4. The 50s

Question 1

Who was Cato the Younger?

Answer 1

• Prominent traditionalist politician
• Tribune in 62 BC and opposed the triumvirate throughout the 50s
• Always upset by Caesar’s relationship with his half-sister Servillia

Question 2

Why did Pompey support Caesar’s consulship in 59 BC?

Answer 2

• Gain settlements for his veterans and fatify his eastern decisions (with Caesar offering a renewed and more determined approach)

Question 3

Why were the optimates ineffective in terms of opposing Caesar’s 59 BC consulship?

Answer 3

• optimates resorted to bribery to ensure Bibulus was also successful
• optimates were not motivated to prevent Caesar, as he could only hold the office for a year (becoming complacent)

Question 4

How did the optimates restrict Caesar’s initial consular power in 59 BC

Answer 4

• He was awarded Italian pastures as consular provinces, as opposed to more lucrative overseas provinces
• This was not attractive to an army and snubbed him

Question 5

Why was the 1st triumvirate so powerful in the beginning

Answer 5

• Politically they were not far apart, all three were somewhat populares. However, Pompey and Crassus had been pitted against each other for personal success
• Pompey had vast wealth and the loyalty of his veterans, while Crassus was well-connected being a loan shark to the high society.

Question 6

Plutarch, Crassus 14/Caesar 13

Answer 6

“not that he made either one of them greater than before; instead, by using them he (Caesar) made himself greater than anyone”

Question 7

What were Caesar’s first actions as consul (59 land reforms)

Answer 7

• Secure land for Pompey’s veterans
• Land Commission set up for the urban poor + vets
• Money for this came from Pompey’s Eastern settlements and new settlers were banned from selling for 20 years
• Brought all of this to Senate for approval but there was little support

Question 8

How did Caesar overcome Senate opposition to his 59 land reforms

Answer 8

• Took his bill to the comitia tribute

- He called upon Pompey and Crassus to support the bill at the preliminary hearings

Question 9

Plutarch, Pompey 47

Answer 9

“‘Then’ said Caesar, ‘in case an resistance should be made to the law, will you come to the aid of the people?’. ‘Yes indeed,’ said Pompey, ‘I will come, bringing against those who threaten swords, both sword and shield”