Imperium

Marcus Cicero stands out as one of the most captivating figures in Roman history. A brilliant lawyer, orator, and philosopher, he entered the perilous realm of Roman politics at just twenty-seven, aspiring to achieve imperium, the highest authority in the state. His journey was closely accompanied by his loyal secretary, Tiro, the inventor of shorthand and author of a now-lost biography of Cicero. Robert Harris has skillfully reimagined Tiro's work to vividly recount Cicero's ascent from a radical young lawyer to the first citizen of Rome, navigating a landscape filled with formidable rivals like Pompey, Caesar, Crassus, and Cato. This narrative unfolds in a world that feels both exotic and familiar, marked by Senate intrigue, electoral corruption, and threats to free speech amid military conflicts. Harris portrays Cicero as an outsider—ambitious, vulnerable, intelligent, and compassionate, yet often devious—embodying the essence of the first professional politician. He emphasizes the timeless elements of politics: oratory, strategizing, and public manipulation, drawing parallels that resonate beyond ancient Rome. Harris's fascination with Cicero reflects the universal nature of political dynamics, likening it to a sport where Cicero emerges as the ultimate professional.