Who executed Cicero and where?

Study for the Advanced Certamen Literature Exam with engaging multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare thoroughly to excel!

Cicero was executed by Marc Antony's soldiers in Formiae on December 7, 43 BCE. This event was part of the larger political turmoil following the assassination of Julius Caesar. After Caesar's death, Rome was embroiled in conflict over power, with various factions vying for control. Cicero, a prominent statesman and orator, had been an outspoken critic of Antony and had delivered a series of speeches known as the "Philippics," attacking him directly.

By the time of Cicero's execution, the power dynamics had shifted significantly. Marc Antony was part of the triumvirate that sought revenge against their enemies, and Cicero was on their list due to his opposition. Coincidentally, Formiae was a place where Cicero sought refuge, but ultimately, he was betrayed and captured. His execution was not just politically motivated; it also had a personal vendetta aspect, as Antony was angered by Cicero's vigorous criticism.

While Brutus, Octavian, and Calpurnius were all significant figures during this tumultuous time, they were either aligned with or had other relationships with Cicero, making them unlikely candidates for his execution. Marc Antony's direct role in facilitating Cicero's assassination highlights the

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