Rise of Cato the Elder Term Paper

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"When he had reduced the whole area of land between the river Iberus and the Pyrenees to a hollow, resentful, and temporary obedience, he turned his attention to administrative reforms, and increased the revenues"

3. Cato's success in the Roman Empire

For centuries now, historians have searched for answers as to why was Cato able to reach such powerful positions within the Roman Senate. First of all, there was the rather permissive constitution which allowed members of the plebeians to overcome their social status and participate in the process of ruling. This of course with the condition that they prove worthy of it.

Second of all, Cato's social ascension was also aided by his and his family's military career and reputation. Cato himself, his father and his grandfather had courageously fought in the Roman legions, facts which later on supported Cato's political career as both the Senate and the people trusted him as a brave Roman.

Third, another reason why Cato the Elder was able to achieve a powerful position within the empire was his own personality. "He was renowned for his devotion to the old Roman ideals -- simplicity of life, honesty, and unflinching courage. He inveighed against extravagance and new customs, but his policy was not aimed at repression but rather at reform and the rebuilding of Roman life." His ideas applied to many Romans, both simple people as well as members of the Senate, people who supported his ascension because they shared his dreams.

Furthermore, other personal characteristics that guided Cato towards the peak of Rome were his bravery, inteligence and oratory gifts that appoached him to his audience.

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Throughout his speeches, Cato revealed his great power of conviction and managed to attract numerous supporters.

Part of the reasons why Cato was called the censor were directly linked to his view of the word. Cato believed in honesty and concreteness and, on numerous occasions, while giving speeches, he criticized Roman's libertine life styles. However, towards the life, he became what he had for so long despised, namely an "old dodderer who married a young girl."

The truth behind the end of Cato's political career is yet to be unveiled, but most historians agree that it might have been speeded by the life long hatred between Cato and Scipio, now a consul himself. Even after the end of his censorship in 184, "Cato held no public office, but continued to distinguish himself in the senate as the persistent opponent of the new ideas and was struck with honor."

In a nutshell, Cato the Elder was a simple peasant who, due to the Roman constitution, was able to climb up the social ladder and became an important soldier, politician, orator and even consul in Rome's Senate. His destiny is a clear message towards all simple citizens that power is not limited to just a few, but it can belong to anybody who desires the best for the people, and has the necessary means and personal characteristics of achieving their goals......

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