EVENTS OF THE 60S BC

Lex Gabinia, 67 BC, gave Pompey extraordinary command over the pirates. Maius imperium.

Lex Manilia, 66 BC, Pompey received the Mithradatic Command, replacing L. Lucullus, conquered the East, reorganized territories. Returned to Rome in 62 BC in triumph. Cic. Pro Lege Manilia

Situation in Rome during Pompey’s absence

Pompey’s faction – Cicero, seeking the consulship of 63 BC

Aristocratic faction, Lucullus, Cato the Younger, quaestor in 63 BC, Q. Lutatius Catulus, cos. 78 BC, censor in 65. Opposed to Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar.

M. Crassus controlled a fraction of the senate. C. Antonius Hybrida, running mate of L. Sergius Catalina. Both sought consul 65 BC, indicted for conspiracy. Acquitted, ran for consulship of 63, C. Antonius Hybrida and Cicero were elected. Cataline then organized a conspiracy to seize power in Rome. Proposes Proscriptions, annulment of all debts, liberate slaves, restore Sullan veterans to their lands. P. Clodius, another problematic aristocrat on the rise; funded by Crassus at the end of the decade.

Julius Caesar (quaestor 69-68 BC in Spain), curule aedile in 65; his celebrated games, material extravagance, and enormous debts. Pontifex Maximus elections in 65 BC, obtained office through extensive bribery (vs. his rival Catulus). Praetor in 62, assigned province of Spain, couldn’t leave town because of his debts, Crassus paid all his debts so he could leave.

Convenient relationship of Crassus and Caesar, one of repeated mutual interest. They understood each other. But does this mean that they were fully aware of the conspiracy of Cataline, let alone controlled him in any way? Need to evaluate freedom of action on each individual’s part.

Caesar NOTES

C. Julius C. f. C. n. Caesar, Aunt Julia = C. Marius

daughter named Julia who becomes wife of Cn. Pompey

Servilia, mother of M. Brutus.

70 BC triangular struggle between Pompey, M. Licinius Crassus, and the Senate

64 Caesar elected Pontifex Maximus

praetor in 62, held command in Spain

Imperator -- triumphing Roman general

M. Porcius Cato the Younger, Optimates, party of good government

First Triumvirate, 59 BC, three men combine their influence to seize power at Rome

5 year command in Cisalpine Gaul, with an option to extend the command to Transalpine Gaul or Illyria