Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome’s Greatest Politician
Book review, 6-23-14

Author, Anthony Everitt Biography, 325 pgs. ISBN 978-0-375-75895-9

Professor Everitt brings back to life Rome’s greatest politician, takes you on a journey back to Rome during the greatest days of the Republic and through the eyes and words of Marcus Tullius Cicero exposes the acts and players responsible for initiating the fall of the Republic. It was the beginning of the end even the great Cicero could not prevent.

This book is not only a biography; it is a history of one of the most interesting periods of the Roman Empire. Spanning from 109 BC to 14 AD we are treated to events preceding Cicero that influenced him and events that succeeded Cicero that were influenced by him. Cicero was born in 106 BC and put to death in 43 BC. He lived through the days of Sulla’s dictatorship, Caius Julius Caesar’s reign, the slave uprising lead by Spartacus, the tensions between powerful rivals Crassus and Pompey, the rise to power of Caius Julius Caesar Octavianus (later known as the emperor Augustus), Cleopatra, and Marc Antony. During his life he held many high offices and much influence in the Senate. His death, a result of proscription, was primarily punishment for expressing political views unpopular to Marc Antony. Many times Cicero put his life in danger. This was the nature of politics in his time.

Never in Roman history was there a greater defender of the Republic and its Constitution. Though he was from a modest background and fought all of his life for respect among the optimates (representatives of the elites/patricians), he could not be suppressed. His training in rhetoric, philosophy, and politics combined with his natural talents of oratory, destined Cicero for a place in history. Working throughout his life to preserve the Republic and stay true to his principles, late in life he came to realize that the cronyism and despotism had so destroyed the Republic and diminished the Senate that a point came where he had no choice (in his mind) but to abandon principle and play by the same rules as the usurpers. He had a victory, but it was short lived and so were his remaining days.

Filled with excerpts from Cicero’s various writings and letters, many of which were to his best friend and confidant Titus Pomponious Atticus, we are granted an inside look at Cicero’s public and private life. His troubles and triumphs show the man as brilliant yet still quite human and not without faults. His story also reminds us of our own times and the old adage that history repeats.

If you are so inclined to reading of this genre, I would recommend this National Bestseller. Professor Everitt’s book is well written, loaded with details of life in ancient Rome, personal and political intrigue, Cicero’s insight, life and experiences.

Respectfully,
O.A.