Roman Historia

Above: Cicero addresses the Senate Throughout Roman history, the skill of oratory had always remained a highly valued part of society. Whether it was the fierce political speeches given by Senators, or the pleas of innocence made in the law courts, Roman society relied upon the ability of its speakers to lead the republic and provide a sense of direction for its citizens. Oratory – which broadly involved the giving of speeches, debating, and the handling of legal trials – was a fiercely competitive industry, attracting political hopefuls and great legal minds alike to test their ability. Whilst Rome was particularly renowned for its great speakers, no one stands out more for their ability in the field than Marcus Tullius Cicecro (106-43 BC). Best known for his role in the republics eventual collapse, alongside his vain attempt to protect traditional Roman values, Cicero was able to ascend to a position of political power on the back of his great oratorical skill. But for Cicer...

This is part two of the First Triumvirate series. To view part one, click here ! As Caesar ended his Consulship and departed for his new role as governor of Gaul, the three triumvirs - Pompey, Crassus and Caesar - appeared unstoppable. Between the wealth and contacts of Crassus, the heroic stature and military legacy of Pompey and the political daring of Caesar, those conservatives within the Senate that once opposed the trio now found themselves at their mercy. However, despite their initial successes, all was not well between the three. It would be the impact of the ensuing split within this political alliance - and the resulting factions that would rise from its ashes - that would eventually lead the Republic into a bloody civil war. Growing Tensions It was within Rome itself that the first signs of tension between the three leaders could be seen. By 57 BC, political clashes within the capital had become endemic. Mobs of supporters, led by opposing charismatic lea...

By March 44 BC, Julius Caesar had established himself as the undisputed master of Rome. After surviving the breakup of the Triumvirate and the ensuing civil war, which spanned across three different continents, Caesar had seen off all challengers and had cemented his position as dictator. Within Rome itself, concerned citizens looked on and pondered their own fate. Would Caesar eventually lay down his position and retire from public life, as Sulla had done as dictator a generation ago? Or would Caesar look to bring down the ailing Republic once and for all, and re-establish a monarchy in Rome.   As the Ides of March approached, the Roman people would not have to wait any longer for their answer.  The Background After defeating Pompey at the battle of Pharsalus (48 BC), Julius Caesar would spend the next few years bringing a bloody civil war to a close. Darting from Greece to Egypt, Rome to Spain, Caesar would stamp his authority on the state and destroy the remai...