Marcus Tullius Tiro facts for kids

Marcus Tullius Tiro was an important person in ancient Rome. He was first a slave, then a freedman, of the famous Roman speaker Cicero. Tiro got his name, Marcus Tullius, from Cicero when he was freed. Cicero often wrote about Tiro in his letters.

After Cicero died, Tiro helped publish his old master's letters and speeches. Tiro also wrote many books himself. People believe he invented an early form of shorthand, which is a fast way of writing. Tiro died around 4 BC.

Tiro's Life Story

The exact year Tiro was born is not known for sure. Some historians think he was born around 103 BC. But others believe he was born later, around 80 BC. This is because Cicero's letters suggest Tiro was much younger. Also, valuable slaves usually became free after a few years.

It is not clear who Tiro's parents were. He was likely a verna, meaning he was born into his master's household. Some people have guessed about his birth. But these ideas are not taken seriously by most historians.

Tiro's life became better known through Cicero's letters. Cicero wrote about Tiro often, in more than sixty letters. Tiro had many important jobs for Cicero. He would write down what Cicero said. He also helped read Cicero's difficult handwriting. Tiro managed Cicero's home, including his garden and money matters.

Becoming a Free Man

Tiro first appears in Cicero's writings in 54 BC. Cicero sent him to his brother, Quintus Tullius Cicero. Tiro's job was to write political reports. Some people think Tiro was freed this year. But it is more likely he became a freedman in April 53 BC.

When Tiro was freed, it was a big celebration. He took Cicero's first name (Marcus) and family name (Tullius). A letter from Cicero about this event is lost. But letters from Quintus praise Cicero for freeing Tiro. It is possible that the important Roman leader Pompey was there.

After being freed, Tiro went with Cicero to Cilicia. This was when Cicero was a governor there. In 51 BC, on their way back, Tiro became very sick. Cicero's letters show how strong their friendship was. Cicero often wrote to check on Tiro's health. Many of Cicero's letters show his worry about Tiro's illnesses.

Tiro's Many Responsibilities

Tiro did more than just secretarial work for Cicero. He also helped check written papers. He supervised people who copied books. Tiro also helped with Cicero's private and money matters.

For example, in 47 BC, Tiro managed Cicero's gardens in Tusculum. He made sure water reached the villa. He also organized the books at Cicero's estate. Tiro even tried to help Cicero's daughter, Tullia, get along with her husband.

Tiro was also the main contact for Cicero's money. When Cicero divorced his wife, Terentia, a friend wrote to Tiro. The letter was about paying back Terentia's dowry. Tiro also started his own businesses. Letters from 44 BC describe these ventures. He also bought a small farm near Pozzuoli. This is where he died in 4 BC.

Tiro's Writings and Inventions

After Cicero died, Tiro published some of his speeches and letters. He also put together a collection of jokes. Tiro wrote a biography, which is a life story, of Cicero. Historians believe this biography was used by later writers. These writers included Plutarch, Tacitus, and Aulus Gellius. Tiro started collecting Cicero's letters around 46 or 45 BC.

It seems Tiro was a very active writer himself. Several ancient writers mention books by Tiro. These included a book about grammar. Aulus Gellius said Tiro wrote many books. These books were about how to use the Latin language. They also covered different kinds of questions. Gellius even quotes Tiro about the names of stars.

Asconius Pedianus wrote about Cicero's speeches. He mentions a biography of Cicero by Tiro. This biography had at least four books. Plutarch also mentions Tiro as a source for two stories about Cicero's life.

Tiro is also known for inventing a shorthand system. This system is called Tironian notes. Monks in the Middle Ages used these notes. There is no clear proof that he invented it. But Plutarch says Cicero's clerks were the first Romans to record speeches using shorthand.

Tiro in Fiction

Tiro appears in many modern stories and shows.

• He is a repeated character in Steven Saylor's Roma Sub Rosa crime books. In these stories, he helps the detective, Gordianus the Finder.
• Tiro is the narrator in Robert Harris's three books about Cicero. These books are Imperium (2006), Lustrum (2009), and Dictator (2015).
• Tiro also appears in several books in the SPQR series by John Maddox Roberts.
• Tiro (spelled Tyro) is in the TV show Rome. He is played by Clive Riche in several episodes. In this show, Tiro seems older than Cicero. He is only freed in Cicero's will.

See also

In Spanish: Marco Tulio Tirón para niños

• List of slaves
• Slavery in Ancient Rome