Support of Pompey's Command Against Mithridates 66 BC

Support of Pompey's Command Against Mithridates 66 BC

1. Context

   • The campaign had previously been led by one of Rome's leading citizen: Lucullus
     • However he had stretched his troops too far + they were in disarray
   • Manilius proposed the command should be transferred over to Pompey
     • Pompey was already in the area following his campaigns against the pirates + his military successes made him the obvious choice

2. Cicero's support

   • In his speech, On the Command of Pompey, Cicero urged the people to support Manilius + Pompey
   • Cicero claimed it was an easy task winning the people's goodwill - as he was praising their hero
   • Speaking against the bill was a handful of influential senators (the optimates)
     • But Cicero had chosen his time wisely - as enough of the senate were in favour of the proposal
       • He also could not alienate the optimates
   • The line of action was very popular with the people + equestrians as the war was having a negative effect on their revenues
     • 1 of Cicero's themes in his speech was to make Asia Minor a safe + prosperous province - both for Roman finances + her businessmen
   • His speech was a masterpiece of tact - he argued Pompey should replace Lucullus, but was generous in his praise of the man
     • He won favour with the crowd, fought for the businessmen's favour + remained cautious not to offend the powerful men supporting Lucullus

3. Significance

   • Cicero's first ever political oration - he urged the people to support Manilius + Pompey
   • It was a political move on Cicero's behalf to support the command - he was proclaiming the alliance between him + Pompey