The nature of the ban on arms within Rome\'s pomeri

[Nathan Ross]

Something else occurs to me about Cicero and the Pro Milone. The speech we have today was not the same as the one given in the Forum, which was a botched affair due, says Asconius in his commentary, to the violent atmosphere of the trial. In particular relation to our subject, Pompeius had filled the Forum and the surrounding area with armed soldiers!

Pompeius stationed guards in the Forum and at every entrance point to the Forum; he himself took his seat in front of the Aerarium... surrounded by a chosen band of soldiers.

When Cicero began to speak, he was interrupted by the catcalls of the Clodian faction who were unable to be silenced, not even by fear of the soldiers standing around.

Asconius. On Cicero's Pro Milone