The Roman Philosopher Who Sparked the Renaissance Centuries After His Death
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 – 43 BC), considered Rome’s greatest orator, was a statesman, philosopher, scholar, lawyer, and writer who served as consul in 63 BC. Throughout his career, he tried in vain to uphold republican principles as the Roman Republic tore itself apart in civil wars during its final years. He had much greater impact and success influencing Western thought for centuries. The rediscovery of his writings more than a millennium after his death is credited with sparking the Renaissance.
Cicero was born into a wealthy equestrian family in Arpinum, and was sent to study law in Rome as a youth. His brilliant defense of a Sextus Roscius in 79 BC against trumped up charges of parricide established his reputation as a lawyer and began his rise in Rome. He became a supporter of Pompey the Great, and as a member of the conservative and pro-aristocratic optimates faction, was elected consul in 63 BC. That year, he suppressed what came to be known as the Catiline Conspiracy to overthrow the government. He arrested and ordered the summary execution of its ringleaders captured in Rome.
