When did Cicero write in Verrem?

13 In the Orator, a rhetorical treatise he wrote in 46 BC, Cicero seems to imply that Hortensius never gave a formal speech in reply and only cross-examined some witnesses during the first hearing (Orat. 129).

What did Cicero accuse Verres of?

During the Civil War between Marius and Sulla (88–87 BC), Verres had been a junior officer in a Marian legion under Gaius Papirius Carbo. He saw the tides of the war shifting to Sulla, and so, Cicero alleged, went over to Sulla’s lines bearing his legion’s paychest.

Why did Cicero prosecute Verres?

Gaius Verres (c. 120–43 BC) was a Roman magistrate, notorious for his misgovernment of Sicily. His extortion of local farmers and plundering of temples led to his prosecution by Cicero, whose accusations were so devastating that his defence advocate could only recommend that Verres should leave the country.

Who defended Verres?

Publicity about senatorial corruption was useful in undermining public confidence in the courts, which had been assigned to the senatorial order by Sulla. Verres’ advocate, Quintus Hortensius Hortalus, had been elected consul for 69 and tried to drag the trial out until he was in that position.

Who was the Roman citizen that Verres crucified?

one prisoner of Verres’ scheme, Publius Gavius, a Roman citizen of Compsa, escaped and protested about Verres’ treatment of Roman citizens. Verres had the man flogged, and then he had him crucified, both punishments not to be inflicted on a Roman citizen without a trial in Rome (and even then,…

Who was the former consul who congratulated Verres?

Indeed, Cicero remarked that, immediately after the election of Hortensius and Metellus, one of his friends had heard the former consul Gaius Scribonius Curio publicly congratulate Verres, declaring that he was now as good as acquitted. Cicero, too, had a unique strategy in mind for his prosecution.

Which is the fifth book of the second pleading against Verres?

M. Tullius Cicero, Against Verres, actio 2, The Fifth Book of the Second Pleading in the Prosecution against Verres. C. D. Yonge, Ed.

Why was Verres so confident of his victory?

As such, Verres and his supporters were supremely confident of victory. Indeed, Cicero remarked that, immediately after the election of Hortensius and Metellus, one of his friends had heard the former consul Gaius Scribonius Curio publicly congratulate Verres, declaring that he was now as good as acquitted.