Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar, philosopher, orator, and writer who played a significant role during the political crises of the Roman Republic that led to the establishment of the Roman Empire. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the Roman equestrian order and received his education in both Rome and Greece. Cicero is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists. He became known as the innovator of what became known as "Ciceronian rhetoric," a style that would influence writing and speaking for centuries to come. His extensive body of writings includes treatises on rhetoric, philosophy, and politics, which remain important historical and intellectual sources. During his political career, Cicero attempted to uphold optimate principles during the tumultuous final years of the Roman Republic. He served as consul in 63 BC, holding one of the highest offices in the Roman state.