Asconius Pedianus

Quintus Asconius Pedianus (9 bce–76 ce) wrote a set of commentaries on Cicero's speeches In Pisonem, Pro Scauro, Pro Milone, Pro Cornelio, and In Toga Candida. Although of equestrian birth, Asconius was highly educated and moved in elite circles. His commentaries show detailed knowledge of the history, politics, topography, and prosopography of the Late Roman Republic, sourced from a wide range of written texts. His work offers invaluable insights into Cicero's speeches and the historical and oratorical context of late republican political life