He took part in the Social War (89), but during the troubled times that followed he remained quietly engaged in literary pursuits.

His first public oration (80), the defence of Roscius, who was falsely accused of murdering his father, was a great success, and guaranteed for him a brilliant future.

Cicero improved the next few years by study and travel in Asia and Greece.

Shortly after his return, in 75, he was elected Quaestor, and thus became a member of the Senate.
His year of office he spent in Sicily, in the performance of his duties.
There he obtained an insight into the corrupt extortions of the Roman governors.

Five years later, he conducted his famous case against Verres.
VERRES had been a follower of Sulla, and during the proscriptions had amassed some property.