DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Cicero’s An Attack on an Enemy of Freedom is a powerful work that exemplifies his rhetorical brilliance, political philosophy, and unwavering commitment to the Roman Republic. This text consists of a series of speeches, primarily focusing on Cicero’s opposition to autocracy and his defense of republican values. The work is often associated with his famous orations against the political figure Catiline and his broader critique of tyranny.

Let’s explore the central themes, arguments, and historical context of Cicero’s attack on those who would undermine Roman liberty…

Historical context and background

Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BCE) was a Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher who played a crucial role during the late Roman Republic. His political career unfolded in a time of great instability, as Rome was grappling with internal conflicts, corruption, and the erosion of republican institutions. An Attack on an Enemy of Freedom can be seen within this turbulent backdrop, where ambitious leaders sought to consolidate power at the expense of traditional republican governance.

Cicero’s most famous confrontation came in 63 BCE during his consulship, when he exposed the conspiracy of Lucius Sergius Catilina (Catiline). Catiline, accused of plotting to overthrow the republic, became the focus of Cicero’s most celebrated orations, the Catilinarian Orations. These speeches are exemplary of Cicero’s skill in persuasion and his defense of Rome’s constitutional order.

Key themes in the work

1. The defense of republicanism

Cicero viewed the Roman Republic as the ideal form of government, balancing different social elements through a mixed constitution. His attack on freedom’s enemies is rooted in his belief that the republic was being threatened by individuals who sought absolute power.

In his speeches, Cicero champions a government that adheres to laws rather than the whims of ambitious individuals. He contrasts the virtues of a republic—where power is distributed across elected officials—with the dangers of dictatorship, which he saw as a road to oppression and the eventual collapse of civilization.

2. The dangers of tyranny and corruption

Cicero’s critique extends to those who, through deceit and manipulation, seek to subvert the republic’s institutions. He portrays these figures as threats not only to political stability but also to the moral fabric of society. In his attacks, he highlights the corrupting influence of greed, ambition, and moral decay, which he sees as leading to tyranny.

Through his oratory, Cicero warns the Senate and the Roman people that yielding to demagogues can only result in the erosion of liberty. His arguments emphasize that unchecked power leads to despotism, and that a complacent populace can allow dangerous leaders to seize control under false pretenses.

3. The role of the orator in politics

Cicero firmly believed that the orator had a duty beyond mere rhetoric; he saw himself as a defender of the republic, using speech as a weapon to uphold justice. An Attack on an Enemy of Freedom showcases his ability to persuade, using logical reasoning, emotional appeal, and sharp wit.

Throughout the text, Cicero employs rhetorical strategies such as:

• Invective: Direct attacks on the character and motives of his opponents.
• Appeals to patriotism: Aligning his cause with the greater good of Rome.
• Legal and philosophical justifications: Grounding his arguments in Roman law and Stoic principles.

By doing so, he constructs a powerful defense against those who threaten Rome’s freedoms.

4. The moral responsibility of leaders

Cicero insists that public officials should serve with virtue, integrity, and a commitment to the common good. His work critiques not only overtly ambitious figures like Catiline but also complacent senators who allow corruption to flourish.

He argues that leaders who undermine the republic betray their duty to the state and the people. Such individuals, he contends, should be exposed and punished to preserve the integrity of the republic.

Major arguments and persuasive techniques

Cicero’s rhetorical attack against enemies of freedom follows a distinct structure, combining forensic (legal) and deliberative (political) oratory. Some of his key arguments include:

• The republic is in danger: Cicero frequently warns that inaction will lead to the downfall of Rome. He uses historical examples of fallen states to illustrate his point, making his argument more urgent.
• The enemy is among us: He presents figures like Catiline as internal threats who pretend to be patriots while secretly conspiring against Rome. He uses vivid imagery, calling them a “disease” or “plague” upon the state.
• Justice must be swift: Cicero argues that those who conspire against the republic should be dealt with decisively. His speeches emphasize the need for immediate action to prevent disaster.

His masterful use of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic) makes his case compelling and enduring.

Impact and legacy

Cicero’s attack on tyranny and his passionate defense of the republic left a lasting impression on political thought. His speeches and writings influenced later generations of thinkers, including Enlightenment philosophers who championed democracy and the rule of law.

However, his resistance to dictatorship ultimately cost him his life. Following Julius Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE, Cicero became an outspoken critic of Mark Antony. In 43 BCE, Antony and his political allies ordered Cicero’s execution, marking the tragic end of his career.

Despite his death, Cicero’s legacy endured. His works became central to political philosophy and rhetorical studies, shaping ideas about governance, civic duty, and resistance to tyranny.

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An Attack on an Enemy of Freedom is not just a historical artifact but a timeless warning about the fragility of liberty. Cicero’s eloquence, sharp reasoning, and steadfast commitment to the republic serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance against tyranny.

Through this work, he offers an enduring lesson: freedom is never guaranteed—it must be actively defended. His words continue to resonate in modern discussions on democracy, leadership, and the dangers of unchecked power. By studying Cicero, we gain insights into the responsibilities of both leaders and citizens in safeguarding political freedom.