Murder in Rome: Cicero’s Most Famous Case

Unlike many other titans of the late Republican era, Marcus Tullius Cicero was not born to extraordinary power or fame. His prominent place in history is largely a product of his talent, his enormous professional output, and his uncanny knack for self-promotion.

Cicero became a household name in Rome after he took on -- and won -- a court case that no lawyer would touch, and one which cut dangerously close to Sulla, the powerful former dictator. This true crime documentary looks at the scandalous killing that shocked the people of Rome - the murder trial of a man accused of killing his own father.

Related content:

00:00 Why Cicero Matters
01:54 Cicero's Gambit
02:51 Patricide in Roman Law
05:06 The Trial of the Century
10:59 Cicero's speech
13:19 The Death of Cicero

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[tribunateSPQR]

What is your favorite moment from the life of Cicero?

[michaeladu]

You, sir, cannot imagine how much you've reignited my love for Roman history. As a black man, in recent years, I've grown fed up with all the dog-whistling and chauvinism present in the online community of Roman history lovers. It's so refreshing seeing someone actually care about the history and not the modern-day politics that surrounds it.

[larskaaber]

As Cicero said, "the life of the dead is set in the memory of the living" - and this video is a great epitaph for a very brave Roman.

[tatata]

Fun fact: Cicero was pronounced as “Kikero” by the Romans.

[nicholasturner]

Actually Cicero never accused Sulla of anything, only stating that anyone with a number of slaves or freedmen are bound to have a dishonest one. He went after Sulla ‘s freedman chrysogonus . Cicero wasn’t crazy he knew he could never accuse the dictator but his Greek freedman was a different story.Cicero didn’t even insinuate Sulla was knowingly turning a blind eye to actions of his freedman.

[Qba]

The way Cicero attacked Chrysogonus was also interesting. He didn't focus on how ruthless and dangerous Chrysogonus was, as this was an open secret and the reason why many jurors probably feared him. Instead, Cicero mocked his supposedly effeminate behaviour, thus easing said fears.

[stevetrail]

Everyone should read Cicero’s “On the Good Life.” It contains more wisdom than any book I’ve ever read.

[saeidnourian]

Incredible story! Thanks for telling it! Always a fan of your channel

[SklLLLY]

Idk how I’m just seeing this channel! Loving these vids

[cormacglynn]

Great video, love the narrating style.

[thecjbrowne]

Wow, what an incredible analysis of Cicero's life and impact on the late Roman Republic! This video dives deep into the intricacies of Cicero's role in history and his contributions as a prominent figure during the transition from the Republic to the Empire.

Cicero's legacy truly stands out in a time that featured some of the most influential and noteworthy individuals in world history, including Caesar, Augustus, Cleopatra, and Pompey. The video eloquently captures how Cicero not only stood alongside these giants but also towered over them in some aspects.

The focus on Cicero's surviving works and their diversity showcases the wealth of material that provides insight into his life and the era he lived in. It's fascinating to learn about how his speeches and literary output were highly regarded in his lifetime and continued to be revered by subsequent generations.

The video also delves into Cicero's political strategies and opportunistic nature, highlighting his willingness to work with various factions to further his own interests. His daring move to challenge Sulla's dictatorship as a young and unknown man demonstrates his courage and determination to make a mark in Roman politics.

The narration excellently emphasizes the significance of Cicero's defense of Sextus Roscius and the complex web of corruption, intrigue, and power struggles that surrounded the case. The portrayal of the Roman legal system and the challenges Cicero faced in defending his client is both informative and engaging.

The video does a fantastic job of contextualizing Cicero's eloquence and oratorical skills, showcasing how he skillfully wove legal arguments with subtle criticisms and intricate reasoning to win over his audience. The speaker's appreciation for Cicero's mastery of persuasion is evident throughout.

The narrative also brings attention to the tragic fate that befell Cicero as the Republic crumbled and the triumvirs rose to power. The way the video paints the picture of Cicero's ultimate demise and the absence of voices willing to challenge injustice is both poignant and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, this video provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Cicero's life, impact, and the tumultuous era of the late Roman Republic. The narrator's insightful commentary, combined with the video's well-paced visuals, offers a captivating journey through history. If you're interested in Roman history, political intrigue, and the power of eloquence, this video is definitely worth watching.

[musiknutz]

Just wow. So well explained yet succinct. Really great job

[m.m..m]

This video was so engaging and enjoyable. Thank you so much! Definitely earned a subscriber 🌟

[TomasTemperley]

I don't often comment on any videos at all but I really want to give you props for this, great video!

If anyting, I would've liked if you guys could've explained how the trial developed and what was the outcome. Subbed!

[ldamoff]

I reckon the world could do with a few more men who aspire to be like Cicero.

[UnionBlue-he]

“Laws are silent in war”
-Cicero

This quote was used to describe the Mexican American war in a book called the “war with Mexico reviewed “ by Abiel Livermore, and describes the contradictions of that unjust war between two Christian nations. There’s a lot of Greek and Roman references, about the decline of the Roman Empire, and of the lesser known history and facts of that war, which was considered the most unjust war ever recorded on the pages of history. Figured the Cicero references would be interesting to someone or the Roman references as well

[subhanusaxena]

There is a great retelling of the trial of Sextus Roscius with a twist in Steven Saylor's first Roma Sub Rosa book Roman Blood

[kffire]

For a culture that abhorred Patricide, its interesting that the mythology their inherited is built on both the Titanarchy and the overthrown of the Titans by their children the Gods. It's a whole history of patricide!

[m.streicher]

Pro Roscio Amerino reminds me of a video essay. Longer than it needed to be yet captivating throughout

[cerberus]

I've read and re-read his letters to Atticus and Cicero's humanity - tremendously flawed at times - is so obvious. I like him, in the same way I like Churchill or Voltaire.