Fourteen speeches against Mark Antony, delivered in the Senate after Caesar's assassination. Cicero gambled everything on the Republic's survival and lost. The speeches are furious, personal, and brilliant — modelled on Demosthenes's Philippics against Philip of Macedon. They cost Cicero his life. Antony had him killed within the year.
Start ReadingThe First Philippic. Cicero returns to Rome and attacks Antony's abuse of Caesar's papers and legacy. A measured opening salvo.
The Second Philippic. Never delivered — published as a pamphlet. Cicero's most devastating attack on Antony: his drinking, his debts, his public vomiting, his seizure of power.
The Third Philippic. Cicero urges the Senate to declare Antony a public enemy and support the young Octavian.
The Fourth Philippic. Cicero addresses the Roman people directly, rallying them against Antony's march on Cisalpine Gaul.
The Fifth Philippic. Debate over whether to send ambassadors to Antony or declare war. Cicero argues for war.
The Sixth Philippic. Cicero reports to the people on the Senate's decision to send an embassy to Antony. He insists it will fail.
The Seventh Philippic. The embassy has returned. Antony's demands are outrageous. Cicero urges the Senate to reject them.
The Eighth Philippic. The Senate debates whether to call the conflict with Antony a 'war' or a 'tumult'. Cicero insists on calling it what it is.
The Ninth Philippic. Cicero proposes honours for the ambassador Servius Sulpicius, who died on the mission to Antony.
The Tenth Philippic. Cicero argues that Brutus should be confirmed in command of his provinces against Antony's forces.
The Eleventh Philippic. Cicero defends the command of Cassius in Syria and attacks Dolabella's atrocities.
The Twelfth Philippic. Another embassy is proposed to Antony. Cicero argues against sending one — the time for negotiation is past.
The Thirteenth Philippic. Cicero responds to Antony's letter to Hirtius and Octavian, demolishing it point by point.
The Fourteenth Philippic. The last Philippic. News arrives of the victory at Mutina. Cicero proposes a thanksgiving — and warns that the war is not over.