His Year: Julius Caesar (59 B.C.E.)

Historia Civilis・2 minutes read

Julius Caesar navigates Senate opposition, forms alliances, and introduces key legislation to secure power as Consul, facing filibusters and controversy before ultimately succeeding and cementing his legacy through selecting successors and delivering a memorable farewell speech.

Insights

  • Caesar's strategic formation of the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus was crucial in overcoming Conservative Senate opposition and pushing through legislation that benefited the urban poor and veterans, showcasing his adept political maneuvering.
  • The implementation of extensive provincial governance reforms by Caesar, widely accepted and enduring for centuries, highlights his lasting impact on Roman governance, solidifying his legacy beyond his immediate rule.

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  • Who formed the First Triumvirate?

    Caesar

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Summary

00:00

Caesar's Triumph and Consul Campaign

  • In 60 BCE, Julius Caesar, after campaigning in Northern Spain, returned to Italy and was awarded a triumph by the Senate.
  • Caesar secured permission to run for Consul earlier than allowed, but the Conservative Senate bloc delayed his triumph, hindering his candidacy.
  • Facing opposition from the Senate, Caesar renounced his command and triumph to enter Rome and declare his Consul candidacy.
  • Caesar formed a joint ticket with Lucceius, a wealthy Senator, to run for Consul, aiming to balance radical and moderate influences.
  • Despite Conservative efforts to sabotage Caesar's campaign, he emerged as the front runner for Consul.
  • The Senate, led by Conservatives, diverted attention from Caesar's candidacy by proposing a rural restoration project instead of assigning provinces to Consuls.
  • Caesar, in a secret alliance with Pompey and Crassus, formed the First Triumvirate to push through legislation blocked by Conservatives.
  • As Consul, Caesar introduced a Land Reform Bill on his first day, aiming to redistribute land to urban poor and veterans, facing Senate opposition.
  • Caesar faced a filibuster from Cato on the Land Reform Bill, leading to a chaotic Senate session and Caesar's controversial arrest order.
  • Caesar bypassed the Senate and took the Land Reform Bill directly to the Public Assembly, where it was passed after a Conservative delegation's failed attempt to veto it.

11:47

Caesar's Rise to Power and Legacy

  • Bibulus claimed his veto made a vote illegal, while Caesar cited crowd noise as a reason for confusion.
  • Caesar appointed commissioners, with Pompey and Crassus at the top of the list.
  • On February 1st, Bibulus held fasces and called for a Senate meeting to condemn Caesar.
  • Speaking order in the Senate was significant, with Bibulus speaking first and Caesar defending himself second.
  • Pompey and Crassus supported Caesar, leading to Bibulus's proposal failing.
  • Bibulus retreated after his failed attempt, allowing Caesar to hold fasces again.
  • Caesar ratified Pompey's conquests and resolved tax collector issues in the East.
  • Caesar secured recognition for Ptolemy XII as Egypt's ruler through Senate approval.
  • Caesar received command of Illyricum, Cisalpine Gaul, and Transalpine Gaul, along with 4 legions.
  • Caesar proposed a Second Land Reform Bill, facing opposition from Cicero but ultimately passing.
  • Caesar introduced extensive provincial governance reforms, which were widely accepted and remained unchanged for centuries.
  • Rumors of assassination plots involving political enemies circulated, with Vettius found dead the next day.
  • Caesar secured his legacy by overseeing the selection of his successors, with two Reformers and two allies winning.
  • Consuls handed over power on January 1st, with Caesar's farewell speech overshadowing Bibulus's failed attempt to speak.
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