The Nicholson Article and Letter 63

The Nicholson article discusses the manner by which Cicero’s letters were delivered, their frequency, and Cicero’s apparent need to write them, even without a clear purpose. Nicholson begins by reminding the reader that during the time of the Romans there was no firmly established postal service. When reading Cicero’s letters, and considering that he wrote letters on a daily basis, the fact that there was no postal service is baffling. As Nicholson indicates there may not have been a service, but there was also no shortage of couriers either. Cicero had his letters delivered either by friends or hired couriers, and with each of these he was also aware of the dangers. Cicero knew that his letters could be read and took careful consideration when writing to make sure not too much information was revealed. Overall, the facility of letter transportation allowed Cicero to write what will the thirty-seven extant books of his letters, very impressive.

Letter 63:

Letter 63 was written by Cicero to Atticus in 45 BCE from his villa near Puteoli. The letter describe’s Caesar’s visit during the Saturnalia. Caesar brought with him 2,000 soldiers making his stay difficult for Cicero, however, not enough to reject him. Cicero describes the banquet that they shared as enjoyable, with good food, and no talk of politics. In true Cicero style, he acknowledges that Caesar was a good guest, but not one he would want to return any time soon!

-Anne