This lesson introduces Cicero’s background, education, and first steps toward public prominence. His rise is important because he became a leading Roman statesman despite not belonging to Rome’s traditional aristocratic families.
Marcus Tullius Cicero was born on 3 January 106 BC in Arpinum, a town southeast of Rome. His family belonged to the equestrian order, a wealthy social class below the traditional senatorial aristocracy. Cicero was therefore a novus homo, or “new man”: the first person in his family to reach the highest offices of Roman politics.
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Cicero’s social background
He came from a wealthy family of the equestrian order, below Rome’s traditional senatorial aristocracy. His rise to the highest offices made him a *novus homo*.
Cicero’s cognomen
A cognomen was a hereditary family nickname. Cicero’s came from *cicer*, Latin for chickpea.
Titus Pomponius
He was Cicero’s close friend, later known as Atticus. The two maintained a lifelong friendship and correspondence.
Apollonius Molon
On Rhodes, Molon helped Cicero refine his delivery and build physical stamina for public speaking.
*Pro Roscio Amerino*
This early criminal-court speech defended Sextus Roscius. Its successful outcome demonstrated Cicero’s skill and raised his profile in Rome.
Quiz questions
Where was Cicero born?Answer: In Arpinum, a town southeast of Rome.
What did *novus homo* mean in Cicero’s political context?Answer: He was the first man in his family to reach Rome’s highest offices.
What was the origin of Cicero’s cognomen?Answer: It came from the Latin word for chickpea.
How did Cicero’s studies in Greece benefit his later work?Answer: They helped him adapt Greek rhetoric and philosophy for Roman audiences.
Why was Cicero’s defence of Sextus Roscius politically significant?Answer: He challenged a Sullan associate while avoiding a direct attack on Sulla.
Based on the Wikipedia article Cicero, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.