Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Cicero

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Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Cicero

Marcus Tullius Cicero was born on 3 January 106 BC. He was a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar, philosopher and Academic Sceptic

He was part of the revolution that led to the birth of the Roman Empire. Through his extensive writings, he became a celebrated orator and a prose stylist.

Cicero came from a wealthy background of the Roman equestrian order. He served as consul in 63 BC. He rubbed shoulders with Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Brutus. Truth is, he was not entirely Roman.

There is so much more about Cicero, here are the top 10 remarkable facts about him.

1. Cicero influenced the Latin language

He had a great influence on the Latin language. Cicero wrote more than three-quarters of the surviving Latin literature. These were written during his adult life.

The written prose of the Latin language was adopted by others who attempted to slightly change the style. It was also done in other European languages until the 19^th century.  

Cicero created a Latin philosophical vocabulary with buzzwords such as evidentia, Humanitas, qualitas, quantitas, and essential. This way, he was able to distinguish himself as a translator and philosopher.

Through learning Latin, he was able to assimilate into Roman society. He was an Arpinian, and they spoke a native Volsian.

The upper-class people spoke Latin and Greek. Greek was popularly used for daily communication.

2. He was an accomplished lawyer

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Cicero was an accomplished orator and successful lawyer but is best known for his philosophical writings. He also believed that his political career was his most important achievement.

While serving in the government, there was an attempt to overthrow the government. The city was attacked by outside forces, Cicero took it upon himself to execute the conspirators.

He was not the greatest supporter of Julius Caesar. Cicero, therefore, championed the return of the traditional republican government.

After Caesar was assassinated, Cicero became enemies with Mark Anthony. The two were fighting for power. Cicero used his oratory skill to attack Mark Anthony.

3. Cicero’s father was well known

Marcus Tullius Cicero belonged to the tribe of Cornelia. His father was a well-known member of the equestrian order and had good connections in Rome.

Cicero’s father had health problems that hindered him from taking public office, he, therefore, spent his time studying.

Very little is known about his mother, Helvia. It is believed, just like other Roman wives, she was responsible for the management of the household.

In a letter written by his brother, he described their mother as a frugal housewife.

4. Cicero, his surname, means chickpeas

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Cicero’s surname comes from the Latin word for chickpea, cicer. This name was originally given to his ancestors who had a cleft lip.

The cleft at the tip of his ancestor’s nose resembled a chickpea. Another legend explanation is that his ancestors were known for growing chickpeas. They made profits from selling them.

It is also believed that ancient Romans chose simple, relatable family names that referred to beans, lentils or peas.     

AS a politician, Cicero was pressured to change his surname, he however refused to state great leaders before him who never changed their name.

5. Cicero was not legally a Roman

Cicero was able to assimilate into the Roman culture through learning Latin. He was never accepted fully as a Roman.

This did not stop him from pursuing his dreams. He used his inherent knowledge in Greek and Latin to gain massive power.

Cicero spent many years translating Greek philosophy into Latin. This way, he was able to make the stories and ideologies accessible to a wider audience.

He was so obsessed with Greek culture and the language that his family nicknamed him Gadymedes meaning Little Greek Boy.

6. There was an assassination attempt against him

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Cicero spent years drawing attention to the dangers of not dealing with Catiline. Catiline was also a revolutionary but had bad intentions. He had planned several attacks against Italy.

In 63 BC, Cicero convinced the Senate to proclaim Senatus consultum ultimum, this was a Roman equivalent of martial law.

Catiline retaliated by attempting to assassinate Cicero. Cicero dodged it. 

The people were on Cicero’s side and never reported his whereabouts. One time when he was caught before boarding a ship, his slaves denied seeing him.

7. His friendship with Julius Caesar was rocky

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Cicero is best known for his attitude towards Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony, Augustus and Pompey.

He never fully supported them during their struggle. He believed that it would endanger the Senate and the Republic.

After the assassination of Julius Caesar, Cicero attempted to put Mark Anthony and Octavian against each other. The two became allies and turned against Cicero.

8. Cicero distinguished himself as a linguist

Cicero is generally alleged to be one of the niftiest minds of ancient Rome. He introduced the Romans to the chief schools of Greek philosophy as well as creating a Latin philosophical vocabulary.

He identified as a linguist, translator, and philosopher. Cicero was a successful orator and successful lawyer.

Today, Cicero is celebrated for his humanism and philosophical and political writings. He greatly influenced the writing culture of Europe.

His letters to his friend Atticus, are said to have contained rich information about revolutions in governments.  Most of his writing has survived to this modern day.

9. His marriage to Terentia was for convenience

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To finance his political ambitions, Cicero married Terentia at the age of 27. She came from a wealthy, noble family.

Although their marriage was for convenience basis, Terentia was involved in Cicero’s political and writing affairs. They were married for 30 years.

The couple had two children; their marriage ended because Cicero claimed that Terentia betrayed him.

He remarried five years later still for money. 

10. Cicero loved his daughter so much, his wife was jealous

 Most of Cicero’s writings praise his daughter, Tullia. He describes her as an affectionate, clever, and beloved daughter.

The daughter fell ill and died a month after she was born. He had this daughter in his second marriage to Publilia.

She became jealous of this relationship and resented Cicero. Publilia did not comfort her husband after the death of their daughter.

A month after they had buried their daughter, Cicero divorced Publilia.