Part IV January 1-December 5 of 63 B.C.: Chapter 1 Summary

Marcus Tullius Cicero is senior consul of the Senate in Rome during an economic depression. Pompey's dominance over the eastern provinces results in the outflow of capital from Rome and Italy to fund the business enterprises in the east. This leads to high interest rates, creditors calling in their debts, and limited available credit. All this economic uncertainty creates uprisings and possible threats of revolution amongst former soldiers and disgruntled citizens. Cicero uncovers a plot that Catilina and Lucius Cassius plan to cancel all debts if they are made consuls for the following year. Quintus Curius's wife Fulvia reveals this scheme to Cicero. Terentia convinces Cicero that these men are plotting revolution and he must prevent Catilina from running for consul for the following year. Cicero makes further inquiries...