Cicero vs. Catilina
Cicero is one of the most famous rheticians of ancient Rome. His abilities to convey a message and persuade the Senators of Rome are well documented. By reading Cicero, The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician, one of many books written about Cicero's life, it can be seen how his abilities as a politician shaped the Roman republic.
Cicero started his political career like most others, running for local office. Cicero was not a wealthy man. When running for consulship, Cicero would have stiff, well-funded competition. The most formidable would be Catilina. Catilina from a wealthy aristocratic family was financially backed and supported by questionable people. Catilina said that he represented the populares or the people, and would fight for what was best for them. Cicero used his rhetorical abilities to point out the flaws in hit opponents, showing their questionable pasts and their conspiracies to help their backers for financial support. Cicero spoke to his audience, knowing that he was the lesser of the evils. He portrayed his opponents as untrustworthy and not able to represent the people. His abilities of persuasion were much better then his opponents despite their greater financial supports, and powerful backers. Cicero was able to win the consulship and start his rise to political prominence.
This would not be the end of Catilina; Cicero would use his abilities of persuasion and politics to turn his tough opponent, into a springboard to more political power. Catilina would be gutted by his political defeats and choose to represent those who had backed him still, those that were corrupt and those who did not find favorability with the republic. Catilina spoke up against the republic, and formed a coalition of people who wanted to rebel and bring about political change. Cicero, knowing his opponent and knowing the senate, knew that he must persuade his fellow senators to turn their back on Catilina. This was not an easy task. Many were not happy with the republic and others were too afraid to speak out. Cicero would speak in front of the senate and convince them to exile the conspirators including Catilina. Catilina, rather then accept exile, left to form an army to invade Rome and take power for himself. Cicero used this conspiracy to his advantage, gaining political power with the senate, and saving the republic from Catilina's conspiracy.
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