I am Marcus Tullius Cicero, Father of the Roman Republic. Honored as father by Caesar the Younger, and adversary to Mark Antony, some have named me 'Rome's Greatest Statesman.' AMA!

by Tigerphilosopher
MarkAnchovy

Hi Tully, two quick questions.

  • What’s it like to be a massive nerd?
  • Does your neck hurt?
history_teacher88

I have to hand it to you. You sure knew how to open doors in the senate. Did you ever feel cut to pieces after political debates with your rivals?

Gankom

Thanks for joining us Cicero, always a big fan of your work. What's your secret to being such a great statesman?

PubliusThePretty

Yeah, I have a few questions. Like, how was your little "vacation" in Greece? Did you learn any important lessons about not messing with due process, or with brilliant and good-looking tribunes? #CatilineDidNothingWrong

Hotspurious

What would your reforms have been to prevent the fall of the Republic? Or do you think the Constitution was perfect as was?

rroowwannn

People of my country (the USA) have a great admiration for Rome's republic and its political traditions, and we have often sought to emulate them. Because of this, the political problems that we face seem very similar to the political problems that Rome has faced for the past century. Do you have any advice for statesmen in our country? In particular, any thoughts on running good elections, choosing good leaders and assuring the peoples faith in their elections and leaders?

Alkibiades415

How embarrassed are you that your vacillating, doom-and-gloom, weak-sauce personal letters of January to April 49 BCE survived for posterity? Would you have preferred that they be burned? What would you have done differently, or do you feel that your inaction as Caesar bore down on Italy was both excusable and inevitable?

Silas_Of_The_Lambs

Even your harshest critics cannot deny your uncanny skill at oratory. Did you have any particular heroes that inspired you to get into trial advocacy? Who were your political role models? How did you study and prepare for speeches?

Also, would you *please* give Pompey some speech tips so I can stop wanting to hang myself every time he bothers to show up in the Senate?

Frigorifico

Could you please give us a few phrases in Etruscan?. A few linguists REALLY need them

worksleepworksleep

Ok noob question here: Kikero or Sisero?

jelvinjs7

Can you please explain your thoughts on verbs?

alphalph1

'Rome's Greatest Stateman', pfft! Marcus Antonius is twice the statesman you'll ever be! Why don't you just admit it before something unfortunate befalls you? Also why betray Rome in the name of some snot-nosed brat attempting to usurp our savior Antonius's rightful place as leader of the Republic and carrier of Caesar's legacy? He'll amount to nothing!

Monovfox

Can you sign my copy of the Des Officis? I promise that I am NOT bringing the same assassins that killed your son with me.

neonKow

I don't have a question, Mr. Cicero, but I very much enjoyed your cameo in the Elder Scrolls: Skyrim as someone who cares very much for their dear, ill mother.

Vixenie

Hey Cicero, as you are aware, your cognomen means chickpea in English. So, is it true that the tip of your nose resembles a chickpea?

Publius Clodius Pulcher sends his regards.

TheGreatCornolio682

How can you even manage to write here on Reddit when Mark Antony nailed your severed hands on the Rostra?

voyeur324

How do you feel about Fulvia's face being on money? Or Fulvia's face in general.

PM_me-ur-window-view

What did you think of your portrayal in HBO's Rome?

AnAdvancedBot

Mr. Cicero I ask a simple question, the answer to which may change the very fabric of the republic you hold so dear:

What is your favorite type of pizza?

Isopheeical

Salve Cicero, what do you think of this young Tiberius fellow, daughter or Livia?

Babe_Vigoda

What are the secrets to a happy marriage?

SecondOfCicero

Hi friend. How did it feel to be a lowly dude in such high places? I appreciate you.

[deleted]

Tribuna aquila ?

Bridalhat

Why are your verbs absolutely allergic to the start of your sentences and as far back as possible?

Thomas_Eric

Hello Cicero, I am a long time reader of your works and including your unauthorized biography, written by Anthony Everitt. As a law student and as a huge fan, I have to ask:

I thought that the basic facts of Pro Quinctio could've happened yesterday that nobody would bat a eye. Do you have any thoughts on our modern law and due process? I ask this, because during the Catiline conspiracy, for instance, as a consul, you brought to the senate and positioned yourself against having a trial for the prisoners in house arrest and to murder them.

Thank you so much.

Thomas

thelure2112

So great that you let the Republic fall into disrepair and collapse

AndrewSshi

Until what point did Cataline abuse your patience? How long did that madness of his elude you? To what end did his unrestrained audacity vaunt itself about?

Pumalicious

How do you pronounce your name?

envatted_love

Salve Cicero!

How can someone be the "Father of the Roman Republic" who lived ~500 years after the abolition of kingship >!and only about 13 years before Octavian's victory at the Battle of Actium nailed shut the republican coffin!<? Since you are known for your modesty, I'm sure you'll correct this mistake as soon as possible.

And what is your assessment of Cato the Younger, who died by his own hand just a couple years ago?

laneb71

Salve Senator, how has your experience as an outsider to the city of rome effected your career and perspective on roman politics?

justavivian

Ave Cicero!do you feel bummed that you weren’t informed about Julius Caesar’s assassination?

jackfrost2209

What do you think about this young'un named Robespierre who seems to idolize you?

tazerfaced

How are the peaches this year?

Recognition_Tricky

Good morning Marcus. The Catilina Conspiracy proved that Sulla's reforms have not immunized the Republic from internal threats. After all, he sought to seize power through force and you dealt with the threat by breaking the law, executing the leaders of the attempted coup without trial. What institutional reforms will you pursue to prevent the next (seemingly inevitable) conspiracy against the Republic?

NogDidNothingWrong

Do you really believe you can hear the gods by watching birds, or is that just a trick to exclude the poor from decision making?