Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, and philosopher who lived from 106 to 43 BCE. He is best known for his speeches and writings that greatly influenced the Latin language and Roman political thought. Cicero served as a consul and was involved in significant political events during the late Roman Republic. Cicero's works include philosophical texts and letters that explore topics such as ethics, governance, and the nature of justice. His ideas laid the groundwork for later political theory and have been studied by scholars throughout history. Cicero's legacy continues to impact modern concepts of law and rhetoric.