The First Triumvirate
60 BC
Tax Farming
Competition had been high between companies who wanted to gain the rights in Asia Minor, however, the equites demanded that the tax farming duties be lowered as they couldn't afford them so the company who had won the contract believed that they had overbid and now wanted a rebate. Both Crassus and Cicero supported this proposal but Cato decided against it; this led the equites to lower their support for Cicero as he could not represent them adequately whereas Crassus continued to campaign on behalf of the equites in order to gain their support.
Pompey
After having divorced his wife of Populares heritage, Pompey was rebuffed by Cato in asking for his sister's hand-in-marriage. This, alongside his uninspiring public speaking his skills and his hatred of politics put him in a bad position politically. However, he had paid for huge public celebration with his triumph in 61 BC so was still immensely popular with the plebians.
Pompey's land reforms of 60 BC were supported by Cicero who planned to give Pompey what he wanted in order to put distance between Pompey and the Populares but, the Optimates saw the proposals differently and vetoed the measures. Cicero's support of Pompey now made him popular with the Populares.
Pompey's land reforms of 60 BC were supported by Cicero who planned to give Pompey what he wanted in order to put distance between Pompey and the Populares but, the Optimates saw the proposals differently and vetoed the measures. Cicero's support of Pompey now made him popular with the Populares.
The Formation of the First Triumvirate
Caesar returned from Spain in 60 BC and was elected as consul for the following year. In December, Caesar came to an agreement with Pompey who was irritated by his snubs by the Optimates by offering land reforms. Crassus also joined the alliance in return for tax reforms. Cicero was also approached and he was offered that for as long as he supported the land reform bill, he would be supported by the Triumvirate which would protect him from Clodius. In exchange for their support, Caesar wanted a free-reign during his consulship and a five-year command in Gaul.
Cicero's motives for turning down Caesar are given in a letter to Atticus. Cicero claims that in exchange for Caesar's support, he will receive close association with Pompey, reconciliation with his enemies, peace with the masses and security in old age, however, he opts to "fight for the fatherland".
Cicero's motives for turning down Caesar are given in a letter to Atticus. Cicero claims that in exchange for Caesar's support, he will receive close association with Pompey, reconciliation with his enemies, peace with the masses and security in old age, however, he opts to "fight for the fatherland".