Episode Details

Josiah Osgood, author of Lawless Republic, Part One: Marcus Tullius Cicero rises as a "new man" from outside Rome's traditional political elite, building an exceptional reputation in the Roman Forum. His debut felony case defends Sextus Roscius against parricide, exposing a corrupt financial conspiracy and establishing his legendary storytelling style. Cicero then transitions to prosecution to take on Gaius Verres, the deeply connected and highly corrupt governor of Sicily. Verres had systematically plundered Sicilian art and failed to defend Syracuse from pirate raids while living luxuriously. Verres flees into exile mid-trial, cementing Cicero's reputation as a daring reformer. (1)