2.4 The 50s: A Turbulent Decade Flashcards

1
Q

What was the First Triumvirate?

A

A political alliance between Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus during Caesar’s consular year of 59

The term ‘First Triumvirate’ is modern and was not legalised like the Second Triumvirate.

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2
Q

Why did Pompey ally with Caesar?

A

Pompey faced opposition from the Senate due to jealousy over his successes and sought support from Caesar

Pompey’s popularity was growing, prompting him to adopt a more popularis outlook.

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3
Q

What did Pompey achieve in the east?

A

He reorganised the provinces, increasing public revenues by 70% and acquiring a booty of HS 480 million

His victories included defeating Mithridates.

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4
Q

Who was M. Pupius Piso Frugi?

A

A candidate for the consulship supported by Pompey in 61

Piso won the election despite Cato’s opposition.

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5
Q

What was the outcome of Piso’s attempt to sponsor a land bill for Pompey’s veterans?

A

The attempt was unsuccessful due to opposition from Q. Caecilius Metellus Celer

Metellus’ optimate stance and personal animosity towards Pompey played a role.

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6
Q

What was the role of the publicani?

A

Corporations of businessmen responsible for collecting provincial taxes

They were primarily composed of equestrians.

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7
Q

What was Crassus’s relationship with the publicani?

A

Crassus supported the publicani’s claim to reduce their tax contracts due to his financial interests

He was known for his wealth and lending practices across social classes.

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8
Q

What was Cato’s stance on bribery in the courts?

A

Cato introduced a bill making equestrians liable to prosecution for bribery

This was seen as an attack on the equestrians’ status.

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9
Q

What was Caesar’s objective as pro-praetorian governor of Spain?

A

To seek a triumph and stand for the consulship of 59

His proposal to stand in absentia was filibustered by Cato.

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10
Q

What was the response of the optimates to Caesar’s expected election?

A

They resorted to bribery to ensure Bibulus’s election alongside Caesar

This reflects their concern over losing power to popularis politicians.

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11
Q

What actions did Caesar take to support Pompey’s veterans?

A

Proposed a land commission to settle veterans and urban poor

Initial proposals included excluding certain lands and recognizing previous land occupations.

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12
Q

What was Bibulus’s role in opposition to Caesar’s proposals?

A

Bibulus spoke against Caesar’s land bill but was ultimately unsuccessful

His symbolic authority was undermined by violent intimidation from Pompey’s veterans.

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13
Q

What was the significance of Caesar’s marriage to Calpurnia?

A

To secure his political actions and ensure continuity after leaving office

He also married his daughter Julia to Pompey to strengthen their alliance.

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14
Q

What controversial act was P. Clodius Pulcher involved in?

A

He was caught profaning the rites of the festival of Bona Dea in Caesar’s house

This incident highlighted the contentious nature of Roman politics.

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15
Q

What did Caesar do to gain control over Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum?

A

Proposed through the comitia plebis tributa for an unusually long imperium of five years

This was a strategic move against the Senate’s proposal of lesser commands.

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16
Q

What was the outcome of Caesar’s actions regarding land redistribution?

A

The law was passed easily after intimidation, redistributing land to urban families

This directly threatened the property of many optimates.

17
Q

Who was Clodius and what was his family background?

A

Clodius was the youngest son of the noble Claudii family, seeking political office through controversy and popularity with the plebs.

18
Q

What event in late 62 involved Clodius and caused significant fallout?

A

Clodius was caught observing the all-female festival of Bona Dea, leading to a trial where he was acquitted despite clear guilt.

19
Q

Who supported Clodius during his trial, and what was the nature of that support?

A

Crassus supported Clodius by bribing jurors and promising political favors.

20
Q

What was Cicero’s role in Clodius’ trial?

A

Cicero provided evidence against Clodius’ alibi, despite their previous alliance.

21
Q

What did Clodius do to gain the tribunate?

A

Clodius sought adoption into a plebeian family, requiring approval from Caesar, the pontifex maximus.

22
Q

What significant laws did Clodius pass as tribune?

A

Clodius made the corn dole free and legalized collegia, which were clubs that provided social support for the poor.

23
Q

What was the impact of Clodius’ legislation on the plebs urbana?

A

The laws increased the number of corn dole recipients to 320,000 and allowed for the re-establishment of collegia, which sometimes turned into street gangs.

24
Q

What was the political consequence of the rivalry between Clodius and Cicero?

A

Clodius threatened Cicero, leading to Cicero’s exile from Rome.

25
Q

What happened during Cicero’s exile regarding his supporters?

A

Cicero’s supporters attempted to overturn his exile, but faced violence and opposition.

26
Q

What actions did Clodius take against Cicero after his exile?

A

Clodius ordered attacks on Cicero’s house and his supporters upon Cicero’s return to Rome.

27
Q

What position did Clodius seek in 56, and why was it significant?

A

Clodius sought the aedileship, allowing him to engage further in political activity and avoid prosecution.

28
Q

What was the outcome of Clodius’ prosecution of Milo?

A

Clodius prosecuted Milo for violence, leading to riots and political chaos in the court.

29
Q

What was the political climate in Rome by 56 regarding the Triumvirate?

A

The Triumvirate’s influence waned as established political families regained power.

30
Q

What terms were agreed upon during the meeting at Luca in 56?

A
  1. Pompey and Crassus to be co-consuls in 55.
  2. Pompey to have a five-year proconsular imperium in Spain.
  3. Crassus to have a five-year proconsular imperium in Syria.
  4. Caesar’s imperium to be extended another five years.
31
Q

What tactics did Pompey and Crassus use to secure their consulship?

A

They engaged in bribery and mobilized troops to intimidate voters during the elections.

32
Q

What happened to Crassus during his campaign in Syria?

A

Crassus died at Carrhae during his ill-fated Parthian campaign.

33
Q

What was the outcome of the elections for aedile in 53?

A

The elections were marked by violence, leading to the deaths of several individuals.

34
Q

What was the final outcome for Clodius?

A

Clodius was killed by Milo, culminating in further political violence.

35
Q

What proposal was made to restore order in Rome after Clodius’ death?

A

Bibulus and Caro proposed that Pompey be appointed consul for 52 without a colleague.