Quintus Cicero's The Commentariolum Petitionis Summary
Bayless Thompson
Mrs. Charles
Western Civilization
November 18, 2013
A “new man” in BC Rome possessed no previous familial ties in the world of politics. Quintus Cicero intended his work, the Commentariolum Petitionis, as a guide for conducting a “new man” during his political campaign. The CP, written in 64 BC, offered advice to one such candidate, Marcus Cicero, his brother, by outlining four elements essential to a successful campaign. In BC Rome, “friends” comprised an important group for an aspiring magistrate. According to Quintus, these individuals- whether slaves, clients, neighbors, relatives, or mere acquaintances- campaigned for a candidate and should have consisted of persons from every class. To broaden one’s canvassing, Quintus encouraged Marcus to call in past favors as well as remind those he assisted that there would never be another time to repay him. Furthermore, the CP suggested paying friends the adequate amount of attention, based on how those individuals could help a candidate. In addition to Quintus’ advice of keeping friends, he also encouraged that Marcus should form new, useful relationships. Due to Marcus’ status as a potential consul, Quintus emphasized the importance of having footholds in every region of the Roman Empire. In order to do this, a candidate should not portray themselves as a candidate, but as a friend. A candidate recognized people and called them by name. The young voter made up an important demographic in Cicero’s campaign, and for good reason. Youths possessed an energetic spirit, could be easily persuaded, and made reelection more attainable. Cicero also wanted the vote of the Equites. Their small population, and the fact that Cicero belonged to the Equestrian class, made the Equites a prime group to canvass towards. When one held the position of consul, one held a lot of power over a lot of people. Because of this, Marcus easily made promises which increased his standing
Mrs. Charles
Western Civilization
November 18, 2013
A “new man” in BC Rome possessed no previous familial ties in the world of politics. Quintus Cicero intended his work, the Commentariolum Petitionis, as a guide for conducting a “new man” during his political campaign. The CP, written in 64 BC, offered advice to one such candidate, Marcus Cicero, his brother, by outlining four elements essential to a successful campaign. In BC Rome, “friends” comprised an important group for an aspiring magistrate. According to Quintus, these individuals- whether slaves, clients, neighbors, relatives, or mere acquaintances- campaigned for a candidate and should have consisted of persons from every class. To broaden one’s canvassing, Quintus encouraged Marcus to call in past favors as well as remind those he assisted that there would never be another time to repay him. Furthermore, the CP suggested paying friends the adequate amount of attention, based on how those individuals could help a candidate. In addition to Quintus’ advice of keeping friends, he also encouraged that Marcus should form new, useful relationships. Due to Marcus’ status as a potential consul, Quintus emphasized the importance of having footholds in every region of the Roman Empire. In order to do this, a candidate should not portray themselves as a candidate, but as a friend. A candidate recognized people and called them by name. The young voter made up an important demographic in Cicero’s campaign, and for good reason. Youths possessed an energetic spirit, could be easily persuaded, and made reelection more attainable. Cicero also wanted the vote of the Equites. Their small population, and the fact that Cicero belonged to the Equestrian class, made the Equites a prime group to canvass towards. When one held the position of consul, one held a lot of power over a lot of people. Because of this, Marcus easily made promises which increased his standing