Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) was born at Arpinium to a wealthy local family. By 70 BC he had established himself as the leading barrister in Rome, and begun his political career. His ambition was such that he was able to receive honours usually only given to members of the Roman aristocracy. Michael Grant has successively been Chancellor's Medallist and Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, Professor of Humanity at Edinburgh University, first Vice-chancellor of Khartoum University, President and Vice-chancellor of the Queen's University, Belfast and President of the Classical Association.