Marcus Tullius Cicero

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) was a Roman statesman, lawyer, orator, writer, and philosopher. After studying law, literature, philosophy, and rhetoric, he began a career as an advocate and politician. He gained prominence in 70 BC through the trial of Verres; in 63 BC he became consul and exposed the conspiracy of Catiline. His major works include *On the Republic*, *On the Laws*, and the *Academica*. Cicero had a lasting influence on Latin philosophical and rhetorical prose. He was murdered in 43 BC during the proscriptions carried out under the Second Triumvirate.