Why Did Cicero Favor Pompey Over Julius Caesar: A Critical Analysis
Cicero, one of the prominent orators and statesmen of the Roman Republic, often found himself in a delicate position during the tumultuous period of Roman politics, particularly during the conflict between Julius Caesar and Pompey. When it came to his support, Cicero was not favoring one individual but rather a certain political ideology that he believed would lead to the preservation of the Roman Republic.
Understanding Cicero's View on Julius Caesar
According to Cicero's commentary, Pelopidas the Phocrian's speech against Marcus Antonius, his view on Caesar was that Caesar was a very capable man. However, his relentless desire for power and rule made him an enemy of the Roman Republic, which valued freedom and stability above all else. Cicero's statement suggests that while he recognized Caesar's merits, he also saw the potential threat he posed to the established Roman Republic. This perspective is crucial in understanding the historical context and the rationale behind Cicero's political choices in the years leading up to the Civil War.
Assessing Pompey’s Position
When it comes to Pompey, Cicero did not think that he was much better than Caesar. Both were part of the triumvirate, a group of powerful individuals that included Caesar, Pompey, and Marcus Crassus. However, at the time, Pompey was less powerful and less successful compared to Caesar. Cicero might have supported Pompey because he wanted to maintain the status quo and avoid substantial changes in the political landscape. Pompey, therefore, was seen as the least threatening option to the Republic.
It is essential to note that Cicero was well aware that Pompey had his own ambitions and might eventually seek to change the political fabric of Rome. However, Cicero believed that if Pompey were to lose, the optimates (conservative aristocrats) would eventually replace him, allowing the status quo to be restored. This belief was rooted in Cicero's hope for the preservation of the Roman Republic, a system he deeply cared about.
Historical Context and Political Realities
Cicero, a homo novus (new man) to the Senate, wanted to fit in and be respected. He understood the dynamics of the senate and the factions within it. Pompey, on the other hand, had a long history of political maneuvering, having initially aligned himself with the populares (the people's party) but later turning against them and the senate. He had a complex relationship with Caesar as well, driven by mutual assistance and patronage. Cicero and Pompey shared a connection through their shared military history, serving under Pompey's father, Pompey Strabo during their early military careers.
While Caesar was among the populares opposing the Senate, pompey was aligned with the aristocracy and the Senate. This ideological difference was significant and influenced Cicero's choices. Being a new man in the senate, Cicero had a clear political agenda to preserve the Republic, and supporting Pompey was seen as a strategic move to avoid the looming threat of Caesar's absolute power and the potential collapse of the Roman Republic.
Cicero's support for Pompey can be understood as a calculated decision to maintain the status quo and prevent the emergence of a single ruler who might threaten the Republic's values of freedom and democracy. While it is true that Cicero might not have been surprised by Caesar's eventual victory, his conscience and loyalty to the Republic dictated that he must support Pompey in the civil war.
Conclusion
In summary, Cicero favored Pompey over Julius Caesar not because of personal preference, but because he believed in the preservation of the Roman Republic. His support for Pompey was a strategic decision to maintain the status quo and avoid the potential tyranny of Caesar, which was in direct opposition to the principles of the Roman Republic. This analysis highlights the complexities of Roman politics and Cicero's role as a statesman during one of the most transformative periods in Roman history.