Tullians

Tullians refers to the followers of Marcus Tullius Cicero, a prominent Roman statesman, orator, lawyer, and philosopher. While Cicero was not a religious figure and did not establish a formal religious sect, his philosophical and rhetorical works profoundly influenced Roman intellectual life and subsequent Western thought. Those who deeply admired and studied Cicero's writings, particularly his philosophical treatises on ethics, duty, and the nature of the republic, could be considered "Tullians" in a broad sense.

Cicero's philosophy, largely derived from Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Academic Skepticism, emphasized virtue, reason, and civic duty. His speeches, such as those against Catiline, and his theoretical works like "De Officiis" (On Duties) and "De Republica" (On the Republic), provided models for eloquent argumentation and explored complex political and moral concepts. Followers would have engaged with these texts, seeking to emulate Cicero's oratorical style and philosophical insights.

The influence of Tullian thought was particularly strong during the Roman Republic and continued into the Imperial period. Later, during the Renaissance, Cicero's works experienced a significant revival, inspiring humanists who sought to revive classical learning and rhetoric. The term "Tullian" can thus also refer to those who championed Ciceronian ideals during this era, emphasizing eloquence, classical education, and a commitment to civic virtue. In essence, being a Tullian meant engaging with and being shaped by the intellectual legacy of Cicero.