The Exile of Cicero: A Journey of Political Persecution

Cicero, one of Rome’s greatest orators and statesmen, was banished not to a single location, but rather, he endured a period of exile that encompassed several locations. Initially, following the passage of Clodius’s law in 58 BCE, denying him “fire and water” within 400 miles of Rome, Cicero sought refuge in Thessalonica, in Macedonia. He then moved to Illyricum to further distance himself from his political enemies. Thus, the answer isn’t a single place, but a sequence of refuges.

Understanding Cicero’s Banishment

Cicero’s exile represents a pivotal moment in Roman history, demonstrating the volatile nature of Roman politics and the consequences of political rivalries. His story continues to intrigue historians and scholars alike, highlighting themes of justice, power, and resilience.

The Events Leading to Exile

The events leading to Cicero’s banishment are deeply rooted in the political turmoil of the late Roman Republic. After serving as consul in 63 BCE, during which he famously suppressed the Catiline Conspiracy, Cicero found himself embroiled in increasingly hostile political waters.

His decision to execute the conspirators without a formal trial, invoking the Senatus Consultum Ultimum (a decree declaring a state of emergency), later became the basis for his prosecution by his political enemies. This controversial action left him vulnerable to attack when his political fortunes shifted.

Clodius and the Law of Banishment

The main architect of Cicero’s downfall was Publius Clodius Pulcher, a popularist politician and bitter enemy of Cicero. Clodius, motivated by personal animosity and political gain, proposed a law that targeted anyone who had executed Roman citizens without trial. While the law didn’t mention Cicero by name initially, its intent was clear.

The law effectively stripped Cicero of his citizenship and forced him into exile. Clodius then followed up with a second law specifically naming and exiling Cicero and authorizing the confiscation and destruction of his property, including his house on the Palatine Hill.

Cicero’s Flight and Initial Exile

Faced with this blatant attack, and lacking sufficient political support to resist, Cicero fled Rome in March 58 BCE. He initially went to Thessalonica, a Greek city in Macedonia. This location served as a relatively safe distance from Rome, allowing him to assess his options and rally potential allies.

From Thessalonica, Cicero moved on to Illyricum, a Roman province on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. His choice of Illyricum suggests a desire to further distance himself from the immediate reach of his enemies in Rome and to find a place of relative obscurity.

The Return from Exile

Cicero’s exile, although impactful, was relatively short-lived. After approximately a year and a half, the political climate in Rome shifted. Pompey, previously an ally of Clodius, began to see the potential disruption Clodius’s actions were causing and started to work towards Cicero’s recall.

Through a combination of political maneuvering and shifting alliances, a law was eventually passed in August 57 BCE, allowing Cicero to return to Rome. His return was met with great enthusiasm by many Romans who admired his eloquence and statesmanship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cicero’s banishment and the surrounding events:

1. Why was Cicero exiled from Rome in 58 BCE? Cicero’s exile resulted from his execution of the Catiline conspirators without trial during his consulship in 63 BCE. Clodius used this action to justify a law that effectively banished Cicero.

2. Who was responsible for Cicero’s exile? Publius Clodius Pulcher, a tribune of the plebs and a bitter rival of Cicero, was the driving force behind his exile.

3. What law led to Cicero’s exile? Clodius passed a law stating that anyone who executed a Roman citizen without trial would be stripped of their citizenship and forced into exile. A second law specifically named Cicero.

4. How long was Cicero in exile? Cicero was in exile for approximately one and a half years.

5. Where did Cicero go during his exile? He initially went to Thessalonica, Macedonia, and then to Illyricum.

6. When did Cicero return to Rome? Cicero was allowed to return to Rome in August 57 BCE.

7. Who helped Cicero return from exile? Pompey played a significant role in securing Cicero’s recall from exile, seeing the political benefits of restoring order and stability.

8. What happened to Cicero’s property during his exile? His property, including his house on the Palatine Hill, was confiscated and destroyed by Clodius.

9. What were the long-term consequences of Cicero’s exile? While Cicero returned to Rome and resumed his political career, the exile left a lasting mark on him. It highlighted the fragility of political power and the dangers of making enemies.

10. Was Cicero’s exile considered legal at the time? The legality of Clodius’s laws was questionable, and many Romans viewed them as politically motivated attacks.

11. What was Cicero’s relationship with Julius Caesar? Cicero and Julius Caesar had a complex relationship characterized by both political cooperation and rivalry. Cicero opposed Caesar’s ambition to become dictator.

12. How did Cicero die? Cicero was assassinated in 43 BCE on the orders of Mark Antony, whom Cicero had vehemently criticized in his Philippic orations.

13. What are some of Cicero’s most famous works? Some of Cicero’s most famous works include De Officiis (On Duties), In Catilinam (Against Catiline), and De Republica (On the Republic).

14. What is Cicero known for? Cicero is best known for his eloquence, his philosophical writings, and his contributions to Roman law and political thought.

15. How is Cicero relevant today? Cicero’s writings on ethics, politics, and rhetoric continue to be studied and admired for their insight and timeless relevance. His commitment to republican values serves as an inspiration to those who believe in democratic governance. The Games Learning Society would encourage to visit us for educational games to further your learning.

Cicero’s life and exile remain a fascinating chapter in Roman history, offering valuable lessons about the perils and possibilities of political life. His story underscores the importance of resilience, ethical conduct, and the enduring power of ideas. Find more about how games can improve the learning experience on GamesLearningSociety.org.