Marcus Tullillus Cicero Research Paper

Emily 5/14/16
Social Studies 6 Mr. Kennedy

Cicero When you hear the names Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., and John F. Kennedy, what do you think of? All of these men were great were modern day political activists that used the power of speech to make a difference in the lives of others. They are not alone. Throughout history, many great men and women have used power and political position to influence change in a country or culture. One of these men was Marcus Tullius Cicero. Cicero was known as the best public speaker in Rome. He was a Roman politician, lawyer, and orator. Marcus Tullius Cicero was born on January 3rd - 106 B.C. into a wealthy family from Arpinum, Rome. He was a very smart boy who was taught by the finest teachers. Cicero learned about Greek philosophers and poets, and he also learned how to speak Latin and Greek. Eventually Cicero became known as one the smartest children in Rome. When he got older he decided to train as a speaker so he could become a lawyer. Cicero made two good friends while at law school. They were Servius Rufus and Atticus. They both helped to support Cicero throughout his political career, along with his wealthy and

Historians have been able to learn a lot about the Roman government. Two common themes in Cicero’s writings were “duty to country” and “duty to man.” Throughout his career, Cicero delivered over 100 speeches on topics including philosophy, rhetoric, ethics, law and religion. Many were written in the Latin language of which Cicero was a master. The texts of fifty-seven of these speeches has survived. Additionally, Cicero wrote almost 800 letters which were as carefully composed as his speeches. Most were written to his brother or close friends in an informal style. The letters range in topics and show his energy, his courage, his loyalty, and his basic honesty, kindliness, and