Cato and the first triumvirate

KEY EPISODE

What did Cato block in 61/60 from the publicani?

Cato blocked a request by the publicani backed by Crassus to reduce some tax contracts.

Stoic principles of justice. The publicani set up these contracts it is therefore their job to fulfil them. This upsets the bond between Crassus and the publicani.

KEY EPISODE

What offer did Cato refuse in 60? Why did he do this?

A marriage alliance between his nieces and Pompey’s family

Cato, as an optimate, wanted to preserve the auctoritas of the senate which Pompey consistently undermined.

KEY EPISODE

What request from Caesar did Cato block in 60? What method did Cato employ?

Caesar’s request to the senate to stand for the consulship in absentia so he can also hold a triumph.

Cato employed a Filibuster.

What do Swain and Davies (2010) say about Cato blocking Caesar in 60 BC?

‘Cato was prepared to be neither flexible nor magnanimous’

KEY EPISODE
What legislation does Cato try to prevent from passing in 59? What is the reaction to this?

The Lex Campania (Using the filibuster) and he is arrested by Caesar’s lictors on the rostra.

KEY EPISODE

What did Cato accuse Caesar of doing in 55?

He accused Caesar in the senate of initiating an illegal war against the German tribes