Cicero Philippic II: A Selection

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Cicero Philippic II: A Selection

Ancient, classical and medieval texts Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval

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Language: English

Published by: Bloomsbury Academic

Published on: 3rd May 2018

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 192 pages

ISBN: 9781350010246


Endorsed Publication

This is the endorsed publication from OCR and Bloomsbury for the Latin AS and A-Level (Group 1) prescription of Cicero's Philippic II sections 44–50 (viri tui similis esses) and 78 (C. Caesari ex Hispania redeunti)–92, and the A-Level (Group 2) prescription of sections 100–119, giving full Latin text, commentary and vocabulary, with a detailed introduction that also covers the prescribed text to be read in English for A Level.

Historical Context

It is 44 BC. Following Caesar's assassination, his supporters are looking for a new leader. Caesar's deputy, Antony, and the 18-year-old Octavian, the future Augustus, are vying with each other to fill the role; each seems more concerned with personal power than the good of Rome. Cicero returns to the city to try to save it with the one weapon at his disposal: his oratory.

About the Speech

In this speech, the longest of the Philippics (so-called after a series of speeches made against Philip of Macedon), Cicero starts by defending his own career and then – the part we read - demolishes Antony's. A masterpiece of invective, it ensures Antony's bitter hostility and Cicero's eventual elimination.

Resources

Resources are available on the Companion Website www.bloomsbury.com/ocr-editions-2019-2021

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