Political Turmoil in Rome: 57 BCE

In 57 BCE, Rome faced political chaos with Cicero's banishment and Clodius's rise. Cicero's brother negotiated with Pompey to lift the banishment, leading to Cicero's return. Clodius's violent tactics escalated tensions, prompting Milo to retaliate, resulting in widespread violence. Cicero's popularity soared as he was seen as a stabilizing force. He maneuvered politically to secure Pompey's support and addressed Rome's grain shortage. Cicero's feud with Clodius continued, leading to further violence and political strife.

Who were the two consuls that assumed office in 57 BCE?

• Clodius and Milo

• Caesar and Crassus

• Cicero and Pompey

• Lentulus and Metellus Nepos

What did Clodius use to escalate political violence in Rome?

• Political debates

• Armed gladiators

• Economic sanctions

• Peaceful protests

Why did public opinion begin to favor Cicero's return?

• He was a native Roman

• He promised free food to the poor

• He was known for restoring order during the Catiline Conspiracy

• He was a close ally of Clodius

What role did Cicero propose for Pompey to address Rome's food shortage?

• Tribune of the Plebs

• Senate Speaker

• Special Commissioner

• Military General

What was Cicero's main grievance against Clodius after his return?

• Clodius's conversion from patrician to plebeian

• The demolition of Cicero's home

• Clodius's election as Aedile

• Clodius's support for Caesar

What did Cicero do to Clodius's legislative accomplishments?

• He praised them

• He destroyed the tablet listing them

• He expanded upon them

• He ignored them

What did the College of Pontiffs decide regarding the Temple to Liberty?

• To convert it into a public library

• To expand it with Senate funding

• To allow its demolition if Cicero wished

• To preserve it as a historical site

How did Clodius react to the Senate's decision to rebuild Cicero's home?

• He supported the decision

• He ignored the decision

• He proposed a new law

• He attacked the construction crews

What was the outcome of the elections held late in the year?

• Clodius was elected Aedile

• Cicero was elected Aedile

• Pompey was elected Tribune

• Milo was elected Consul

What was the relationship between Clodius and Milo by the end of the transcript?

• They were at each other's throats

• They were indifferent to each other

• They were allies

• They were business partners