Marcus Tullius Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was a Roman statesman, lawyer, orator, and philosopher, and one of the greatest prose writers of the ancient world. His speeches, letters, and philosophical works shaped Latin literature, Western rhetoric, and political thought for two thousand years.
Cicero was Rome's most celebrated orator, and his courtroom and political speeches — such as those against Catiline and Mark Antony — are masterpieces of persuasion still studied today. In philosophy, he brought Greek thought to a Roman audience in accessible works like On Duties, On the Nature of the Gods, and On Old Age. His vast collection of private letters offers an unmatched window into the last years of the Roman Republic.
A defender of the Republic against the rise of one-man rule, Cicero was ultimately executed for his opposition to Mark Antony. His rediscovery centuries later helped spark the Renaissance.
His writing is elegant but formal, and older translations can be stiff. Our editions present his ideas clearly. Read a selection free, and read or listen with a membership.
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Frequently asked questions about Marcus Tullius Cicero
What did Cicero write?
Cicero wrote speeches, philosophical treatises, works on rhetoric, and letters. His famous speeches include the Catiline Orations and the Philippics against Mark Antony. His philosophical works include On Duties, On the Nature of the Gods, On Old Age, and On Friendship. His hundreds of surviving letters are a priceless record of Roman political life.
Where should I start with Cicero?
His shorter philosophical works — On Old Age, On Friendship, and On Duties — are the most approachable introductions, full of practical wisdom that still resonates. His speeches, such as the first oration against Catiline, show off his legendary rhetorical power. Starting with the essays gives the gentlest entry.
Why is Cicero important?
Cicero shaped the art of rhetoric and Latin prose style for all later ages, and he transmitted Greek philosophy to the Roman and, through the Renaissance, the modern world. His ideas on natural law, duty, and republican government influenced thinkers from the Founding Fathers onward. His writing is also our richest source for the final years of the Roman Republic.
Was Cicero a real historical figure?
Yes — Cicero was a very real and central figure in Roman history. He served as consul, the highest office in the Republic, famously exposing a conspiracy to overthrow the state, and he was a leading voice against the descent into dictatorship. He was executed in 43 BC on the orders of Mark Antony, whom he had denounced.
Are Cicero's works hard to read?
His writing is elegant and carefully constructed, but its formal, elaborate style — and older translations — can feel demanding. The ideas and arguments, especially in his essays, are clear and often surprisingly practical. A modern-English edition makes his eloquence far easier to follow.
When did Cicero live?
Cicero lived from 106 to 43 BC, during the turbulent final decades of the Roman Republic. He rose to become consul in 63 BC and remained a major political and literary figure until his death. He was killed in 43 BC for his opposition to Mark Antony.
Where can I read Cicero for free?
Cicero's works are in the public domain, and older translations are freely available. Many use formal, archaic English. Here you can read a selection free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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