ABSTRACT
As January of the year 59 BCE began, Caesar stood atop the Roman world, at the apex of the Roman politician’s career ladder. He was consul, one of the two annual presiding officers of the Roman state, holder of the office that was, for Roman nobles, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. As he went through the rituals of the first day of the official year, surrounded by the lictors (attendants) carrying the ceremonial rods (fasces) that symbolized his power, he must have felt a deep satisfaction: he had fulfilled his responsibility to his gens, the Julii, to maintain their status at the forefront of the Roman nobility. Whatever happened hereafter, he would never have to feel shame before his ancestors. For Roman nobles, the year in office as consul was a watershed stage in their lives. Twelve months of dignity and power – presiding over official functions and debates, summoning and leading meetings of the Senate, dealing with whatever state business might arise – would be followed by a year governing a foreign province, with a chance to repair a fortune dented by the expenses of years of political campaigns, and perhaps even a chance of military glory should an insurrection or border war happen to occur; and then the active phase of the noble’s life would be over. For the remainder of his years, he could rest on his laurels, a senior and respected member of the Senate whose opinion would be sought and whose voice would be heeded on all important state business, but who would no longer be required to bestir himself to take action or put himself to expense or trouble.
