First Catilinarian Conspiracy
The First Catilinarian Conspiracy did not develop into actions against the republic, but allowed for the development of anger toward the republic from Catiline. Essentially, the current consuls, Publius Autronius Paetus and Publius Cornelius Sulla were condemned for electoral bribery, which allowed Catiline the opportunity to become consul. Even though Catiline was a member of a patrician family (albeit an impoverished one) his previous mismanagement of governorship meant that his candidature was refused. This is shown by H.H Schullard, an emeritus professor of Ancient History and renowned author who asserts; “The consul, who was to preside at the election reused to accept Catiline’s candidature and two Optimates were elected.” (Schullard, 1988).
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A plot was formed by Catiline in 65 BC to murder the new Consuls, however it failed, and the whole scandal was kept quiet. However Cicero still blamed Catiline for this discrepancy, even more so in the Second Catilinarian Conspiracy.
Sources
Pagan, V. E., 2004. Conspiracy Narrative in Roman History. Austin: University of Texas Press.
Schullard, H., 1988. From the Gracchi to Nero. 5th ed. London: Routledge.
Schullard, H., 1988. From the Gracchi to Nero. 5th ed. London: Routledge.