Cicero’s defence of Sextus Roscius and the Sullan Res Publica

Steel, C. (2017) Cicero’s defence of Sextus Roscius and the Sullan Res Publica. Lampas, 50(4), pp. 453-462.

Abstract

The approach Cicero takes in his defence of Sextus Roscius forces him to discuss recent political events, above all the proscriptions and Sulla’s position as dictator. This is a deliberate choice by Cicero, which does not prevent him from constructing an effective defence but allows him to combine that defence with the articulation of a vision for the Sullan res publica. This vision does not conflict with any of Sulla’s acts, but allows Cicero to argue that more work needs to be done to secure Sulla’s achievement and to suggest that he, despite his youth and lack of experience, can be part of the res publica towards which he and the jurors should work.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Steel, Professor Catherine
• Authors: Steel, C.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Classics
• Journal Name: Lampas
• Publisher: Uitgeverij Verloren
• ISSN: 0165-8204
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 Uitgeverij Verloren
• First Published: First published in Lampas 50(4):453-462
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.