2.4 The 50s: A Turbulent Decade Flashcards
What was the First Triumvirate?
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.
Why did Pompey ally with Caesar?
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.
What did Pompey achieve in the east?
He reorganised the provinces, increasing public revenues by 70% and acquiring a booty of HS 480 million
His victories included defeating Mithridates.
Who was M. Pupius Piso Frugi?
A candidate for the consulship supported by Pompey in 61
Piso won the election despite Cato’s opposition.
What was the outcome of Piso’s attempt to sponsor a land bill for Pompey’s veterans?
The attempt was unsuccessful due to opposition from Q. Caecilius Metellus Celer
Metellus’ optimate stance and personal animosity towards Pompey played a role.
What was the role of the publicani?
Corporations of businessmen responsible for collecting provincial taxes
They were primarily composed of equestrians.
What was Crassus’s relationship with the publicani?
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.
What was Cato’s stance on bribery in the courts?
Cato introduced a bill making equestrians liable to prosecution for bribery
This was seen as an attack on the equestrians’ status.
What was Caesar’s objective as pro-praetorian governor of Spain?
To seek a triumph and stand for the consulship of 59
His proposal to stand in absentia was filibustered by Cato.
What was the response of the optimates to Caesar’s expected election?
They resorted to bribery to ensure Bibulus’s election alongside Caesar
This reflects their concern over losing power to popularis politicians.
What actions did Caesar take to support Pompey’s veterans?
Proposed a land commission to settle veterans and urban poor
Initial proposals included excluding certain lands and recognizing previous land occupations.
What was Bibulus’s role in opposition to Caesar’s proposals?
Bibulus spoke against Caesar’s land bill but was ultimately unsuccessful
His symbolic authority was undermined by violent intimidation from Pompey’s veterans.
What was the significance of Caesar’s marriage to Calpurnia?
- To secure his political actions
- To ensure continuity after leaving office
He also married his daughter Julia to Pompey to strengthen their alliance.
What controversial act was P. Clodius Pulcher involved in?
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.
What did Caesar do to gain control over Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum?
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.
What was the outcome of Caesar’s actions regarding land redistribution?
The law was passed easily after intimidation, redistributing land to urban families
This directly threatened the property of many optimates.
Who was Clodius and what was his family background?
- Clodius was the youngest son of the noble Claudii family
- He sought political office through controversy and popularity with the plebs.
What event in late 62 involved Clodius and caused significant fallout?
Clodius was caught observing the all-female festival of Bona Dea, leading to a trial where he was acquitted despite clear guilt.
Who supported Clodius during his trial, and what was the nature of that support?
Crassus supported Clodius by bribing jurors and promising political favors.
What was Cicero’s role in Clodius’ trial?
Cicero provided evidence against Clodius’ alibi, despite their previous alliance.
What did Clodius do to gain the tribunate?
Clodius sought adoption into a plebeian family, requiring approval from Caesar, the pontifex maximus.
What significant laws did Clodius pass as tribune?
- Clodius made the corn dole free
- legalized collegia, which were clubs that provided social support for the poor.
What was the impact of Clodius’ legislation on the plebs urbana?
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.
What was the political consequence of the rivalry between Clodius and Cicero?
Clodius threatened Cicero, leading to Cicero’s exile from Rome.
What happened during Cicero’s exile regarding his supporters?
Cicero’s supporters attempted to overturn his exile, but faced violence and opposition.
What actions did Clodius take against Cicero after his exile?
Clodius ordered attacks on Cicero’s house and his supporters upon Cicero’s return to Rome.
What position did Clodius seek in 56, and why was it significant?
Clodius sought the aedileship, allowing him to engage further in political activity and avoid prosecution.
What was the outcome of Clodius’ prosecution of Milo?
Clodius prosecuted Milo for violence, leading to riots and political chaos in the court.
What was the political climate in Rome by 56 regarding the Triumvirate?
The Triumvirate’s influence waned as established political families regained power.
What terms were agreed upon during the meeting at Luca in 56?
- Pompey and Crassus to be co-consuls in 55.
- Pompey to have a five-year proconsular imperium in Spain.
- Crassus to have a five-year proconsular imperium in Syria.
- Caesar’s imperium to be extended another five years.
What tactics did Pompey and Crassus use to secure their consulship?
They engaged in bribery and mobilized troops to intimidate voters during the elections.
What happened to Crassus during his campaign in Syria?
Crassus died at Carrhae during his ill-fated Parthian campaign.
What was the outcome of the elections for aedile in 53?
The elections were marked by violence, leading to the deaths of several individuals.
What was the final outcome for Clodius?
Clodius was killed by Milo, culminating in further political violence.
What proposal was made to restore order in Rome after Clodius’ death?
Bibulus and Caro proposed that Pompey be appointed consul for 52 without a colleague.
