Source edition
Cicero. M. Tulli Ciceronis Orationes, Volume 6. Clark, Albert Curtis, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1911.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is a judicial oration delivered by Marcus Tullius Cicero in defense of Marcus Fonteius, who was accused of extortion and embezzlement during his governorship of Gaul. Cicero begins by demonstrating the absolute accuracy of Fonteius's financial records from his time as quaestor, sharply questioning the credibility of the prosecution's evidence. He highlights the contrast between the Roman citizens and loyal allies like Massilia who support the defendant, and the hostile native Gallic tribes who act as accusers. Furthermore, Cicero attacks the credibility of the Gallic witnesses by pointing to their untrustworthy character and barbarian customs, claiming the charges regarding the wine tax and road construction are mere fabrications born of malice. Finally, emphasizing Fonteius's virtue and his value to the state as a military leader, Cicero presents the tearful pleas of the defendant's sister, a Vestal Virgin, and urges the judges to reject Gallic intimidation and deliver an acquittal.