Cicero and Pompey's relationship

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Cicero and Pompey's relationship

Advantages

  • Trial Against Verres in 70 BC Cicero uses Pompey to reference how the powers of the tribunes should be restored to them
  • Pro Lege Manilia speech 66 BC to grant Pompey campaigns in Asia Minor against Mithradates- successful
  • In Rullum speech in 63 BC, Cicero speaks up against Rullus' proposal to give away public land as it would mean none for Pompey's veterans
  • Cicero shows a lot of respect and flattery to Pompey in his letter in 62 BC, comparing them to Scipio Aemilianus and Laelius
  • Writes to Atticus in 61 BC that him and Pompey's relationship is getting closer
  • In 57 BC Pompey is a major force in campaigning for Cicero's recall- gets tribunes (Milo and Sestius) working for him and raises gangs of gladiators
  • Cicero proposes Pompey be put in charge of the grain dole for 5 years, which raises his status
  • During Caesar's attempts to not be recalled, Pompey was seen as the defender of the senate
  • Even though it takes him 3 months to decide, Cicero sails for Pompey's camp in Greece in 49 BC during the Civil War, probably due to loyalty
  • When Pompey is killed in Egypt in 48 BC, Cicero calls him an 'honest, decent and upright man'

Disadvantages

  • Pompey became consul in 70 BC illegally- with use of force and he was too young, went against Cicero's principles
  • Cicero is too involved in his own consulship that he does not promote Pompey's campaigns in Asia Minor
  • Letter 1 62 BC Cicero is annoyed that Pompey does not congratulate him for his success with the Cataline Conspiracy
  • Cicero opposed to ratifying Pompey's Eastern settlement, but still expected him to help protect the state
  • Triumvirate formed in 60 BC, goes against Cicero's 'Harmony of Orders', Pompey in it so he can get his settlement ratified, Cicero shows discontent in letter to Atticus in July 59 BC
  • Pompey did not help Cicero in his exile, rumours about Cicero trying to assassinate him, he flees his house as Cicero comes to him as a last resort
  • Cicero forced to work with the Triumvirate after the 56 BC Conference of Luca, but he was not happy
  • After the riots post Clodius' death, Pompey is made sole consul for 52 BC, his new law means that Cicero has to go be a governor in Cilica 51-50 BC
  • Cicero disapproves of Pompey's actions at the start of the Civil War, letter to Atticus February 49 BC 'the Right Thing to Do had flashed before his eyes' 'Pompey bids right a long farewell
  • Pompey is absent in the Battle of Pharsalus and returns hope soon after as he does not approve of the violence at Pompey's camp

Evaluation

Cicero tried to defend Pompey wherever possible, was loyal to him to the end even when he disagreed with him, especially since many of Pompey's actions (Triumvirate) went against his principles

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