The cursus honorum was the sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in ancient Rome. This “course of honors” was a structured career path for Roman magistrates, beginning with lower offices and advancing to higher positions.
The typical path included the roles of quaestor, aedile, praetor, and consul, each with its responsibilities and requirements. Following this path was considered essential for gaining political power and prestige in the Roman Republic.
The career of Marcus Tullius Cicero followed the cursus honorum. He started as a quaestor in Sicily, became an aedile, then a praetor, and eventually reached the highest office of consul in 63 BC. Cicero’s adherence to the cursus honorum demonstrated his commitment to the traditional Roman political structure.
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