1.1 to 1.13

Chronology of Catiline's Conspiracy July-October, 63: Manlius collects troops at Faesulae in Etruria. Minor disturbances in other parts of Italy. (Sallust Cat . 27. 1) October 20, 63 B. C.: An anonymous letter, presumably drafted by Catiline or one of his conspirators, made its way to Crassus and many members of the Senate. This letter contained a warning to the recipients to leave the city, threatening death and destruction to the whole city—and mentioned the date of October 27th, which was to be the day the attacker's forces would strike the city. (Sallust) Crassus and other nobles deliver letters to Cicero warning of impending massacre in Rome (Cicero Cat . 1. 7) October 21: Cicero presented the letters to the members of the senate as proof that Catiline was indeed a real threat to the safety of the Roman people. Cicero also argued that Manlius would initiate a rebellion on the 27th and that Catiline would massacre the nobles burn the city on the following day. These charges were verified by Quintus Arrius, who stated that he had witnessed Manlius mustering troops in the area around Etruria. Cicero was charged with protecting the city of Rome through the senatus consultum ultimum (ultimate decree of the Senate), which made Cicero responsible for striking down the terrible conspiracy that threatened the city, and gave him ultimate responsibility and latitude with which to deal with the impending problem. He then gave Metellus the job of protecting Rome from external threat and put himself in control of internal affairs. (Cicero) October 27: When the 27th passed uneventfully, the Roman people became suspicious of Cicero, surmising that this may have been a simple plot on his part to rally support and power from the people, inventing a time of need by means of which he could strengthen his political power. (Cicero) Manlius in open revolt at Faesulae (Sallust Cat. 30. 1) October 28: The Roman people's faith in Cicero was renewed, as reports came in from the countryside warning of the buildup of troops. At this point, under the auspices of the lex Plautia de vi ,Cicero ordered the indictment of Catiline, which was filed by Lucius Aemilius Paulus. (Cicero)