Advanced Certamen Literature Practice Exam

The Philippics, written by Cicero, primarily focus on the critique of Marc Antony. In these speeches, Cicero vehemently opposed Antony's political maneuvers and actions following the assassination of Julius Caesar. He viewed Antony as a threat to the Republic and sought to expose what he saw as Antony's tyrannical tendencies. By addressing Antony directly and calling out his ambitions, Cicero aimed to rally support from the Senate and Roman citizens to resist Antoine's increasing power. The speeches effectively articulate Cicero's broader concerns about the erosion of republican values and the potential for dictatorship in Rome. This context solidifies the critiques as not just personal attacks on Antony but also as a defense of the Roman political system itself, emphasizing Cicero's commitment to preserving the Republic. The other options do not align with the central theme of the Philippics, as they do not address Cicero's urgent political agenda against Antony’s influence.