What were the various epithets used to refer to Marcus Porcius Cato, and what do they signify?

Marcus Porcius Cato was known by several epithets, including Cato the Censor (Latin: Censorius), Cato the Elder, and Cato the Wise. These titles highlight his significant role as a censor, his seniority compared to his great-grandson, and his reputation for wisdom and sound judgment.

Where was Marcus Porcius Cato born, and what was his family's social standing?

Marcus Porcius Cato was born in the municipal town of Tusculum in the Roman Republic. His family, the Porcii, were of plebeian status and had a history of military service, but they had not previously held Roman magistracies, making Cato a novus homo or "new man" when he first entered Roman politics.

What is the origin and meaning of the cognomen "Cato"?

The cognomen "Cato" is derived from the Latin word catus, which signifies "common sense that is the result of natural wisdom combined with experience." It was a cognomen that indicated distinction and was later applied to him, possibly in childhood, to mark his inherent wisdom.

How is Cato the Elder's birth date determined, and what are the discrepancies in historical accounts?

Cato the Elder's birth date is deduced from reports of his age at death, which is known to be 149 BC. Cicero and Pliny suggest he was born in 234 BC and died at age 85. However, other authors like Valerius Maximus and Livy suggest he was older, stating he died at 86 or even 90 years old, which are considered exaggerations inconsistent with Cato's own statements.

Where did Cato spend his youth, and who served as an inspiration for his character?

After his father's death, Cato inherited a small property in Sabine territory where he spent much of his childhood. He was inspired by the nearby hut of Manius Curius Dentatus, a renowned military figure known for his simple character, whom Cato aspired to emulate.

What significant military campaigns did Cato the Elder participate in during his early life?

Cato the Elder participated in significant military campaigns during his youth, including the Second Punic War, which began in 218 BC. He served at Capua, Tarentum, and was involved in the campaign that led to the decisive Roman victory at the Battle of the Metaurus in 207 BC, where Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal was slain.

What was Cato the Elder's famous declaration regarding Carthage, and when did he begin making it?

Cato the Elder was known for repeatedly stating "Carthago delenda est," meaning "Carthage must be destroyed." He began making this declaration, particularly in the Senate, after his return from a diplomatic mission to Carthage in 157 BC, convinced that Rome's security depended on its annihilation.

What sequence of public offices did Cato the Elder hold throughout his career?

Cato the Elder held a distinguished career in public office, progressing through several key magistracies. He served as military tribune (214 BC), quaestor (204 BC), plebeian aedile (199 BC), praetor (198 BC), consul (195 BC), and finally as censor (184 BC).

What were the Porcian Laws, and what was their purpose?

During his consulship in 195 BC, Cato enacted the first two of the Porcian Laws. These laws aimed to expand the protections afforded to Roman citizens, safeguarding them against degrading or capricious punishments under the existing Valerian Law.

Describe the Oppian Law and Cato's stance on its repeal.

The Oppian Law, passed in 215 BC during the Second Punic War, was intended to curb the luxury of Roman women by restricting their gold ownership, clothing, and carriage use to conserve resources. When the law was proposed for repeal after the war, Cato vehemently opposed it, arguing it would lead to excessive extravagance, but it was ultimately repealed by popular vote.

How did Cato the Elder conduct himself as praetor in Sardinia?

As praetor in Sardinia in 198 BC, Cato demonstrated his strict public morality by reducing official expenses, traveling with minimal staff, and administering justice with impartiality. He severely punished usurers and, according to Aurelius Victor, subdued a revolt on the island.

What were Cato's notable actions during his consulship in 195 BC?

During his consulship, Cato enacted the Porcian Laws, which provided greater protections for Roman citizens. He also famously opposed the repeal of the Oppian Law, which regulated women's luxury, and led a military campaign in Hispania Citerior, which he subdued with speed and severity.

What was Cato's military campaign in Hispania Citerior like, and what phrase did he coin during this period?

Cato's campaign in Hispania Citerior was characterized by untiring hard work, alertness, and a lack of mercy. He reduced the region to subjection rapidly, employing tactics like setting tribes against each other and using native mercenaries. During this time, he coined the phrase bellum se ipsum alet, meaning "the war will feed itself."

For what achievements was Cato the Elder awarded a Roman triumph?

Cato the Elder was awarded a Roman triumph in 194 BC for his military achievements in Hispania Citerior. He had successfully subdued the region between the Ebro River and the Pyrenees, improved the working of mines, and increased provincial revenues.

How did Cato the Elder express his opposition to Hellenization?

Cato the Elder was a staunch opponent of Hellenization, believing it threatened the traditional Roman character. This opposition was most evident during his censorship, where he rigorously reviewed senatorial and knightly lists, ejecting those he deemed unworthy, and he later advocated for the dismissal of Greek philosophers and warned against the influence of Chaldean astrologers.

What were some of Cato the Elder's key policies and actions as censor in 184 BC?

As censor, Cato applied his strict moral principles by revising the lists of senators and knights, removing individuals he considered unworthy based on moral grounds or financial means. He imposed heavy taxes on luxury items, particularly women's dress and personal adornments, and supported legislation like the lex Voconia to limit wealth accumulation by women.

What public works did Cato the Elder oversee or initiate?

Cato the Elder oversaw significant public works, including the repair and extension of Rome's aqueducts and sewage systems, preventing unauthorized water usage. He also ordered the demolition of structures encroaching on public ways and built the first known basilica in Rome, the Basilica Porcia, near the Curia.

What was Cato the Elder's view on Greek philosophers and physicians?

In his later years, Cato expressed a strong aversion to Greek philosophers and physicians, viewing them as potentially corrupting influences on Roman society. He advocated for the dismissal of Greek ambassadors like Carneades, Diogenes, and Critolaus, and famously advised his son to avoid doctors, whom he suspected of plotting against non-Greeks.

What is the significance of Cato the Elder's work De Agri Cultura?

De Agri Cultura (On Agriculture) is Cato the Elder's only work that survives complete and is the oldest extant prose work in Latin. It serves as a practical manual on farming, husbandry, rituals, and recipes, and was adopted as a textbook for profitable agriculture, reflecting the shift towards commercial farming practices in Rome.

What was the Origines, and why is it considered historically significant?

The Origines was Cato the Elder's seven-book history of Rome and Italy, making him the first Roman to write history in Latin. It covered the history from the founding of Rome to his own time, incorporating legends and illustrating Roman virtues, and is significant for being the first historical work written in Latin.

What is known about Cato the Elder's speeches?

Cato the Elder was a prolific orator, delivering approximately 150 speeches during his career. While most of their titles are now lost, fragments of some speeches, such as "On Behalf of the Rhodians" and "Against Galba," are preserved, often incorporated into his historical works.

How did Cato the Elder's personal life reflect his strict principles?

Cato the Elder lived a life of rigorous discipline, viewing individual life as continuous training and public life as the discipline of the many. He demanded similar dedication from his household, acting as a hard husband, strict father, and severe master, with little distinction made between the esteem he held for his wife and his slaves.

What was the nature of the dispute between Cato the Elder and Scipio Africanus?

The enmity between Cato the Elder and Scipio Africanus stemmed from their differing views on military discipline and financial management. Cato believed Scipio's lavish spending and lenient treatment of troops undermined Roman values and military effectiveness.

How did Cato the Elder contribute to the development of Latin literature?

Cato the Elder is credited as the first Roman to write history in Latin with his Origines, and his De Agri Cultura is the oldest surviving prose work in the Latin language. His efforts were crucial in establishing Latin as a literary language, potentially preventing Greek from supplanting it in Rome.

What was Cato's stance on the financial requirements for senators?

Cato the Elder upheld the traditional Roman ideal that senators should be independently wealthy, with their income derived from land ownership rather than commerce. He enforced a financial "means test," expecting senators to possess a net worth of over a million sestertii, effectively maintaining the Senate as an exclusive club for the affluent.

What was the significance of the Basilica Porcia?

The Basilica Porcia, built by Cato the Elder in 184 BC, was the first known basilica in Rome. It served as a central hub for political and commercial activities, hosting courts and providing space for merchants, and its construction was a notable public work initiated during his censorship.

How did Cato the Elder's views on agriculture reflect Roman economic priorities of his time?

In his agricultural treatise, De Agri Cultura, Cato ranked the vineyard as the most important aspect of a farm due to the profitability of the wine trade. He ranked grain pastures sixth, reflecting the economic challenges and grain shortages Rome faced during that period.

What was the purpose of Cato's Praecepta ad Filium?

Praecepta ad Filium, or "Maxims addressed to his son," was a work by Cato the Elder intended to guide his son's education and moral development. It included his critical views on Greek culture and medicine, advising his son to be cautious of their influences.

What is the meaning of the phrase "bellum se ipsum alet" and its connection to Cato?

The phrase "bellum se ipsum alet," meaning "the war will feed itself," was coined by Cato the Elder during his harsh campaign in Hispania Citerior. It reflects a strategy where the spoils of war are used to sustain the military effort, a concept he applied during his conquest of the region.

How did Cato the Elder's family tree connect him to prominent Roman figures?

Cato the Elder's family tree shows connections through his children and their marriages. His son Marcus Porcius Cato Salonianus married a descendant of Pompey and Sulla, while his daughter married into the family of Marcus Junius Brutus, linking him to significant political lineages.

What role did Lucius Valerius Flaccus play in Cato's career?

Lucius Valerius Flaccus, a young nobleman from a prominent patrician family, recognized Cato's talents and potential. He brought Cato to Rome, supported his political ambitions, and later served with him as consul, acting as a crucial patron in Cato's ascent to public office.

What was the nature of Cato's early interactions with Quintus Ennius?

While one account suggests Cato brought the poet Quintus Ennius to Italy from Sardinia on his ship, it is more likely their first meeting occurred later when Cato was praetor in Sardinia. This interaction highlights Cato's engagement with cultural figures of his time.

How did Cato's military service in the Second Punic War contribute to his reputation?

Cato's participation in key battles and campaigns during the Second Punic War, such as at Capua and the Battle of the Metaurus, established his reputation as a capable and valorous soldier. These early military achievements provided a foundation for his later political career.

What was Cato's perspective on the transition occurring in Roman society during his time?

Cato observed a significant transition in Roman society from the rustic simplicity of its Samnite origins to the more sophisticated and luxurious Hellenistic culture. He belonged to a faction that defended the old Roman virtues of plainness and integrity, contrasting with the emerging trends of wealth and luxury among the elite.

What was the primary purpose of Cato's Origines?

Cato's Origines was written to teach Romans what it meant to be Roman and to educate his own son. It aimed to highlight Roman virtues and the historical significance of Rome and other Italian towns, asserting Roman superiority over the Greeks.

What was the significance of Cato's advice regarding old or sickly slaves?

Cato's advice in De Agri Cultura to sell old or sickly slaves reflects the harsh economic realities and the view of enslaved people as property rather than individuals. This pragmatic, albeit severe, approach highlights the master-slave relationship in Roman society and Cato's focus on efficiency and profitability.

What is the meaning of the epithet Censorius?

The epithet Censorius (Censor) was applied to Marcus Porcius Cato because he held the office of Roman censor with extraordinary standing and was the only Cato to ever hold it. This title highlights his significant impact and rigorous approach to the responsibilities of the censorship.

What was Cato's view on the profitability of vineyards compared to grain cultivation?

Cato the Elder considered vineyards to be the most important aspect of a farm due to the profitability of the wine trade. He ranked grain cultivation lower, sixth, likely due to the prevailing grain shortages or crises of the time.

How did Cato's censorship reflect his opposition to perceived moral decline in Rome?

Cato's censorship was a period where his opposition to Hellenistic influences and perceived moral decline was most pronounced. He used his authority to enforce traditional Roman values by scrutinizing and removing individuals from public life who did not meet his stringent standards of conduct and wealth.

What was the outcome of the mission Cato participated in to arbitrate between Carthage and Massinissa?

The mission to arbitrate between the Carthaginians and Massinissa of Numidia, in which Cato participated in 157 BC, was unsuccessful. However, it profoundly impacted Cato, as witnessing Carthage's prosperity convinced him of the necessity for its destruction.

What is the significance of Cato being the first to write history in Latin?

Cato the Elder's Origines marked him as the first Roman to write history in Latin. This was a pivotal moment for the development of Roman literature and identity, establishing Latin as a viable language for historical narrative and potentially preventing Greek from becoming the sole literary language of Rome.

What was Cato's opinion on the "Bacchanalian mysteries"?

Cato the Elder viewed the "Bacchanalian mysteries" with horror, attributing their perceived licentiousness to the influence of Greek manners. This contributed to his broader campaign against foreign cultural influences he believed were corrupting Roman society.

How did Cato's financial management of public works differ from his management of tax collection?

As censor, Cato raised the amount paid by the publicani (tax collectors) for the right to collect taxes, thereby increasing state revenue. Simultaneously, he reduced the contract prices for the construction of public works, a move that benefited the state but generated controversy with contractors.

What was the purpose of Cato's Carmen de moribus?

While the exact content is not fully detailed, Carmen de moribus is described as a "Poem on morality," though it was apparently written in prose. It likely served to convey Cato's moral and ethical principles, aligning with his broader efforts to uphold traditional Roman values.

What was Cato's view on the transition from Samnite rusticity to Hellenistic culture in Rome?

Cato viewed the transition in Roman society from Samnite rusticity to Hellenistic sophistication and luxury with concern. He aligned himself with a conservative faction that championed the older Roman virtues of austerity and integrity, opposing the perceived decadence and luxury of the emerging elite.

What was the primary motivation behind Cato's persistent opposition to Carthage?

Cato's persistent opposition to Carthage was driven by his conviction that the city's growing prosperity posed an existential threat to Rome's security. After witnessing Carthage's resurgence during a diplomatic mission, he became convinced that its complete destruction was necessary.

How did Cato's military service at the Battle of Thermopylae (191 BC) contribute to the Roman victory?

At the Battle of Thermopylae, Cato the Elder, serving as a legatus, executed a daring maneuver by surprising and defeating enemy Aetolian auxiliaries positioned on a peak of Mount Oeta. This action, combined with his support for forces under Flaccus, helped turn the tide of the battle, leading to the downfall of Antiochus III and signaling the end of the Seleucid invasion of Greece.

What was the significance of Cato's speech in Athens, and why is it considered notable?

During a diplomatic mission in Greece, Cato addressed the Athenians in Latin, requiring an interpreter, to dissuom them from allying with Antiochus III. This event is notable as it demonstrates Roman diplomatic practices of the era, where using Latin was seen as a mark of dignity, and it also raises questions about Cato's potential knowledge of Greek.

What was Cato's stance on the accumulation of wealth by women?

Cato the Elder was critical of women accumulating excessive wealth and supported legislation like the lex Voconia in 169 BC, which aimed to limit the amount of wealth women could possess. This reflects his broader efforts to curb luxury and maintain traditional Roman austerity.

What does the naming of "Dorsa Cato" on the Moon signify?

The naming of the wrinkle ridge system "Dorsa Cato" on the Moon honors Cato the Elder, reflecting his enduring legacy and recognition in fields beyond ancient history.

What was the purpose of Cato's *De Agri Cultura* as a textbook?

Cato's *De Agri Cultura* served as a textbook for Romans expanding their agricultural activities into more profitable ventures. It provided guidance on farm management, including advice on using slave labor, and reflected the growing commercialization of agriculture in the 2nd century BC.

Cato The Elder Wiki: Cato the Elder: The Unyielding Pillar of Roman Virtue

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Biography

Origins and Early Life

Marcus Porcius Cato, later known as Cato the Elder or Cato the Censor, was born in 234 BC in Tusculum, within the Roman Republic. Hailing from the plebeian Porcia gens, his family, though distinguished by military service, had not yet attained the highest Roman magistracies. Cato himself was considered a novus homo (new man) upon entering Roman political life, a status that fueled his ambition. His formative years were spent managing his inherited Sabine farm, instilling in him a deep appreciation for agriculture, discipline, and the traditional Roman virtues.

Military Service

Cato's military career began during the tumultuous Second Punic War. He served with distinction, notably under Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus. His early campaigns included service at Capua and participation in the decisive Battle of the Metaurus (207 BC), where Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal was defeated. Cato's military prowess and dedication were recognized, laying the foundation for his later political ascent.

Longevity and Death

Cato lived an exceptionally long life for his era, passing away in 149 BC at the age of 85. His death occurred during the Third Punic War, a conflict he vehemently advocated for. His longevity allowed him to witness and profoundly influence significant periods of Roman expansion and cultural transformation.

The Cognomen "Cato"

Meaning and Distinction

The cognomen "Cato," derived from the Latin word catus, signifies "common sense" or "wise." This epithet reflected his natural wisdom, practical experience, and sound judgment. He was also known as "Cato the Elder" to distinguish him from his later descendant, Cato the Younger. His reputation for sagacity earned him the additional title Sapiens ("the Wise") in his later years.

The Censor's Role

Cato's most defining public role was that of Censor, an office he held in 184 BC. In this capacity, he wielded significant moral authority, rigorously scrutinizing the conduct of senators and equestrians, removing those deemed unworthy based on moral or financial grounds. His censorship was marked by a determined effort to uphold traditional Roman values (mos maiorum) and resist the perceived corrupting influence of Hellenistic culture.

Formative Years

Sabine Upbringing

Following his father's death, Cato inherited a farm in Sabine territory. Here, he immersed himself in agricultural life, emulating the simple, virtuous character of the legendary Manius Curius Dentatus. This period fostered his resilience, practical skills, and adherence to traditional Roman austerity, shaping his worldview and public persona.

Path to Magistracies

Recognized for his energy, military acumen, and eloquence by the influential Lucius Valerius Flaccus, Cato was encouraged to pursue a political career in Rome. Flaccus, a proponent of traditional Roman values, saw Cato's potential to rise through the ranks. Cato began honing his rhetorical skills in the Roman Forum, navigating the complex political landscape as a novus homo.

Political and Military Ascent

Early Offices

Cato's progression through Roman offices began with his appointment as military tribune in 214 BC. He later served as quaestor (204 BC), aedile (199 BC), and praetor (198 BC), governing Sardinia. During his praetorship, he exemplified his commitment to fiscal responsibility and moral rectitude, reducing expenses and punishing usury.

Consulship and Laws

Elected consul in 195 BC alongside his patron Flaccus, Cato enacted the first two Porcian Laws, enhancing protections for Roman citizens against degrading punishments. He also notably opposed the repeal of the Oppian Law, which had aimed to curb female extravagance during wartime, demonstrating his conservative stance against perceived societal decay.

Hispania Campaign

As consul, Cato led a campaign in Hispania Citerior. His conduct was characterized by relentless effort, frugality, and strategic acumen. He employed a policy of divide and conquer, setting tribes against each other and utilizing native mercenaries. His campaign was swift and decisive, though marked by severity, leading to a Roman triumph upon his return to Rome.

Later Military and Civic Duty

Cato continued his military service as a legatus (lieutenant-general) under Manius Acilius Glabrio during the Roman-Syrian War. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Thermopylae (191 BC), achieving a significant tactical victory. Post-consulship, he focused on his senatorial influence, scrutinizing public officials and advocating for traditional Roman values, famously concluding many speeches with the assertion that "Carthage must be destroyed."

Literary Contributions

De Agri Cultura

Cato's treatise on agriculture, De Agri Cultura (On Agriculture), is the oldest surviving prose work in the Latin language. This practical manual covers farming techniques, rituals, and recipes, reflecting the economic and social realities of Roman agricultural practices in the 2nd century BC. It assumes a farm operated by slaves, and Cato's advice includes stark instructions on managing them efficiently, highlighting the harsh realities of Roman slavery.

Origines

His Origines (Origins) was the first history of Rome written in Latin. Though now fragmentary, this seven-book work chronicled Roman history from its legendary beginnings to Cato's own time, emphasizing Roman virtues and asserting the superiority of Roman culture over Greek influences. It served as a foundational text for understanding Roman identity.

Oratorical Works

Cato was a prolific orator, delivering numerous speeches on political and moral issues. While most are lost, fragments survive, showcasing his sharp intellect and persuasive arguments. He utilized his speeches not only in political debate but also to advance his personal vendettas and critique societal changes.

Enduring Influence

Guardian of Tradition

Cato the Elder is remembered as a staunch defender of traditional Roman values and a fierce opponent of Hellenistic cultural influence. His emphasis on discipline, frugality, and civic duty profoundly shaped Roman identity and political discourse for generations. His writings and speeches provided a model for Latin prose and historical narrative.

Naming Conventions

His legacy is honored in the naming of geographical features, such as the Dorsa Cato mountain range on the Moon, and the town of Monte Porzio Catone near his birthplace, Tusculum. His life and principles continue to be studied as a significant example of Roman character and political conviction.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Cato The Elder" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about cato_the_elder while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

columbia graduate school of architecture planning and preservation

storming of the bastille

americanist phonetic notation

References

Wilhelm Drumann, Geschichte Roms (History of Rome), v. p. 99, 6 Bde. KÃ¶nigsberg 1834â1844.

Aurelius Victor, On famous Roman men, 47.

Astrology, Catholic Encyclopaedia

Florus, Epitome, i. 31.

Cato, De Agri Cultura ch. 2.

E.M. Jellinek, "Drinking and Alcohilics in Ancient Rome". Journal of Studies on Alcohol. Vol 7, No 11, 1976.

(Malcovati 1955); (Dalby 1998, p. 13).

A full list of references for this article are available at the Cato the Elder Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not historical or academic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, textual analysis, or scholarly consultation. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified academics or historians for in-depth understanding and specific research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Marcus Porcius Cato

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography 🏛️

👶 Origins and Early Life

⚔️ Military Service

⏳ Longevity and Death

The Cognomen "Cato" 🗣️

🧠 Meaning and Distinction

⚖️ The Censor's Role

Formative Years 🌱

🏡 Sabine Upbringing

📈 Path to Magistracies

Political and Military Ascent ⭐

📜 Early Offices

⚖️ Consulship and Laws

⚔️ Hispania Campaign

🏛️ Later Military and Civic Duty

Literary Contributions ✍️

📖 *De Agri Cultura*

📜 *Origines*

🗣️ Oratorical Works

Enduring Influence 🏆

🏛️ Guardian of Tradition

🌍 Naming Conventions

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Origins and Early Life

Military Service

Longevity and Death

The Cognomen "Cato"

Meaning and Distinction

The Censor's Role

Formative Years

Sabine Upbringing

Path to Magistracies

Political and Military Ascent

Early Offices

Consulship and Laws

Hispania Campaign

Later Military and Civic Duty

Literary Contributions

De Agri Cultura

Origines

Oratorical Works

Enduring Influence

Guardian of Tradition

Naming Conventions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice