Welcome to the World of Cicero’s Letters!

If you have already studied Cicero’s speeches, like the In Verrem 1, you have seen Cicero in his "public" mode—the master orator, confident and powerful. In this chapter, we look at Cicero as a correspondent (a letter writer). This is where we see the "private" Cicero. Through these letters, we get a "backstage pass" to the collapse of the Roman Republic.

Think of these letters as a mix of modern-day emails, WhatsApp messages, and formal political briefings. They reveal his fears, his massive ego, his genuine friendships, and his desperate attempts to save the res publica (the Republic).

Note: You are studying these as part of the Politics of the Late Republic. While Cicero’s personal life is interesting, always keep one eye on how these letters reflect the political shifts from Sulla's retirement to Cicero's death.

1. The "Ego" and the General: Letter to Pompey (Fam. 5.7)

Context: Written in 62 BC. Cicero has just finished his year as consul, where he stopped the Catilinarian conspiracy. He is feeling very proud of himself.

In this letter to Pompey the Great, Cicero is clearly "fishing" for a compliment. Pompey was away winning wars in the East and had sent a letter to the Senate that didn't mention Cicero's achievements much. Cicero writes back to say:

  • He is happy Pompey is successful.
  • He is a bit hurt that Pompey didn't acknowledge his (Cicero's) work in saving Rome from Catiline.
  • He hopes that in the future, they can be "political partners" (just like Scipio Africanus and Laelius).

Key Takeaway: This letter shows Cicero's pietas (duty) to the state but also his desperate need for validation from powerful military men.

2. The "First Triumvirate" Pressure (Att. 2.18)

Context: Written in 59 BC to his best friend, Atticus. This is the year of Caesar’s first consulship.

Cicero is deeply worried. Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus have formed an informal alliance (the First Triumvirate). Cicero describes the political atmosphere as "oppressive." He tells Atticus that everyone is unhappy, but nobody does anything about it. He uses a famous image: people are groaning about the situation, but the "remedy" (standing up to the Triumvirate) is seen as more painful than the "disease."

Did you know? Cicero’s letters to Atticus are often much more honest because Atticus was his closest friend and stayed out of politics, making him a safe "sounding board."

3. Defining the Art of Letter Writing (Fam. 2.4)

Context: Written in 53 BC to Curio, a younger politician.

In this short but important letter, Cicero discusses why people write letters. He identifies three main types:
1. Informative: Telling people what is happening.
2. Intimate and Humorous: Joking with friends.
3. Serious and Weighty: Discussing philosophy or politics.

Cicero tells Curio that because the times are so dark, he can't write the "humorous" kind of letter and must stick to the "serious" stuff.

4. Living in the Provinces (Fam. 2.11)

Context: Written in 50 BC to Caelius. Cicero is serving as a governor in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey).

Cicero hated being away from the "action" in Rome. In this letter, he is desperate to return. He begs Caelius to make sure his term as governor isn't extended. He also jokes about "panthers"—Caelius wanted Cicero to send him some wild panthers for a show in Rome, but Cicero wittily replies that the panthers have all fled because they are the only ones being hunted in his province!

5. The Civil War Dilemma (Att. 8.8, 9.4, 9.11a)

Context: 49 BC. Caesar has crossed the Rubicon. The Civil War has begun.

To Atticus (8.8): Cicero is in total despair. He is furious with Pompey for abandoning Rome and retreating to the South. He calls Pompey's strategy "disgraceful" and feels abandoned by the man he once admired.

To Atticus (9.4): This is a fascinating "philosophical" letter. Cicero lists several "theses" (questions) he is asking himself in Greek and Latin. For example: "Should one remain in one's country even under a tyrant?" or "Should one move to help one's country even if it risks a war?" It shows Cicero trying to use philosophy to make a political decision.

To Caesar (9.11a): This is Cicero the diplomat. He writes to Caesar trying to stay on his good side while also trying to mediate peace between Caesar and Pompey. He uses clementia (mercy) as a theme, praising Caesar’s supposed kindness. It is a very careful, "balancing act" letter.

Key Takeaway: Don't worry if Cicero seems indecisive here. Most Romans were terrified! These letters show the struggle of a man trying to do the right thing while the res publica falls apart.

6. The Dictatorship of Caesar (Att. 13.40, 14.4)

Context: 45–44 BC. Caesar has won the war and is now Dictator.

To Atticus (13.40): Cicero writes about Brutus. He is frustrated because he feels Brutus isn't doing enough to restore the Republic. He is losing hope that the old systems will ever return.

To Atticus (14.4): Written just weeks after the assassination of Caesar (the Ides of March). Cicero is relieved that the "tyrant" is dead, but he is already realizing that the problem isn't gone. He famously remarks that the joy of being "delivered" from the tyrant is overshadowed by the fact that the "tyranny" (Caesar’s supporters and his laws) still remains.

7. The Final Fight (Fam. 10.28, 10.6)

Context: 43 BC. Mark Antony is the new threat. Cicero is back in the political spotlight.

To Trebonius (10.28): Cicero writes to one of the conspirators who killed Caesar. He says he wishes he had been invited to that "splendid banquet" (the assassination). He is angry that Mark Antony was spared, saying the conspirators "left a mess" for him to clean up.

To Plancus (10.6): Written to a governor with a large army. Cicero is trying to convince Plancus to stay loyal to the Senate and the Republic, rather than joining Mark Antony. He appeals to Plancus's sense of iustitia (justice) and his future reputation.

Quick Review Box:
- Pompey: Cicero wanted to be his "brain" or advisor.
- Caesar: Cicero feared him but respected his power and hoped for clementia.
- Atticus: The only person Cicero truly trusted.
- The Republic: The thing Cicero loved most, even when he knew it was dying.

Summary Checklist for the Exam

  • Self-Portrait: Can you describe Cicero’s personality (his vanity, his wit, his anxiety)?
  • The Triumvirate: How do the letters show the loss of freedom during Caesar and Pompey’s rise?
  • The Civil War: Use the letters to Atticus to explain why Cicero found it so hard to choose a side.
  • The Assassination: How did Cicero's feelings change from the "joy" of the Ides of March to the "despair" of the aftermath?
  • Terminology: Be ready to use terms like res publica, clementia, and pietas when discussing his motives.

Note: For more on Cicero's public career, see the chapter on "Cicero and the res publica". For his legal skills, see "Cicero as orator: In Verrem 1".