Did Cicero Ever Meet Julius Caesar Personally and What Was His Opinion of Him?

The question of whether Cicero ever met Julius Caesar personally and, if so, what his opinion of him was, has intrigued scholars for centuries. Cicero and Caesar were indeed contemporaries, albeit with vastly different backgrounds and political ideologies. Understanding their relationships and interactions provides insight into the turbulent political landscape of ancient Rome.

Background of Cicero and Caesar

Cicero and Caesar were two of the most influential figures in the late Roman Republic. They were born into different worlds, representing contrasting ideals and approaches to governance.

Cicero (106 BCE – 43 BCE) was a Roman orator, statesman, and philosopher. He came from an affluent eques (knight) family, and his political career was largely based on his skill as a lawyer and orator. Cicero is renowned for his contributions to Roman law and his political philosophy, which emphasized the importance of the Republic and the role of the Senate in maintaining its glory.

Julius Caesar (100 BCE – 44 BCE), on the other hand, came from an old noble gens (clan). He was known for his military prowess and political acumen, which culminated in his rise to power and eventual declaration as Pater Patriae (Father of the Country) and Dictator Perpetuus (Dictator for Life).

The Friendship and Rivalry Between Cicero and Caesar

Despite their eventual differences, Cicero and Caesar did have some interactions that are well-documented in historical records. Their relationship was complex and evolved over time.

Conservative and Radical: Cicero was a more conservative figure who opposed the radical measures taken by Caesar. He was instrumental in quelling the conspiracy of Catiline, a rebellion that aimed to overthrow the Republic. Caesar, in his role as a proconsul, favored a more lenient punishment for the conspirators, leading to political tension between the two.

The Triumvirate: When the Second Triumvirate (Cicero, Caesar, and Pompey) was formed, Cicero was initially opposed to it, viewing it as a significant threat to the Republic. However, as political tensions escalated between Pompey and Caesar, Cicero found himself taking sides with Pompey, who shared more of Cicero's conservative ideals.

Post-Triumvirate Relations

After the Battle of Pharsalus, in which Caesar decisively defeated Pompey, relations between Caesar and Cicero improved. Cicero, who was in exile, returned to Rome and expressed a desire for a more moderate approach to dealing with the conspirators of the Catiline conspiracy. He advocated for clemency, emphasizing that Caesar should not be declared a tyrant.

Cicero’s Neutral Stance: Cicero's stance during this period was more nuanced. While he did not actively plot against Caesar, his actions were perceived as more conciliatory during the tense period following the assassination of Caesar. He adopted a more neutral position, trying to maintain good relations with both Caesar and the optimates within the Senate.

The Triumvirate - Crassus, Caesar, and Pompey

Marcus Licinius Crassus and Julius Caesar were part of a powerful political alliance known as the First Triumvirate. This trio met frequently to discuss political strategies and potential enemies. The death of Crassus was a significant blow to Caesar, as the relationship between the two was quite close and(mutual)。

Cicero in Roman History

Marcus Tullius Cicero was a central figure in Roman politics and culture, born on January 6, 106 BCE, in Arpinum or Sora, approximately 70 miles east of Rome. He came from a family that was related to Gaius Marius, making him a distant relative of Julius Caesar.

During Caesar's rise to power in 46 BCE, Cicero sought to ensure that Caesar's successes, including his triumphs in Gaul, Egypt, Pontus, and Africa, were celebrated without undermining the power of the Senate. However, as Caesar began to consolidate his power, declaring himself Pater Patriae and later Dictator Perpetuus, many in the Senate, including Cicero, grew wary of Caesar's ambitions.

Despite his initial opposition, Cicero ultimately remained more neutral and tried to navigate the complex political landscape. He did not join the conspirators who assassinated Caesar on the Ides of March but neither did he actively support Caesar's dictatorship.

Conclusion

In summary, Cicero and Julius Caesar did interact personally, though their relationship was marked by mutual distrust initially. Cicero's opinion of Caesar evolved over time, reflecting the changing political climate. While he was not as radical as some of Caesar's opponents like Brutus or Cassius, Cicero's stance was more neutral, allowing him to maintain relationships with both Caesar and the Senate during a period of great uncertainty.