Cicero Attacks Mark Antony in the Senate: The Philippics Begin
Cicero was 62 years old, semi-retired, and knew exactly how dangerous this was. Mark Antony controlled Rome's legions. Cicero controlled words. His first Philippic — named after Demosthenes' attacks on Philip of Macedon — was almost polite by his own later standards, criticizing Antony's governance while leaving a rhetorical door open. He'd deliver thirteen more, each sharper. Antony eventually had him killed, his hands and head displayed in the Roman Forum. Cicero had written about the duty to speak truth to power his entire career. He died proving he meant it.
September 2, 44 BC
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