iumph. He was exceedingly anxious to crown his
achievements by having the Senate ratify his eastern arrangements and
securing land grants for his veterans. However, since the dismissal of his
troops he was no longer feared by the Senate, which insisted on examining
his acts in detail and not ratifying them _en bloc_ as he demanded. Thus
the Optimates lost the opportunity of binding Pompey to their side, and at
the same time they fell out with the equestrians over the demand made by
the _publicani_ who had contracted for the taxes of Asia for a
modification of the terms of their contract on the ground of poor harvests
in the province.

*The coalition of 60 B. C.* No settlement had been reached when Caesar
returned to Rome in 60 B. C. He had been praetor in 62 and for the
following year governor of Further Spain, where he waged successful border
wars, conciliated the provincials and yet contrived to find the means to
satisfy his creditors. He now requested a triumph and the privilege of
standing for the consulate while waiting outside the city for the former
honor. However, when the Senate delayed its decision he gave up the
triumph and became a candidate for the consulate. He now succeeded in
reconciling Pompey and Crassus and the three formed a secret coalition to
secure the election of Caesar and the satisfaction of their particular
aims. This unofficial coalition is known as the First Triumvirate. Through
the influence of his supporters Caesar was easily elected but his
colleague was Calpurnius Bibulus, the nominee of the Optimates.

CHAPTER XIV

THE RIVALRY OF POMPEY AND CAESAR: CAESAR'S DICTATORSHIP; 59-44 B. C.

I. CAESAR CONSUL: 59 B. C.

*A rule of force.* At the beginning of his consulship Caesar tried to
induce the Senate to approve his measures, but, when they failed to do so,
he carried them directly to the Assembly. And when Bibulus and Cato
essayed to obstruct legislation in the Comitia he crushed all opposition
by the aid of Pompey's veterans. Bibulus, protesting against the
illegality of Caesar's proceedings, shut himself up in his own house. Thus
Caesar carried two land laws for the benefit of the soldiers of Pompey,
induced the Senate to ratify the latter's eastern settlement, and secured
for the equestrians, whose cause was championed by Crassus, the remission
of one third of the contract price for the revenues of Asia.

*The