His property was confiscated, his houses were destroyed, and his palace in the city was dedicated to the Goddess of Liberty.
The kingdom of Cyprus, which had long been attached to that of Egypt, had been bequeathed to Rome at the death of Ptolemy Alexander in 80.

The Senate had delayed to accept the bequest, and meanwhile the island was ruled by Ptolemy of Cyprus, one of the heirs of the dead king.
Clodius, on the plea that this king harbored pirates, persuaded the Assembly to annex the island, and to send Cato to take charge of it.
He accepted the mission, and was absent two years.

His duties were satisfactorily performed, and he returned with about $7,000,000 to increase the Roman treasury.

Thus, Cicero and Cato being out of the city, the Senate was without a leader who could work injury in Caesar's absence..