Episode Details

The Defeat of Verres Through Storytelling. Guest Author: Josiah Osgood. In 70 BCE, Cicero prosecuted Verres in a trial that showcased his masterful use of storytelling and emotional appeal. Rather than overwhelming the jury with complex financial data about embezzlement, Cicero created a vivid image of Verres as a negligent leader. He recounted how Verres ignored his duties during a pirate raid on Syracuse, choosing instead to party with local women in seaside tents. This narrative portrayed Verres as living large at the expense of the Roman citizens he was meant to defend. Overwhelmed by the evidence and the public outcry, Verres defaulted mid-trial and fled Rome. Although he was found guilty, his punishment was merely exile to Marseilles, where he was allowed to keep much of his stolen art. For the Romans, losing citizenship and political rights was considered a severe fate, though it seems mild by modern standards. This victory propelled Cicero's political career as he sought the office of consul. The election process of the time mirrors modern participation, with citizens urged to vote on the Field of Mars. 3
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