Essay on The Fall of the Roman Republic – Cicero

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Marcus Tullius Cicero played an important role in the politics of ancient Rome. Whilst his influence and ambitions for the Roman Res Publica were not time-withstanding, they did affect the contemporary political climate of the state, as well as ensure his legacy and beliefs would not be underestimated or overlooked. The Roman Res Publica, established 403 years before Cicero’s birth, provided a form of democracy for the people of Rome. Over the forthcoming centuries after its initial formation, corruption grew steadily; ultimately leading to its fatal destruction in 31 BC. It is widely acknowledged that it would be nearly impossible for one man to have prevented this autocratic rise and subsequent fall of the Res Publica. Yet, Cicero dedicated his political career and ultimately laid down his life in pursuit of what he believed was worth bitterly defending: Rome’s traditional Republican government. Despite his failure at protecting this institution, Cicero was far from an obsolete senator. Cicero was, by common consent, “…an important political figure…”

Historians agree that he was influential, however, the extent and impact of his role remains contentious and debatable. Cicero’s role in the Trial of Verres, and the Catiline Conspiracy established prestige, and provided with him with opportunities of which he influenced the trajectory of Rome. His personal relationships affected the events of the classical Roman period; however, they would also cement in history his staunch defence of the Res Publica. Whilst noble and righteous in his aim, Cicero lacked the cunning and substance to succeed. His honest convictions lacked the fluidity of beliefs that a Roman politician required to maintain political power.

Cicero’s writings present an obvious bias, with his own beliefs and opinions inseparable from the words written. His works have also survived in abundance, where there is far less material which presents an opposing view. However, by using his work in conjunction with other contemporary writers, it is possible to consolidate his words. Cicero’s insights are also reasonable and are used extensively by modern historians. Yet, it must be remembered that he is presenting the Roman world from his perspective, and it is almost certain that he has exaggerated to benefit himself, and such “…as elsewhere, we must always be alert to the other side of the story…”

Cicero established a secure reputation for his judiciary and oratory skills during his cunning prosecution at the Trial of Verres in 70 BC. Cicero’s skilful defeat over Verres in his extortion case was a success for the inhabitants of Sicily, but also, for Cicero’s own mirage. However, he claimed that he was compelled to protect Rome’s provincials, stating “Although it looks like a prosecution, it should be reckoned more as an act of defence than one of prosecution.”3 This demonstrates Cicero’s most important goal, and one which he remained certain about throughout his life: protecting the Res Publica system. It was important for Cicero to manipulate a positive spin on his prosecution of Verres because it had angered many senators whom wished to continue the practice of extorting the provincials they governed in order to repay the debts they incurred during the election campaigns. Robinson stating “[Cicero had] an unswerving fidelity to the Republican tradition.”