes
10.28 To Trebonius
43BC
Trebonius was one of the assasinators. He was beheaded however Cicero did not know this. He wrote a letter extending amicitea. He refers to antony being an enemy of Rome after he gave the philippics. He publicly praises Octavian.
Cicero is in Rome and informing Trebonius about the political situation in Rome.
He urges Trebonius to ally with the Republican cause
Cicero highlights how he thinks of himself as the restorer of the Republic.
He praises the senate and how he has restored its power
10.6 To Plancus
43 BC
Formal tone
Plancus served with Caesar and fought against Pompey in the civil war. Plancus now was in charge of troops fighting antony, however Cicero was nervous that he would change sides so wrote this letter to convince him to fight for Republic and amicitea.
Cicero is trying to convince him to fight against Antony. Plancus is governor of mid and northern Gaul and Cicero wants him to help those in Gaul loyal to the senate
Cicero is trying to make amicitia with Plancus as to help the Senate and the Optimates
