Episode Details

Exile, Humiliation, and the Power of the Tribune. Guest Author: Josiah Osgood. Seeking revenge for the Bona Dea trial, Clodius Pulcher transferred his status from patrician to plebeian to run for the office of tribune. Once elected, he passed legislation that targeted anyone who had put Roman citizens to death without a trial. This law was aimed directly at Cicero for his actions during the Catiline conspiracy. Recognizing the danger, Cicero fled Rome and went into exile, during which Clodius's supporters destroyed his mansion on the Palatine Hill. Clodius even built a shrine to the goddess Freedom on the site to humiliate his rival. During his exile, Cicero's wife, Terentia, worked to manage their affairs and protect their children while seeking his restoration. Cicero's departure was highly theatrical; he adopted the appearance of a mourner in "ashes and sackcloth" to stir public pity. Despite his attempts to gain sympathy, Clodius's populist support and political maneuvering ensured the law remained in effect, marking a devastating period of ruin for Cicero. He eventually returned to Rome, but his political influence was permanently diminished. 6
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