Trojan Cicero: A Note on Philippics 2.55

This note highlights the presence of a previously unnoticed hypodochmiac clausula in Cic. Phil. 2.55, which introduces a tragic element towards the end of the sentence. This feature complements the established reading of the passage in light of ancient tragedy. It will be argued that Cicero employed this tragic dimension to emphasize Antony’s moral degeneracy and foreshadow the Civil War he would provoke in 44 b.c .