the life of Cato
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Birth name:
Born: Died: Cause of death: Era: Political affiliation: Major conflicts: |
Marcus Porcius Cato
95 BC - Rome, Italy 12 April, 46 BC - Utica, Tunisia (aged 49) Suicide Roman Republic Optimates Third Servile War, Caesar's Civil War |
Early Life (95-72 BC)
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Marcus Porcius Cato Uticensis, more commonly known as Cato the Younger, was born in 95 BC in Rome, Italy. He was born into a wealthy family with high profile ancestors. His parents died while he was still very young, after which he was raised by his uncle. When Cato was four years old his uncle was killed, which acted as a catalyst for the Social war of 91-88 BC.
Cato was well educated from a young age, and showed his republican values and hatred of injustice early on. There are many stories of him from when he was a student often questioning his tutors, earning him respect from fellow students and academics alike. He was however rather slow to take up new ideas and once he had one it was difficult to make him see any other way. Cato eventually attracted the attention of the Dictator of Rome, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, who enjoyed speaking with Cato to hear his opinions on various matters. Cato was not afraid to counter Sulla's thoughts and opinions or even his political policies, but the dictator did not seem to mind. Cato however saw Sulla as a tyrant and an enemy of the Republic. He once expressed his wishes to kill the dictator in front of his tutor who did not let him out of his sight again, in case he ever attempted to take Sulla's life. Embracing Stoicism
Once Cato reached an age when he could claim his inheritance, he used it to leave his uncle's house and purchase a property of his own. He maintained a keen interest in politics and pursued further philosophical teachings, particularly that of Stoicism. He fully embraced the learning and ideals he had gained from studying philosophy and begun to live an austere life of humility. He did not treat himself to luxurious foods or trinkets, instead opting to eat and drink cheaply and wear clothes that cost little. Cato would even resort to walking barefoot in the cold and rain, not minding if people mocked him for his actions. He made infrequent appearances in the Forum where he delivered acclaimed speeches, but otherwise let a solitary life.
Cato married a woman named Atilia with whom he had two children, a son named Marcus Porcius Cato and a daughter, Porcia. military Career (72-65 BC)
Cato begun his military career in 72 BC when he served in the Third Servile War against Spartacus. His brother Caepio had already been part of the war while serving as a tribune and Cato likely joined him. The war against Spartacus would not last long as Marcus Crassus would be called upon to end the slave revolt once and for all, which he accomplished in 71 BC at the Battle of the Silarius River.
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Statue of Cato the Younger. By Jean-Baptiste Roman (1792–1835), François Rude (1784–1855) - Jastrow (2006), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=875427
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Now serving as a tribune himself, Cato was given command of a legion and journeyed to the East to Macedon in 67 BC. Cato proved to be an effective military commander and earned the respect of his troops by working and dining with them and sleeping in the same barracks. While still in Macedon his brother died in Thrace causing Cato to grieve for some while as they were very close. He organised a lavish funeral for his brother before leaving Macedon to go on a tour of the Roman provinces further east.
Return to Rome (65 BC)
When Cato returned to Rome in 65 BC he embarked on a political career and that same year he was appointed quaestor. Cato's first act in the role was to investigate corruption among previous quaestors whom he believed had been using their role to siphon funds from the state treasury for their own benefit. When found guilty Cato ensured those accused were brought to justice. Cato began to root out corruption wherever he saw it, even members of his own political faction were not immune. By the end of the year he stepped down from the position but by now had grown greatly in popularity for his resolve and defiance in acting against corruption when no one else did. Despite no longer dealing with the treasury Cato would always keep an eye on it to ensure no corrupt individual dared attempt to steal from it again.
Catiline COnspiracy (63 BC)
In 63 BC Cato played a key role in thwarting the Catiline conspiracy. This was a plot to overthrow the reigning consuls, one of whom was the famous lawyer and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, and introduce a dictatorship - thus ending the Republic. Cicero uncovered the plot and the attempt on his life, managing to apprehend the conspirators before they could escape. They stood trial before the Senate in Rome where their fates were decided. Cato himself advocated execution, in his eyes this was the only way to deter treason in the future. The young Julius Caesar opposed this, instead opting to split up the conspirators and imprison them in towns across Italy. Eventually Cicero sided with Cato and had the men executed. This method did indeed prove effective, as Catiline's supporters disbanded and posed no threat after this. The following year Cato was appointed as Tribune of the Plebs.
Following this conspiracy Cato and Caesar would forever be at odds with one another. Cato had even suggested at one point that Caesar was in league with the conspirators, which would have explained his leniency on the matter. On another occasion in the Senate hearing Caesar had appeared to be reading a letter and paying no mind to the matter at hand. Cato demanded an explanation, to which Caesar handed him the letter which was revealed to be a love letter from Cato's half-sister.
Around this time Cato divorced his wife Atilia and remarried to a woman called Marcia, with whom he had another 2 or 3 children - the exact number is not well documented.
Following this conspiracy Cato and Caesar would forever be at odds with one another. Cato had even suggested at one point that Caesar was in league with the conspirators, which would have explained his leniency on the matter. On another occasion in the Senate hearing Caesar had appeared to be reading a letter and paying no mind to the matter at hand. Cato demanded an explanation, to which Caesar handed him the letter which was revealed to be a love letter from Cato's half-sister.
Around this time Cato divorced his wife Atilia and remarried to a woman called Marcia, with whom he had another 2 or 3 children - the exact number is not well documented.
Cato & the Triumvirate
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Cato's animosity towards Caesar only grew when the latter formed the First Triumvirate, allying himself with Pompey the Great and Marcus Crassus so that they could dominate the Roman Republic - an act that went against everything Cato believed in. The three men were able to control the Senate, Rome's legions and also the provinces virtually unopposed. In a twist of fate, it was Cato's staunch opposition to these power grabbers that caused them to form the alliance in the first place.
Cato did everything in his power to block the three triumvirs from holding celebrations of their military victories, known as triumphs so that their popularity could not grow. He also attempted to stop them holding political office - specifically the position of consul. While he made some gains, Cato was largely unsuccessful in stopping the Triumvirate. Pompey held a great triumph in 61 BC and in 59 BC Caesar was appointed as consul - but with Cato's son-in-law as his colleague who acted as a counter to him at the least. Cato opposed Caesar's reforms he attempted to pass through the Senate while he was consul and was mostly successful. Caesar had wanted to give land to Pompey's veteran soldiers but Cato had managed to block the proposition. Furious, Caesar had Cato removed from the forum by force, causing outrage among the other senators. Cato did not give up but as Caesar's power grew it became increasingly difficult to stop him. Caesar managed to secure a 5 year command of the provinces of Illyria and Cisalpine Gaul while Crassus was appointed as commander of Rome's eastern military forces. In addition, Cato failed to stop Crassus and Pompey being appointed as joint consuls in 56 BC. |
Bust of Cato. By Prioryman - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22504625
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Cyprus (58-54 BC)
The Triumvirate realised that Cato was becoming a troublesome thorn in their sides and in 58 BC decided to send Cato on a mission to bring Cyprus into the Roman Republic. Cato knew that this was essentially an exile and tried to decline the mission but his command of the assignment was made law and so he reluctantly agreed. He was granted the title of Quaestor pro Praetore which combined the powers of quaestore and praetorian - granting him incredible authority and leverage.
While in Cyprus Cato raised an enormous amount of wealth for Rome's treasury, keeping none for himself - as his stoic principles demanded he do. He prepared to send the wealth to Rome and accounted for every possible event where he might be accused of theft of state resources. Cato prepared two accounts of Cyprus' finances but unfortunately both were lost. However none dared accuse Cato of embezzlement as he was well known for his hatred of corruption.
For his exemplary performance in Cyprus Cato was offered a celebration back in Rome as well as various titles and rewards, all of which he turned down. He still despised the First Triumvirate for everything they stood for. Cato's luck would soon turn however. He was elected as praetor in 54 BC and shortly after Crassus died at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC during his campaign against the Persians. After this catastrophic defeat for Rome, the First Triumvirate - now only consisting of Caesar and Pompey - would break apart. Crassus had often acted as a mediator between Caesar and Pompey and without him their rivalry flared to the extent that Rome approached the brink of civil war.
While in Cyprus Cato raised an enormous amount of wealth for Rome's treasury, keeping none for himself - as his stoic principles demanded he do. He prepared to send the wealth to Rome and accounted for every possible event where he might be accused of theft of state resources. Cato prepared two accounts of Cyprus' finances but unfortunately both were lost. However none dared accuse Cato of embezzlement as he was well known for his hatred of corruption.
For his exemplary performance in Cyprus Cato was offered a celebration back in Rome as well as various titles and rewards, all of which he turned down. He still despised the First Triumvirate for everything they stood for. Cato's luck would soon turn however. He was elected as praetor in 54 BC and shortly after Crassus died at the Battle of Carrhae in 53 BC during his campaign against the Persians. After this catastrophic defeat for Rome, the First Triumvirate - now only consisting of Caesar and Pompey - would break apart. Crassus had often acted as a mediator between Caesar and Pompey and without him their rivalry flared to the extent that Rome approached the brink of civil war.
Prelude to Civil war
Cato stoked the flames of hostility between Caesar and Pompey, ensuring that their alliance was truly over. Cato hoped he could restore the Republic to what it once was by eliminating those who opposed Optimates who held largely conservative values. Little did he realise, the coming civil war would engulf the Roman Republic, which would never be the same again.
Cato attempted to run for consul in 52 BC but was defeated and so retired from public life and he would never have a chance to make a bid for the office again. By 49 BC Cato succeeded in passing a motion to recall Caesar from his proconsular command of Gaul where he would face judgement for war crimes he had committed there. All previous attempts to do this had been blocked by Pompey and Crassus, but with the latter dead and Pompey now at odds with Caesar the resolution was agreed upon.
Cato demanded that Caesar relinquish control of his armies and surrender, however doing this would leave him powerless. Caesar's representative in the Senate, Mark Antony, tried to stall the process but was cast from Rome. In an act of defiance, Caesar used Antony's expulsion as justification for crossing the river Rubicon with his legion - an act of war against Rome.
Cato attempted to run for consul in 52 BC but was defeated and so retired from public life and he would never have a chance to make a bid for the office again. By 49 BC Cato succeeded in passing a motion to recall Caesar from his proconsular command of Gaul where he would face judgement for war crimes he had committed there. All previous attempts to do this had been blocked by Pompey and Crassus, but with the latter dead and Pompey now at odds with Caesar the resolution was agreed upon.
Cato demanded that Caesar relinquish control of his armies and surrender, however doing this would leave him powerless. Caesar's representative in the Senate, Mark Antony, tried to stall the process but was cast from Rome. In an act of defiance, Caesar used Antony's expulsion as justification for crossing the river Rubicon with his legion - an act of war against Rome.
Caesar's civil war (49-45 BC)
Cato and the Senate declared Caesar an enemy of the state but this was not enough to stop him. As he swept down Italy more flocked to his cause, swelling his forces. The Senate in Rome rallied behind Pompey, including Cato who saw him as the last hope of republicanism despite his previous opposition to him. Pompey and the rest of his followers fled Italy through the port of Brundisium on the heel of Italy and sailed to Greece where they rallied support. Here they had plenty of soldiers, resources and allies from Pompey's conquests some years prior. Cato remained briefly in Sicily where he commanded a number of troops, but soon fled East when Caesar's forces arrived.
Two major battles occurred in the East, the first was the Battle of Dyrrachium on 10 July 48 BC. Here Cato commanded forces close to the port but avoided most of the combat, instead Pompey was responsible for successfully defeating Caesar's forces, routing him. However he did not pursue Caesar, fearing his victory had been too easy and that a trap might await him. Caesar had no trap though and remarked Pompey may have won the war had he been bolder. A month later on 10 August 48 BC the two forces clashed again at the Battle of Pharsalus but this time Caesar was victorious, shattering Pompey's armies and forcing him to flee to Egypt where he was betrayed and executed.
Cato did not lose hope and instead fled to north Africa with Metellus Scipio, one of his allies. Here they prepared to fight Caesar once more, knowing he would come for them soon enough. They had managed to transport 15 cohorts, around 7,500 men, to Utica which they used as their new base of operations. Caesar arrived with his army and despite being outnumbered, managed to defeat Metellus Scipio at the Battle of Thapsus on 6 April 46 BC.
Two major battles occurred in the East, the first was the Battle of Dyrrachium on 10 July 48 BC. Here Cato commanded forces close to the port but avoided most of the combat, instead Pompey was responsible for successfully defeating Caesar's forces, routing him. However he did not pursue Caesar, fearing his victory had been too easy and that a trap might await him. Caesar had no trap though and remarked Pompey may have won the war had he been bolder. A month later on 10 August 48 BC the two forces clashed again at the Battle of Pharsalus but this time Caesar was victorious, shattering Pompey's armies and forcing him to flee to Egypt where he was betrayed and executed.
Cato did not lose hope and instead fled to north Africa with Metellus Scipio, one of his allies. Here they prepared to fight Caesar once more, knowing he would come for them soon enough. They had managed to transport 15 cohorts, around 7,500 men, to Utica which they used as their new base of operations. Caesar arrived with his army and despite being outnumbered, managed to defeat Metellus Scipio at the Battle of Thapsus on 6 April 46 BC.
Artwork of Cato. By Josef Abel - Artnet, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40583635
Death & Legacy (46 BC)
Cato was not present for the Battle of Thapsus, instead opting to remain in Utica, but now realised there was no hope of stopping Caesar. He barred the gates of Utica and begun to evacuate the remaining soldiers in his army before deciding his own fate. The greatest insult for Cato would have been Caesar granting him clemency and sparing his life. Cato refused to give Caesar the opportunity and instead took his own life by stabbing himself in the stomach with his sword . Cato did not die immediately, and instead writhed in agony for some time until he eventually died.
After Cato's death the resistance against Caesar was largely over. He returned to Rome as the master of the Republic and was eventually appointed as dictator for life. Many would grow concerned with Caesar's ever increasing power until a conspiracy ended his life in 44 BC.
Many later praised Cato's suicide, as a final act of defiance against Caesar and upholding traditional Roman values. Cato would be remembered for years after as a staunch stoic and embodiment of republicanism and for providing stability during the final chaotic decades of the Roman Republic.
After Cato's death the resistance against Caesar was largely over. He returned to Rome as the master of the Republic and was eventually appointed as dictator for life. Many would grow concerned with Caesar's ever increasing power until a conspiracy ended his life in 44 BC.
Many later praised Cato's suicide, as a final act of defiance against Caesar and upholding traditional Roman values. Cato would be remembered for years after as a staunch stoic and embodiment of republicanism and for providing stability during the final chaotic decades of the Roman Republic.
Quotes by Cato
"Give me a sword, that I might free my country from slavery" - Cato expressing his wish to kill Sulla
"In doing nothing men learn to do evil"
"Consider in silence whatever any one says: speech both conceals and reveals the inner soul of man"
"A honest man is seldom a vagrant"
"In doing nothing men learn to do evil"
"Consider in silence whatever any one says: speech both conceals and reveals the inner soul of man"
"A honest man is seldom a vagrant"
Quotes about Cato
"Cato, I grudge you your death, as you would have grudged me the preservation of your life" - Caesar upon hearing news of Cato's death.
Trivia
- Cato's daughter Porcia married the chief conspirator in Caesar's murder, Marcus Junius Brutus.
- Before marrying his first wife, Cato was engaged to a woman called Aemilia Lepida who later married Metellus Scipio, who would later become Cato's ally during Caesar's Civil War.
- He was a firm believer that fear could be banished from the mind just by choosing not to be afraid.
- Cato's modest living resembled that of his great-grandfather of the same name, known as Cato the Elder.
- Cato reportedly never missed Senate meetings and often chastised those who did.
- Mishandling his own suicide, Cato fell off the bed where he attempted to end his life and lay on the floor with his organs spilling out of his stomach. A physician rushed to his aid in an attempt to save his life but Cato asked him to let him die.
- After his death Pliny the Elder, among other writers, bestowed the title of Uticensis on Cato, meaning 'The Utican'. This was in recognition of his act of defiance against Caesar.
- Cato did not leave behind an autobiography or any academic works. Most of what is known about him comes from Plutarch who drew upon two sources written by Cicero and Thrasea Paetus.