Introduction

Unlike his polished public speeches, Cicero's letters to his best friend Atticus offer an unfiltered glimpse into the mind of Rome's greatest orator. These selections (1.2 on his son's birth and Catiline's defense, 3.3 inviting Atticus to Vibo, 9.19 on civil war, and 12.15 on the loneliness of exile) span nearly two decades of friendship, revealing Cicero at his most human—proud father, anxious politician, loyal friend, and broken exile. Here we meet not Cicero the public figure, but Marcus writing to his dear Titus.

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Key Vocabulary

Personal and Emotional Terms

• amicitia, -ae (f): friendship
• solacium, -ii (n): consolation, comfort
• desiderium, -ii (n): longing, desire
• sollicitudo, -inis (f): anxiety, worry
• laetitia, -ae (f): joy, happiness
• dolor, -oris (m): pain, grief

Political Vocabulary

• res publica: the state, republic
• factio, -onis (f): faction, party
• exsilium, -ii (n): exile
• reditus, -us (m): return
• inimicus, -i (m): personal enemy
• consensus, -us (m): agreement, harmony

Grammar Focus

Epistolary Conventions

Letters have their own grammatical quirks:

• vale/valebis: farewell (standard closing)
• salutem dicit (S.D.): sends greetings
• Present tense for writer's perspective: scribo (I am writing)
• Perfect for completed actions: accepi (I received)

Subjunctive in Letters

Watch for these common uses:

• Velim scribas: I would like you to write
• Utinam adesses: Would that you were here!
• Potential subjunctive for politeness and wishes

Literary Analysis

Intimate Style

Notice how differently Cicero writes to his closest friend:

• Shorter sentences than in speeches
• Greek phrases sprinkled throughout
• Inside jokes and shared references
• Emotional directness impossible in public

Range of Tones

These letters showcase Cicero's emotional variety:

• Joy at his son's birth (1.2)
• Friendly teasing in the invitation (3.3)
• Deep anxiety about civil war (9.19)
• Crushing depression in exile (12.15)

Historical Context

Cicero and Atticus's Friendship

Their relationship illuminates Roman aristocratic bonds:

• Friends since youth despite different paths
• Atticus stayed neutral while Cicero played politics
• Financial and emotional support through crises
• Over 400 letters survive (Cicero's side only)

Political Backdrop

Each letter reflects major historical moments:

• 1.2: Catilinarian conspiracy (63 BCE)
• 3.3: Growing tensions before civil war
• 9.19: Caesar vs. Pompey conflict
• 12.15: Cicero's exile and despair

Key Themes

Public vs. Private Self

The letters reveal the gap between persona and person:

• Public confidence vs. private anxiety
• Political principles vs. personal survival
• The exhaustion of maintaining a public face

The Value of Friendship

Atticus serves multiple roles:

• Emotional anchor in turbulent times
• Financial advisor and helper
• Political sounding board
• The one person who truly knows Marcus

Cultural Insights

Letter Writing in Rome

Correspondence was vital to Roman life:

• No public postal service—used slaves or travelers
• Letters often read aloud to others
• Some privacy expected but not guaranteed
• Literary publication always possible

Greek in Latin Letters

Educated Romans freely mixed languages:

• Greek for philosophical concepts
• Emotional expressions often in Greek
• Shows cultural sophistication
• Creates intimacy between correspondents

Practice Questions

1. How does Cicero's tone differ between discussing his newborn son and discussing exile?
2. What does letter 9.19 reveal about Cicero's attitude toward the civil war?
3. How do these private letters complement or complicate Cicero's public image?
4. What role does Atticus play in Cicero's emotional life?

Translation Tips

• Expect conversational syntax—not periodic sentences
• Watch for ellipsis (omitted words obvious from context)
• Greek words usually glossed—check notes
• Time references can be tricky—consider when written vs. when events occurred
• Emotional vocabulary is crucial—don't translate mechanically

Remember: These letters are eavesdropping on a 2,000-year-old friendship. Every worry shared, every joke made, every request for help or advice builds a portrait of two lives intertwined through Rome's most turbulent era. This is Cicero with his guard down—and perhaps that's when we see him most clearly.