[The History of Rome, Book V by Theodor Mommsen]@TWC D-Link bookThe History of Rome, Book V CHAPTER VI 25/31
Subsequently there was added to Caesar's official district the province of Narbo with the one legion stationed there--a resolution adopted by the senate on the proposal of Pompeius, that it might at least not see this command also pass to Caesar by extraordinary decree of the burgesses. What was wished was thus attained.
As no troops could constitutionally be stationed in Italy proper,( 9) the commander of the legions of northern Italy and Gaul dominated at the same time Italy and Rome for the next five years; and he who was master for five years was master for life.
The consulship of Caesar had attained its object. As a matter of course, the new holders of power did not neglect withal to keep the multitude in good humour by games and amusements of all sorts, and they embraced every opportunity of filling their exchequer; in the case of the king of Egypt, for instance, the decree of the people, which recognized him as legitimate ruler,( 10) was sold to him by the coalition at a high price, and in like manner other dynasts and communities acquired charters and privileges on this occasion. Measures Adopted by the Allies for Their Security The permanence of the arrangements made seemed also sufficiently secured.
The consulship was, at least for the next year, entrusted to safe hands.
The public believed at first, that it was destined for Pompeius and Crassus themselves; the holders of power however preferred to procure the election of two subordinate but trustworth men of their party--Aulus Gabinius, the best among Pompeius' adjutants, and Lucius Piso, who was less important but was Caesar's father-in-law-- as consuls for 696.
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