Cicero's governorship of Cilicia

[摘要] The thesis opens with an account of the early provinces, and then, following upon the acquisition of Asia, deals with the historical growth of Cilicia from the time it was a mere outpost against piracy until its full development as an area stretching from Asia to Syria. There then follows a brief discussion of the provincial governor's power and the normal method of his selection. This in turn leads to the special case of Cicero’s appointment to Cilicia in 51 B.C. His criticisms of bad governors and his expressed opinions on provincial good order are outlined, showing his desire for moderation and respect for legality. After a chronological account of Cicero's year of office and absence from Rome, the highlights of his governorship are selected, and such topics as finance, taxation, treatment of individuals and military concerns are considered in detail. The conclusion seeks to point out the main faults of the Republican provincial system and illustrates them with reference to Cicero's governorship. It also tries to show how far Cicero lived up to his earlier theoretical views in the face of the difficulties he experienced in practice. In the final reckoning he is shown to have attained fair success within the confining limits of the system.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:Department of Latin

[关键词] D History General and Old World;DE The Mediterranean Region. The Greco-Roman World