Final answer:
Cicero, a master orator and philosopher, became consul of Rome, which was the peak of his political career. This rank was akin to a prime minister today, marking a significant achievement for someone from a non-aristocratic background. Additionally, Cicero held the roles of praetor and augur, reflecting his diverse impact on Roman public life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Throughout his political career, Cicero, a celebrated orator, and statesman, climbed to the highest levels of Roman politics. As an ambitious novus homo (new man), he managed to attain the esteemed rank of consul, which was an annually elected position akin to a prime minister.
This achievement was especially significant considering Cicero was the first in his family to hold such an office within the Roman government. His political ascension was indicative of his rhetorical skill, widespread influence, and his dedication to the ideals of the Republic. Rising to the ranks of praetor and then consul, Cicero also served as an augur, a religious official, highlighting his multifaceted contributions to Roman society.
During the tumultuous times leading up to the fall of the Roman Republic, Cicero's political and oratorical skills were instrumental in the theater of Roman politics, and his philosophical works later laid the foundations for European Renaissance thought. His consulship in 63 BCE was the pinnacle of his career, which allowed him to influence major political events of his time, including the Catilinarian conspiracy.