Chapter 3, De imperio Cn. Pompei ('On the Command of Gnaeus Pompeius') Summary and Analysis

This speech is Cicero's first deliberative speech. He is recommending the election of General Pompey to command Roman forces in the war against Mithridates, the king of Pontus. At this time, Cicero is praetor. The proposal was very popular, so it probably would have passed without Cicero's support. However, the speech increased Cicero's prominence, as he supported a popular cause. Pompey is fighting in the Second Mithridatic War (83 - 81 B.C.). Mithridates was king of some territories won during a time he was allied with Rome. Since then, however, the alliance fell apart. Pompey was the greatest general of his age and had a significant history of military successes.

Cicero opens by complimenting the crowd for coming out to hear his...