Scandalisation, gender and space in ancient Rome: The case of Cicero and Clodia

Abstract This article analyses the public attack on Clodia Metelli, a Roman aristocratic woman, by the orator Marcus Tullius Cicero in a trial in 56 BCE. Drawing on modern scandal theory, this article analyses how Cicero uses scandal dynamics to turn Clodia, the witness in the case, into the culprit. The article discusses, first, the dynamics of his scandalisation of Clodia and the importance of Roman gender norms and their spatial expressions in his attack and, second, Cicero's role as scandaliser and norm‐setter.