Milo vs. Clodius 1/8/17

Roman Political Climate – 50s BC As touched on before, the political matters in Rome from around 100-50 B.C. were controlled by two factions Optimates – group which supported the power of the senate and nobles/aristocrats Populares – supported the cause of the plebeians and lower classes Conflicts between the two groups spilled out into the public sphere via violence and intimidation Note that supporters of these parties did not necessarily believe in such causes, they were more concerned with personal gain. E.G. Caesar used his platform with the populares to gain influence and later became dictator!

Publius Clodius Pulcher Patrician by birth (Claudius) but changed his name. Brother of Lesbia! Politician supported by Caesar Famous for exiling Cicero in 58 BC as Tribune of the Plebs Used the poor to his advantage; preferred a sort of anarchy Known for some unspeakable acts.. Changed his name to move up in the political ranks more easily; he did so by being adopted into a plebeian family. Used plebs for personal benefit as their champion. Loved to rile them up to riot, etc. Tell 2 stories: Relations with sister Clodia. Surprised? Bona Dea – Rites of Bona Dea were held every December; supervised by the vestal virgins and no men were allowed. In 62 BC, Caesar’s wife Pompeia and mother hosted the ceremony (because that year Caesar was the Pontifex Maximus). Clodius came to the ceremony disguised as a woman with the intent of seducing Pompeia. The scandal which followed went on for months and consumed all political business in Rome during that time. This scandal caused Caesar to divorce his wife (lose-lose situation for him) and brought about the accusations of incest from his former brother in law Lucius Licinius Lucullus (politically motivated since Clodius had revolted against him).

Titus Annius Milo Born to a wealthy family; groomed by Pompey and the optimates to take down Caesar and Clodius Became Tribune a year after Clodius and helped bring Cicero back from exile (after facing stiff opposition from Clodius) Instead of riling up the masses, he had an organized crime unit Crime unit was basically a band of thugs who would beat people up who didn’t follow their rules. Throughout the 50s, the two men butted heads and Milo had unsuccessfully tried to prosecute Clodius for violence at one point.

Clash on the Appian Way In 52 BC, the two men and their entourages met on the Appian Way Clodius ended up being killed during this encounter and as a result, Milo was prosecuted Cicero defended his friend Milo in court, but the presence of Clodius’ men intimidated him so much that he presented the speech very poorly You will read an objective account of the meeting and then some of Cicero’s defense of Milo Cicero was not the only defender of Milo who was intimidated. 2 other lawyers unsuccessfully defended Milo. E.G. after a witness on the first day of the trial portrayed Milo as a murderer, Clodius’ men became aggressive by surrounding the lawyer and drowning out his defense. After this event, Pompey (who had been made temporary dictator to restore rule) brought in guards to keep things under control.

Clash on the Appian Way In 52 BC, the two men and their entourages met on the Appian Way Clodius ended up being killed during this encounter and as a result, Milo was prosecuted Cicero defended his friend Milo in court, but the presence of Clodius’ cohorts intimidated him so much that he presented the speech very poorly You will read an objective account of the meeting and then some of Cicero’s defense of Milo Cicero was not the only defender of Milo who was intimidated. 2 other lawyers unsuccessfully defended Milo. E.G. after a witness on the first day of the trial portrayed Milo as a murderer, Clodius’ men became aggressive by surrounding the lawyer and drowning out his defense. After this event, Pompey (who had been made temporary dictator to restore rule) brought in guards to keep things under control.