But I must stop now. I can no longer speak for tears - and my client has ordered that tears are not to be used in his defence.' Cicero (106-43 BC) was the greatest orator of the ancient world: he dominated the Roman courts, usually appearing for the defence. His speeches are masterpieces of persuasion: compellingly written, emotionally powerful, and somtimes hilariously funny. This book presents five of his most famous defences: of Roscius, falsely accused of murdering his father; of the consul-elect Murena, accused of electoral bribery; of the poet Archias, on a citizenshiup charge; of Caelius, ex-lover of Clodia Metelli, on charges of violence; and of Milo, for mudering Cicero's hated enemy Clodius. Cicero's clients were rarely whiter-than-white; but so seductive is his oratory that the reader cannot help taking his side. In these speeches we are plunged into some of the most exciting courtroom dramas of all time. These new translations preserve Cicero's literary artistry and emotional force, and achieve new standards of accuracy. Each speech has its own introduction, and a general introduction discusses Cicero's public career and the criminal courts. The substantial explanatory notes guide the reader through the speeches, and offer new scholarship presented in a clear way. *ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more._x000D_ _x000D_

But I must stop now. I can no longer speak for tears - and my client has ordered that tears are not to be used in his defence.
ﾂ
_x000D_ Cicero (106-43 BC) was the greatest orator of the ancient world: he dominated the Roman courts, usually appearing for the defence. His speeches are masterpieces of persuasion: compellingly written, emotionally powerful, and somtimes hilariously funny.
ﾂ
_x000D_ This book presents five of his most famous defences: of Roscius, falsely accused of murdering his father; of the consul-elect Murena, accused of electoral bribery; of the poet Archias, on a citizenship charge; of Caelius, ex-lover of Clodia Metelli, on charges of violence; and of Milo, for mudering Cicero's hated enemy Clodius.
ﾂ
_x000D_ Cicero's clients were rarely whiter-than-white, but so seductive is his oratory that the reader cannot help taking his side. In these speeches we are plunged into some of the most exciting courtroom dramas of all time.
ﾂ
_x000D_ In this audio guide to Oxford Cicero's Defence Speeches, Dominic Berry, senior lecturer in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at Edinburgh University and the translator of this volume, introduces Cicero and his world. To listen to the guide, click on the links below.
ﾂ
_x000D_ ﾂ
_x000D_ _x000D_ Oratory in Ancient Rome
_x000D_ Discover the role of oratory in the ancient world [3:07]
ﾂ
_x000D_ Rhetoric was the theory and oratory the practice.
_x000D_ Dominic Berry explains the distinction [1:54]
ﾂ
_x000D_ Persuasive argument was not the sole important factor for an orator.
_x000D_ His own character and personal authority
_x000D_ also counted in Ancient Rome [2:13]
ﾂ
_x000D_ Public speaking in Rome was physically demanding.
_x000D_ Listen to Dominic Berry explain why [2:27]
ﾂ
_x000D_ ﾂ
_x000D_ _x000D_ Cicero: background and legal career
_x000D_ Dominic Berry talks about Cicero's inauspicious beginnings and early life. [3:23]
ﾂ
_x000D_ Though often to be found in the law courts, the young Cicero was not aiming to have a career as an lawyer.
_x000D_ Dominic Berry explains the difference between being a lawyer and advocate in Rome. [1:25]
ﾂ
_x000D_ Cicero began his career as an advocate in a civil case in his mid-twenties.
_x000D_ Hear about his early cases [3:16]
ﾂ
_x000D_ ﾂ
_x000D_ _x000D_ The Roman legal system
_x000D_ Though in many ways similar to our criminal justice system, some Roman legal practices strike us as strange and even shocking today.
_x000D_ Dominic Berry explains [4:41]
ﾂ
_x000D_ ﾂ
_x000D_ _x000D_ Selecting the Speeches
_x000D_ Finally, Dominic Berry discusses how he made his selection of speeches for this and its companion volume of Cicero's Political Speeches. [1:49]
_x000D_

_x000D_ _x000D_

_x000D_