‘Cicero’s attitude towards Mark Antony represented his political views which were
expressed throughout Cicero’s career.’ Discuss to what extent you have found this to be the
case. Justify your response.
Overall, I agree with this statement to most extent as Cicero’s felt such strong dislike
towards Mark Antony due to Antony’s untraditional ways and lack of loyalty towards Caesar
whereas Cicero often expressed his desire for a restored traditional republic and concordia
ordinum.
Agree – Mark Antony agreed not to put the conspirators on trial in return for the consulship
It was illegal to kill a roman citizen thus Antony was going against the laws of the
state by allowing the conspirators off freely
Goes against Concordia ordinum – lack of harmony – Cicero strongly advocated this
– first philippic shows his desire for harmony
Cicero felt Antony was going against Caesar – Cicero criticised Antony’s policy’s –
suggesting they were not in line with Caesar – Cicero had shown loyalty to Atticus
constantly – belief in maintaining loyalty to friends
In 63BC Cicero argued in favour of the Catiline Conspirator’s prosecution – thus it is
clear he believes conspirators should be convicted – disagreement with Antony’s
actions thus his attitude is in line with his beliefs.
Agree – Caesar’s will revealed he had an adopted son – Octavius – who was to replace
Caesar and continue his work – Antony prevented this by bribing Caesars veterans for their
loyalty and he secured himself a five year command in Gaul.
Corrupt – Antony is using bribery (Cicero spoke out against bribery in the trial of
Verres – 70BC) – Lex Tullia
Goes against Mos Maiorum – following tradition – in this case passing down assets
to a child – Cicero shows disapproval of those who go against this in trial of verres
(‘No man’s property was safe; even if it had been given to him by his father and
grandfather’
Agree – Cicero’s disapproval of individuals having too much power
59BC – Cicero refused to join the triumvirate
Stuck to ideal of Concordia ordinum
Disagree – Cicero had shown disloyalty himself
67BC voted against the Lex Gabinia
66BC voted for the Lex Manilia
This shows Cicero often changed his views and ideals to fit his own personal
ambition – this is what he argued Antony did so his attitude doesn’t express his
views.
expressed throughout Cicero’s career.’ Discuss to what extent you have found this to be the
case. Justify your response.
Overall, I agree with this statement to most extent as Cicero’s felt such strong dislike
towards Mark Antony due to Antony’s untraditional ways and lack of loyalty towards Caesar
whereas Cicero often expressed his desire for a restored traditional republic and concordia
ordinum.
Agree – Mark Antony agreed not to put the conspirators on trial in return for the consulship
It was illegal to kill a roman citizen thus Antony was going against the laws of the
state by allowing the conspirators off freely
Goes against Concordia ordinum – lack of harmony – Cicero strongly advocated this
– first philippic shows his desire for harmony
Cicero felt Antony was going against Caesar – Cicero criticised Antony’s policy’s –
suggesting they were not in line with Caesar – Cicero had shown loyalty to Atticus
constantly – belief in maintaining loyalty to friends
In 63BC Cicero argued in favour of the Catiline Conspirator’s prosecution – thus it is
clear he believes conspirators should be convicted – disagreement with Antony’s
actions thus his attitude is in line with his beliefs.
Agree – Caesar’s will revealed he had an adopted son – Octavius – who was to replace
Caesar and continue his work – Antony prevented this by bribing Caesars veterans for their
loyalty and he secured himself a five year command in Gaul.
Corrupt – Antony is using bribery (Cicero spoke out against bribery in the trial of
Verres – 70BC) – Lex Tullia
Goes against Mos Maiorum – following tradition – in this case passing down assets
to a child – Cicero shows disapproval of those who go against this in trial of verres
(‘No man’s property was safe; even if it had been given to him by his father and
grandfather’
Agree – Cicero’s disapproval of individuals having too much power
59BC – Cicero refused to join the triumvirate
Stuck to ideal of Concordia ordinum
Disagree – Cicero had shown disloyalty himself
67BC voted against the Lex Gabinia
66BC voted for the Lex Manilia
This shows Cicero often changed his views and ideals to fit his own personal
ambition – this is what he argued Antony did so his attitude doesn’t express his
views.
