Masters of Roman Oratory: Quintilian and Cicero's Legacy

Marcus Fabius Quintilian

Marcus Fabius Quintilian stands as the highest representative of Roman eloquence in the eyes of our era. Of Spanish origin, he was born in Calahorra, in the province of Hispania Tarraconensis, around 40 AD. He soon went to Rome, where he was taught by the most important rhetoricians of the time. In the last years of Nero's government, he returned to Spain, but was recalled by Galba in 68 AD and remained in Rome until his death.

The Emperor Vespasian appointed him teacher of rhetoric, and Domitian later commissioned him to educate his nephews. In stark contrast to his public life, which was full of fame and success, his private life was very unhappy, as he soon lost his wife and two young children.

In 90 AD, Quintilian began the composition of his monumental work, Institutio Oratoria. Before this, he had written a pamphlet, now lost, in which he analyzed the causes of the decline of eloquence. Convinced that eloquence had indeed fallen due to the bad influence of the new school of rhetoric, he proposed a return to the tradition founded by Cicero. He intended to teach that the main virtue was equilibrio (balance).

His Institutio Oratoria is a comprehensive treatise of 12 books that develops all of Quintilian's teaching and thinking. It is concerned with the technique and the formation of an orator from birth until the high point of his career. Quintilian states that a good orator must be an honestus vir (honorable man), and he presents Cicero as the supreme model.

Cicero: Master of Roman Eloquence

Born in Arpino, Cicero was of plebeian origin, but his family had a fortune that permitted him to receive an excellent education. He dedicated himself to politics and law, becoming a renowned lawyer. A contemporary of Caesar, he was eventually elected consul. He was inclined towards the Conservative party, though his position during the Civil War was not always clear. Cicero supported Pompey. After Caesar's victory, he was forgiven, but Cicero had lost all his political influence.

Cicero's Works

Speeches

Cicero's speeches are complex and thoughtful works, intended for publication. They evolved from early speeches, often laden with ornaments, to a more mature and refined style.

Among his notable speeches are:

• Political Themes:
  • Catiline Orations (Against Catiline)
  • Philippics (Against Mark Antony)
• Judicial Themes:
  • Verrine Orations (Against Verres)
  • Pro Milone (In Defense of Milo)
  • Pro Roscio Amerino (In Defense of Sextus Roscius of Ameria)