Cicero: Biography of a Roman Lawyer, Writer, and Statesman

Cicero was born into a wealthy municipal family within the Roman equestrian order and held the esteemed office of consul in 63 BC, a significant achievement in his career. His oratorical prowess was unrivaled, and his skill in public speaking earned him a reputation that endured through the centuries. His publications spanned a broad range of subjects, from the theoretical aspects of rhetoric to the practical concerns of governance and philosophy. Cicero’s mastery of the Latin language was profound—he is said to have written over three-quarters of all surviving Latin literature from his time. His works, characterized by their clarity and depth, formed the foundation for subsequent Latin prose, influencing European languages and thinkers well into the 19th century.