Lex Vatinia
Ancient Roman law
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The lex Vatinia (probably passed in May or early June 59 BC)[1][2][3] also known as the lex Vatinia de provincia Caesaris[4] or the lex Vatinia de imperio Caesaris,[5] was a law which made Gaius Julius Caesar proconsular governor of Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum for five years.[6][7][3] It was named after and proposed, in the tribal assembly, by plebeian tribune Publius Vatinius.[8] Along with the provinces, it also gave him the three legions already present there and the privilege of naming his own legates.[9] Caesar also received Titus Labienus as legatus cum imperio in the law; Labienus' appointment may have been a sign of friendship between Pompey and Caesar.[10]
Impact
Caesar initially seemed prepared for a war of choice against the Dacian kingdom.[11] However, after the unexpected death of the governor of Transalpine Gaul, and at the proposal of Pompey and Piso,[6] the senate also added to Caesar's assigned provinces the further Gaul as well, giving him another legion.[8] According to Cicero and Suetonius, the senate's assignment was done out of fear that if they did not do so, a tribune would introduce and the people would pass further legislation doing the assignment regardless.[12]
The army assigned to Caesar in the Gauls and Illyricum proved useful in Caesar's civil war and, in the immediate term, for the protection of Caesar's legislative programme against repeal.[13] The law – importantly – gave Caesar, as governor of the provinces, a chance to show his martial quality with great potential for military glory. To that end, he campaigned extensively in Germany, Britain, and Gaul. The specific provinces also furnished a substantial number of Roman citizens recruitable for his campaigns.[8]
Caesar's position in Transalpine Gaul was annually reviewed by the senate.[14] When the five year term expired, Caesar met with Pompey, Crassus, and others at the so-called Luca Conference where they renewed their political alliance and pushed through legislation to extend Caesar's Gallic commands.[15]
The granting of a proconsulship in Gaul also gave Caesar legal immunity against prosecution by his political enemies and a number of armies.[16] While Caesar did not appear to desire a war against his countrymen upon his prorogation pro consule to Gaul and Illyricum, by 49 BC, amid a confrontation with the senate Caesar decided to go to war to protect his personal interests.[16][17][18]