Debata senatu nad wyznaczeniem Cezarowi następcy w prowincjach galijskich : (1 marca 50 r. p.n.e.)

Abstract

Discussed here is the meeting of the Senate on March 1st of the year 50 BC in the matter of appointing a successor to C. Julius Caesar as governor of the Gallic provinces. This was seen as one of the most important events in the Roman political arena of that time. This debate was viewed as one of the crucial moments in the conflict between Caesar and Pompey, opening a new chapter in their rivalry and having a deciding influence on the internal situation of the Republic. In presenting the course of the debate an analysis is given of the points of view of the opposing sides, particularly of their most active participants. Pompey’s protege, leader of the Optimates — the consul C. Claudius Marcellus, and his antagonist, people’s tribune C. Scribonius Curio, associated with Caesar. In considering their actions, an outline is given of the attitude of the Senate to the dispute between Pompey and Caesar. An account is also given of their efforts to gain the support of the Senate, behind the scenes rivalry and the divisions among the Senators resulting from this. Also presented is the power set-up then existing in the Senate, the changes that took place in this area on March 1st and the relations between the various groups of Senators and their principals. On the example of the manipulations of Caesar prior to this debate, the mechanisms ruling political life of this time are demonstrated and also their influence on the operation of the Senate. Particular case is taken to highlight the most significant consequences of this debate: the genesis of the faction grouped around C. Scribonius Curio and opposing Pompey and its influence on the course of the Senate’s work on the question under discussion. Special stress is also laid on the Senate’s efforts to achieve political independence and to take its rightful place in the state, or in other words to break of their cooperation with Pompey, holding up to that time.