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"Pro Archia poeta; Post reditum in Senatu; Post reditum ad quirites; De domo sua; De haruspicum responsis; Pro Plancio" is a collection of speeches by the renowned Roman orator, politician, and philosopher, Marcus Tullius Cicero. These speeches, delivered between 62 and 54 BCE, cover a range of topics that reflect the political climate and social issues of the late Roman Republic. The first speech, "Pro Archia poeta," is a defense of the Greek poet Aulus Licinius Archias, who was facing expatriation from Rome. Cicero argues for Archias's Roman citizenship and his contributions to Roman culture, providing a glimpse into the role of literature and arts in Roman society. "Post reditum in Senatu" and "Post reditum ad quirites" are two speeches delivered after Cicero's return from exile in 57 BCE. In these speeches, Cicero expresses his gratitude to the Roman people and Senate for his restoration, while also addressing the political tensions and power struggles that led to his banishment. "De domo sua" is a speech in which Cicero defends his right to rebuild his house on the Palatine Hill, which was demolished as a punishment for his role in the death of the radical politician Lucius Catilina. Cicero's defense not only focuses on his personal predicament but also touches upon the broader themes of justice, law, and morality in the Roman Republic. "De haruspicum responsis" is a speech that deals with the interpretation of omens and portents by the Etruscan haruspices, or religious diviners. Cicero uses this opportunity to criticize his political opponents and to assert his own authority as a defender of traditional Roman religion and values. The final speech, "Pro Plancio," is a defense of Cicero's friend and ally, Gaius Plancius, who was accused of electoral corruption in 54 BCE. Cicero's speech highlights the challenges of the Roman electoral process and the importance of upholding the principles of justice and fairness. Overall, this collection of speeches by Cicero offers valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural landscape of the late Roman Republic, as well as showcasing Cicero's exceptional rhetorical skills and his commitment to the rule of law and democratic values.
Aristotle
The Art of Rhetoric
This book by Aristotle is a comprehensive guide to rhetoric, which was a fundamental skill in ancient Rome. Cicero himself was a master of rhetoric, and this book can provide insight into the techniques and theories that influenced his own speeches.
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The Republic
Plato's Republic is one of the most influential works of philosophy in Western civilization. Cicero was deeply influenced by Greek philosophy, and this book in particular explores many of the same themes that Cicero takes up in his own speeches and treatises.
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The Twelve Caesars
Suetonius' biographies of the first twelve Roman emperors offer a fascinating look at the political landscape of ancient Rome. Cicero's own career intersected with several of the emperors discussed in this book, making it a valuable context for understanding his speeches and writings.
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The Aeneid
Virgil's epic poem tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who becomes the ancestor of the Roman people. Cicero was a contemporary of Virgil, and the two men moved in the same social circles. Understanding the cultural context of Virgil's poem can shed light on the world in which Cicero lived and worked.
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The Clouds
Aristophanes' play The Clouds is a satire of the Sophists, a group of itinerant philosophers and rhetoricians who traveled throughout ancient Greece and Rome. Cicero was heavily influenced by the Sophists, and this play offers a humorous take on the intellectual debates that shaped his own thinking.
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The Trial and Death of Socrates
Plato's dialogue The Trial and Death of Socrates explores the trial and execution of the famous philosopher. Cicero was a lawyer as well as a philosopher, and this dialogue can help readers understand the legal and ethical issues that informed his own speeches and writings.
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The Art of Love
Ovid's
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