Marcus Tullius Cicero

15. Cicero’s Letters How do these letters illustrate the operation of patron-client relationships? What does “friend” mean to Cicero? What conclusions can you draw from these letters about the civil wars of the last century of the Roman Republic? To what extent were generals in a position to do people political and other favors, especially generals in newly conquered provinces? What do these letters show about the role of women in Roman politics? Does Cicero seem to value the women in his family? What light do these letters shed on the extent to which Roman culture stressed service to the community as opposed to individual drive and excellence?

Cicero denouncing Cataline

16. Quintus Cicero Letter to his Brother How would you describe Roman elections on the basis of this source? For example, does it seem that they were rigged? What did it mean to be a novus homo in the late Republic? How easy was it for such a person to become consul? SMALL GROUP EXERCISE: What is the variety of patron-client relationships apparent in this letter?