Mykola Ovcharov presents first translation of Cicero's speech against Catiline in Ukrainian
Mykola Ovcharov presents first translation of Cicero's speech against Catiline in Ukrainian (photo: wikipedia)
Mykola Ovcharov, founder of the Institute of Rhetoric, has published the first translation of Cicero's speech against Catiline in contemporary Ukrainian literary language. This represents the first complete version of the celebrated classical text, executed from the perspective of practical public speaking experience, opening a new chapter in Ukrainian reception of classical heritage, according to the Ovcharov Institute of Rhetoric.
Ovcharov, an instructor and researcher of oratorical arts, has executed the translation from the position of a practicing orator. Particular attention has been devoted to rhythm, textual dynamics, and oratorical techniques which are customarily lost in literal translation.
"The translator's distinctive experience has made it possible to reproduce a public address most closely approximating in impact upon the listener one of history's most distinguished orators," states the edition's annotation.
"Cicero is not merely a historical document, but living oratorical artistry which must sound compelling today," observes Mykola Ovcharov.
Mykola Ovcharov (Photo: facebook.com)
Translation innovations
The author departed from the traditional translation of the phrase "O tempora, o mores!" as "О часи, о звичаї!" in Ukrainian ("Oh, the times! Oh, the customs!"), proposing instead "О часи, о моралі!" ("Oh, the times! Oh, the morals!"). The translator has also identified a new memorable phrase: "Hatred earned through courage is glory, not hatred."
The translation is accompanied by detailed annotations concerning historical context, explanations of Roman life's realities, and analysis of the speech's rhetorical characteristics. The commentary assists the contemporary reader in understanding the political situation in Rome during the late Republic.
Cicero delivered the speech in the Roman Senate on November 7, 63 BC, publicly exposing Lucius Sergius Catilina's conspiracy against the Roman Republic. This oratorical masterpiece became the paradigm of classical rhetoric and influenced the development of oratorical arts throughout millennia.
About the author
Mykola Ovcharov is the author of "Master of Public Speaking," "Small Ethics," "Evidential Argumentation," and "How to Raise an Orator." In 2025, Ovcharov publishes "Unknown Orator" - the first Ukrainian-language popular science magazine devoted to oratorical arts.
Ovcharov's theoretical developments contribute to the institutionalization of rhetoric as an academic discipline in Ukraine. The Institute of Rhetoric, which he founded in 2009, functions as a research center combining the study of classical tradition with the development of contemporary public speaking methodologies.
The magazine is addressed to all who take an interest in classical literature, the history of Ancient Rome, and oratorical arts. The translation is available gratis on the Ovcharov Institute of Rhetoric website and through Google Books. The edition is licensed under Creative Commons, permitting free use with obligatory attribution.
