Plutarch's Life of Cicero is one of the most comprehensive and influential ancient biographies of the Roman statesman and orator Cicero. Written in the early 2nd century AD, more than a century after Cicero's death, Plutarch's work is based on a variety of sources, including Cicero's own writings, contemporary accounts, and later historical works. However, the accuracy of Plutarch's Life of Cicero has been a subject of debate among historians and scholars.
Historical Context and Sources
Plutarch’s Life of Cicero is part of his larger work, Parallel Lives, which aims to compare the lives of famous Greeks and Romans. Plutarch’s sources for Cicero’s life include Cicero’s own letters, speeches, and philosophical works, as well as the histories of Caesar, Sallust, and other contemporary writers. Additionally, Plutarch drew on later sources, such as the Roman historian Asconius Pedianus, who wrote commentaries on Cicero’s speeches. While Plutarch’s use of primary sources is impressive, his methodology and selection of material have been questioned by modern scholars.
Evaluating Plutarch’s Methodology
Plutarch’s approach to biography was influenced by his philosophical and literary goals, which sometimes led him to prioritize moral lessons and dramatic narrative over historical accuracy. He often selected and presented facts in a way that highlighted Cicero’s character and illustrated broader philosophical themes. For example, Plutarch’s portrayal of Cicero’s relationship with Caesar and his role in the Catiline conspiracy has been criticized for being overly simplistic and biased. Cicero’s own writings provide a more nuanced and complex picture of these events, suggesting that Plutarch’s account should be treated with caution.
| Event | Plutarch's Account | Cicero's Own Writings |
|---|---|---|
| Catiline Conspiracy | Portrays Cicero as a heroic figure who single-handedly foiled the conspiracy | Reveals a more complex and collaborative effort involving multiple individuals and factions |
| Relationship with Caesar | Depicts Cicero as a steadfast opponent of Caesar's tyranny | Suggests a more ambiguous and pragmatic relationship, with Cicero seeking to maintain a balance between his political principles and personal safety |
Assessing the Accuracy of Specific Events
Scholars have thoroughly examined various aspects of Plutarch’s Life of Cicero, including his accounts of Cicero’s early life, his consulship, and his eventual death. While Plutarch’s narrative is often engaging and well-structured, it is not always supported by contemporary evidence. For example, the prosopography of Cicero’s family and early career is not entirely consistent with other ancient sources, such as Cicero’s own letters and the works of the Roman historian Cornelius Nepos. Furthermore, Plutarch’s description of Cicero’s oratory skills and philosophical views has been influenced by his own philosophical biases and literary goals.
Cicero’s Oratory Skills and Philosophical Views
Plutarch’s portrayal of Cicero as a master orator and philosopher has had a profound impact on the way we understand Cicero’s legacy. However, a closer examination of Cicero’s own writings and other contemporary sources reveals a more complex and nuanced picture. Cicero’s speeches demonstrate a remarkable range and versatility, from the eloquent defense of clients in court to the passionate denunciation of political opponents in the Senate. Additionally, Cicero’s philosophical works, such as De Republica and De Officiis, showcase his engagement with various philosophical traditions, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Academic skepticism.
- Cicero's oratory skills were shaped by his rhetorical education and his experience as a lawyer and statesman.
- Cicero's philosophical views were influenced by his reading of Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, as well as his engagement with contemporary Roman thinkers.
- Cicero's legacy as a writer, orator, and statesman has endured for centuries, with his works continuing to inspire and influence scholars, politicians, and writers around the world.
What are the limitations of Plutarch's Life of Cicero?
+Plutarch's Life of Cicero is limited by its reliance on secondary sources, its literary and philosophical goals, and its potential biases and inaccuracies. Additionally, Plutarch's account is often selective and focused on illustrating moral lessons, rather than providing a comprehensive and balanced history of Cicero's life.
How can we evaluate the accuracy of Plutarch's Life of Cicero?
+We can evaluate the accuracy of Plutarch's Life of Cicero by comparing his account with other historical sources, including Cicero's own writings, contemporary accounts, and later historical works. Additionally, we should consider the historical context and literary goals that shaped Plutarch's biography, as well as the potential biases and limitations of his sources.
In conclusion, while Plutarch’s Life of Cicero is an invaluable source for understanding the life and legacy of the Roman statesman and orator, its accuracy should be approached with caution. By evaluating Plutarch’s methodology, comparing his account with other historical sources, and considering the historical context and literary goals that shaped his biography, we can gain a more nuanced and accurate understanding of Cicero’s life and legacy.
