Cicero
Originally from Arpino, Cicero rose to become one of the most recognized Philosophers from Ancient Rome.
Roman statesman, lawyer, orator, and philosopher (106–43 BC)
"Cicero's defining career moment was his consulship in 63 BC, when he exposed and suppressed the Catilinarian conspiracy." — About Cicero
| Metric | Cicero | Avg Philosopher | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 63 | 59 | +4 yrs |
| Career length | 45 yrs | ~35 yrs | +10 yrs |
| Based on 3 Philosopher profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Cicero
Did you know that Cicero's philosophical works were often written in dialogue form, mirroring Greek philosophical traditions, and he meticulously crafted Latin prose to convey complex abstract concepts?
- He invented much of the Latin philosophical vocabulary, coining terms like "moralis" (moral) and "qualitas" (quality).
- His full name, Marcus Tullius Cicero, indicates he was a "novus homo" (new man) from an equestrian family, not the Roman nobility.
- He was exiled from Rome for over a year in 58 BC, a period during which he wrote extensively, due to his role in executing Catilinarian conspirators.
- His beloved daughter, Tullia, died in 45 BC, plunging him into deep grief and prompting him to write consolation literature.
- After his execution, his hands and head were publicly displayed in the Roman Forum on the Rostra, a grim symbol of Mark Antony's power.
Cicero's defining career moment was his consulship in 63 BC, when he exposed and suppressed the Catilinarian conspiracy. His powerful orations against Catiline, particularly "In Catilinam," saved the Republic from an attempted coup and earned him the title 'Pater Patriae' (Father of the Country).
Cicero's enduring legacy lies in his profound influence on Latin prose style, rhetoric, and political philosophy, shaping Western thought for millennia. His writings served as a cornerstone for humanism during the Renaissance and continue to be studied for their eloquence and insight into republicanism.