Personal life of Cicero

Inside my head cropped

== Personal Life of Cicero ==

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BC – 43 BC) was a Roman statesman, orator, and author who played a critical role in the politics of the late Roman Republic. Beyond his public life, Cicero's personal life was marked by his relationships, family, and philosophical pursuits.

Early Life and Family

Cicero was born on January 3, 106 BC, in Arpinum, a town southeast of Rome. His father, also named Marcus Tullius Cicero, was a well-to-do member of the equestrian order, and his mother, Helvia, came from a wealthy family. Cicero had a younger brother named Quintus.

Marriage and Children

In 79 BC, Cicero married Terentia, a woman of noble birth. The marriage produced two children: a daughter, Tullia, and a son, Marcus. Tullia was particularly dear to Cicero, and her death in 45 BC deeply affected him. Cicero's relationship with Terentia was complex and eventually ended in divorce in 51 BC. He later married a young woman named Publilia, but this marriage also ended in divorce.

Philosophical Pursuits

Cicero was a prolific writer and philosopher. His works on rhetoric, ethics, and politics have had a lasting impact on Western thought. He was heavily influenced by the Greek philosophers and sought to adapt their ideas to the Roman context. His philosophical works include "De Officiis" (On Duties), "De Amicitia" (On Friendship), and "De Senectute" (On Old Age).

Exile and Return

Cicero's political career was tumultuous, leading to his exile in 58 BC due to his opposition to Clodius. During his exile, Cicero traveled to various parts of the Roman Empire, including Greece and Macedonia. He was recalled to Rome in 57 BC, where he resumed his political activities.

Death

Cicero's life came to a tragic end in 43 BC during the proscriptions of the Second Triumvirate. He was declared an enemy of the state by Mark Antony, and on December 7, 43 BC, he was captured and executed. His head and hands were displayed on the Rostra in the Roman Forum as a grim warning to his political opponents.

Legacy

Cicero's personal life, marked by his intellectual pursuits and complex relationships, has been the subject of much scholarly interest. His writings continue to be studied for their insights into Roman culture, politics, and philosophy.

See Also

• Roman Republic
• Roman Forum
• Second Triumvirate
• Greek philosophy
• Rhetoric