Marcus Tullius Cicero: A Biography

Cicero: Myths from University of Texas Austin

Cicero Biography from Ancient History Encyclopedia

Cicero Biography in easy-to-understand language that would be helpful for younger students.

Click here for a video about Cicero and the Roman Republic.

Click here for a video about the life and death of Cicero.

Born in 106 BCE, Marcus Tullius Cicero was a member of a wealthy eques family (Background on Roman Social Classes) 
In his early life, his family's wealth allowed for him to receive an exemplary education at various schools and academies, and he also served in the Social War of 91-88 BCE All of these experiences contributed to the making of a promising political and legal career. 

Chronology of Cicero's life


Overview of Famous Orations: (Lesson plan on Roman Oratory and Rhetoric can be found here)

In Verrem- Held in 70 BCE, Cicero acted as advocate for the people of Sicily in the trial of Gaius Verres for his corrupt actions as Governor.

• Verres was found guilty and exiled.
• Cicero's success catapulted him into fame and made him known as one of if not the greatest orator in Rome. More information on the trial found here

In Catalinam - Speeches given by Cicero in 63 BCE, after his election to the Consulship, in which Cicero exposed the Catilinian Conspiracy.

• Catiline, a political opponent of Cicero in the previous election for Consul, was accused of inciting insurrectionist uprisings in Rome for the purpose of making him Consul by force.
• Cicero stopped one of these uprisings in the city of Rome, and delivered four speeches to prove Catiline's guilt and send him into exile so that he could die outside of the city limits.
• More information on the Catilinian conspiracy here, and more on Cicero's speeches against Catiline here

"The Discovery of the Body of Catiline"

Philippicae- After the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, Cicero wrote these 14 speeches denouncing Marc Anthony and praising Octavian in their struggle to take up power in Caesar's wake.

• These speeches were to eventually be the end of Cicero when Marc Anthony and Octavian eventually made peace and ruled Rome in the Second Triumvirate alongside Lepidus.
• After this Cicero was held, tried, and executed as an enemy of the state. (For more info on the Phillippicae look here)

Political Offices Held: (and an overview on Roman Political Offices here)

75 BCE: Quaestor of Sicily (31 years old)

69 BCE: Curule Aedile (37 years old)

66 BCE: Praetor of Rome (40 years old)

63 BCE: Consul of Rome (43 years old)

63 BCE: "Pater Patriae" not exactly a political title, but one of honor in Rome. Conferred unto Cicero for his part in thwarting the Catilinian Conspiracy.

Cicero denouncing Catiline (Painting, 1888)

Primary Sources

Primary Source Selections from We the People, National Endowment for the Humanities

Quotes by Cicero from Wikiquotes

Cicero Trilogy of Historical Novels by Robert Harris: Imperium, Lustrum, Dictator

"In times of war, the law falls silent" Video on one of Cicero's most famous quotes

Cicero's First Oration against Cataline, read in full (English translation begins at 6:05)

Click here for an abstract and reading about Cicero's Portrayal of Sassia, Clodia, and Fulvia.

• Fulvia was an aristocratic Roman woman who lived during the Late Roman Republic, whose first marriage was to Publius Clodius Pulcher, circa 62 BC. 
• Clodia was the daughter to Fulvia and Publius Clodius Pulcher, who later married the future Emperor Augustus.

Click here for more information about Sassia.

Cicero’s (S)Trumpet: Roman Women and the Second Philippic by Nancy Myers