Conclusion
The collapse of the Ancient Roman Republic was due to flaws that were pronounced with the system and the criticism that Cicero displayed toward particular leaders during the time of his prominent career in 83BC - 43BC in the Senate. Cicero’s status as a novus homo or ‘new man’ hindered his chances of flourishing in political life, but due to his renowned abilities in law, he was able to become part of the senate, and was easily accepted due to his equestrian beliefs, which engendered him as quite the ambitions Roman politician. An education in writing and rhetoric enhanced Cicero’s abilities, allowing him to more cleverly manipulate people toward his cause, preparing him for an influential and successful career in politics. Rising through the senatorial ranks, Cicero attempted to implement new reforms, but was better at preventing those that did not support his own beliefs and those of his influential friends, such as Pompey which he went to great lengths in gaining favour toward, in order to boost his own political position as a supporter of the optimates and republic. Ultimately, the Catiline Conspiracies allowed Cicero to be portrayed as a saviour due to Catiline’s intentions of staging a coup to ruin the republic.