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How did Octavian’s alliance with Mark Antony and Lepidus endanger Cicero?

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Marble bust of Marcus Tullius Cicero, shown with short hair and draped clothing, displayed against a black background. — Cicero Marcus Tullius Cicero, detail of a marble bust; in the Capitoline Museums, Rome.

The formation of the Second Triumvirate in October 43 BCE between Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus directly endangered Cicero by making him a primary target of their political purge.12

Cicero had previously led the Senate in opposing Mark Antony and had attempted to use Octavian as a tool to fragment the Caesarian party. His position became untenable after Octavian abandoned his cooperation with the Senate to align with Antony and Lepidus. Furthermore, Cicero had famously remarked that the young Octavian should be "given praise, distinctions—and then be disposed of," a comment that reached Octavian in May 43 BCE and likely fueled his willingness to sacrifice Cicero to secure the alliance.12

As part of their consolidation of power, the triumvirs utilized proscriptions to eliminate their enemies and seize assets. Cicero was among the first individuals listed as an outlaw, effectively placing a bounty on his life. He was subsequently hunted down and executed on December 7, 43 BCE.231