Cicero and Atticus
One of the most renowned political friendships is that between Atticus and Cicero who became close confidents of each other. The relationship between the two thrived on both practical and sentimental levels.
Why is it Atticus so well known? Find out why, and more information on him here!
Atticus regularly offered Cicero advice on political decisions, and also gave Cicero loans to ease his financial difficulties. This is shown by Cicero in his letter to Atticus in 57BC when he states that, “I am in great difficulties, and stand in need, not so much of your means (which I look upon as my own), as of your advice for collecting and restoring to a sound state the fragments that remain.” (Cicero, cited in Halsall, 1998). This is supported by Titus Pomponius Atticus, a celebrated editor, patron of letters and close friend of Cicero who stated that, “… Cicero derived great profit from the advice and help which Atticus rendered him in domestic, political, literary and financial matters.” (Pomponius, cited in Crane, 2014) Cicero confided in Atticus his cares and wants for the republic and the political scene and taking Atticus’s advice from someone who himself was not directly involved in the politics at the time. The close friendship between the two is most clearly noted in the marriage between Cicero’s brother and Atticus’s sister, Quintus and Pomponia.
Listen to the letter from Cicero to Atticus below!
Clearly, this friendship was more one sided, as Atticus provided Cicero with numerous benefits that Cicero did not give in return. Alfred John Church, an English classical scholar highlights this when state that, “Cicero could not have had a better confidant. He was… an excellent man of business, and, thanks to the admirable coolness which enabled him to stand outside the turmoil of politics, an equally excellent advisor in politics.” (Church, 2013) However, the friendship flourished perfectly until Cicero’s death.
Sources
Abbott, F. F., 1909. Cicero: Selected Letters. Boston: Ginn and Co.
Church, A. J., 1959. Roman Life in the Days of Cicero. New York: Biblo-Moser Book Publishers.
Halsall, P., 1998. Cicero: Selected Letters. [Online] Available at: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/cicero-letters.asp [Accessed 12 May 2014].
Church, A. J., 1959. Roman Life in the Days of Cicero. New York: Biblo-Moser Book Publishers.
Halsall, P., 1998. Cicero: Selected Letters. [Online] Available at: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/cicero-letters.asp [Accessed 12 May 2014].