The late republic was a time of great unrest in Rome and her environs. There was much conflict between opposing factions each seeking to establish its own power. It was on 18 January 52 BC, when the followers of Milo murdered P. Clodius Pulcher, a descendant of Appius Claudius. The murder raised public awareness for two reasons. Clodius had a large band of followers who used the Curia as the funeral pyre for their leader. Milo was accused of the murder and was defended by Cicero. Cicero was anxious to defend Milo since he had a personal grievance against Clodius. Clodius had once assaulted Cicero in public and also was instrumental in passing a law that condemned Cicero to exile. Cicero was so intimidated by the events and the jeering of the people, that he could not speak. He sent the speech later to Milo after Milo was condemned and sent into exile in Massilia (modern Marseilles) Read the Pro Milone in Latin from the Perseus site or in English.