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Home , Annales (Ennius), Fulvia, King of Rome, Legatus, Optimates, Populares

WMHSMUN XXXIV

Senate of the Late Roman , 60 BCE

Background Guide

“Unprecedented committees. Unparalleled debate. Unmatched fun.” Letters From the Directors

Dear Delegates,

Hello everyone, and welcome to WMHSMUN XXXIV! My name is Joe Barry. I am a junior here at William and Mary. I am majoring in Data Science, with a minor in Physics. I grew up on Long Island in New York. Over quarantine, I tried to teach myself how to play guitar and speak French, to varying degrees of success. I’m in the Wind Ensemble here on campus. Although I am not in the International Relations Club here, I’ve been staffing conferences since my freshman year. In my experience, crisis committees are always more fun, and I think the topic we have is perfect for it.

I started participating in Model UN my sophomore year in high school. I was always interested in politics and international relations but hadn’t heard much of Model UN until my friend roped me into applying for a conference, for which I had no idea what to expect. I assume this is a similar situation to the one all of you are in. Rest assured; we’ve prepared what we hope is a fun and interesting introduction to MUN, which you all I’m sure will enjoy.

While our committee is titled of the Late , many of you are representing powerful figures in the at large—from the of the to . Each of these delegates will have unique powers and motivations. Those qualities will be important, as our great Republic is coming to the most pivotal point in its storied history. we are faced with the difficult task of preserving the republic in its current state, committed to the careful balance of power which has been the backbone of our prosperous city. Threats to its safety include power-hungry statesmen who seek to dismantle our constitution and recreate as they see fit. While the Republic has been able to ward off these threats in the past, the powerful general may be the next to challenge the Senate. The future of our great Republic may rest in our ability to traverse these threats.

If any of you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Joe Barry [email protected] Background Guide – Senate of the Late Roman Republic

Dear Delegates,

Ave! My name is Will Stubner, and I’m very excited to be your crisis director for the Late Roman Republic committee. I am currently a sophomore at William and Mary in the College of Arts and Sciences, studying International Relations and Arabic. I have been doing Model UN for six years now, starting in my freshman year of high school. Outside of Model UN, I like to swim, run and beat my siblings in Monopoly, 2k or really any kind of game. I am also a cadet in the William and Mary ROTC Company, so if you have any questions about the program, I would be happy to answer them. I look forward to meeting you all in November and seeing how you lead the Roman Republic in its darkest hour.

If you have any questions specifically about crisis, or the committee in general, I would be happy to answer them. You can reach me via email. Will Stubner [email protected]

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Introduction

For hundreds of years, our great Roman Republic has been through a series of changes and reforms, but one constant has been a growth in size and prosperity. While this growth has spurned a great rise in wealth, this has been accompanied accordingly with a rise in conspiracy and corruption. In decades past, military leaders have used their wealth and power to take dictatorial power by force—abandoning the republican ideals our state was built on. Although these years are past, recent development of power in the hands of a few powerful men who make up what is called the —Crassus, , and Julius Caesar—which once again threatened . Although this alliance has broken down, the threat it presented is still present in the mind of any vigilant Roman. Today’s date is January 1st, 50 BC. As members of the and its allies, we are faced with the difficult task of preserving the republic in its current state, committed to the careful balance of power which has been the backbone of our prosperous city. While each of the delegates may have their own distinct motivations, the goal of our committee is self-preservation. Primarily, we need to be concerned about spurning the corruption which has run rampant throughout recent history. Elections to consulships are bought and sold. Despite the precedent of serving for only one yearly term, we have seen some politicians serving as long as they please given that they have enough sway. Is there a solution we can present via our constitution which would maintain the decentralized power intended by our Senate? There is a more immediate threat looming which may put these institutional defenses to the test. Julius Caesar, a former currently governing the province of , has amassed an army whose strength may only be rivaled by his own ambition. At the moment this army is working on behalf of Rome to conquer the Celtic tribes of Gaul. Caesar may prove to be a polarizing figure; while he currently threatens Rome as it stands, there are some in the Senate who would benefit from his rise. The future of our great Republic may rest in our ability to traverse these threats.

Topic 1: The Decline of the Roman Republic

Introduction

Ever since the expulsion of the last , Tarquinius Superbus, Rome has been a Republic. Tarqunius was a brutal ruler, who acquired a reputation for cruelty and tyranny. After his rule, Roman

3 Background Guide – Senate of the Late Roman Republic political culture has been dominated by the republican ideal that no one man should hold complete political power. While more egalitarian than most other ancient polities, Rome is not similar to modern . Most of the power is held in the offices of the Consuls, who serve as executive officers in the Republic, and the Senate, a legislative body dominated by the wealthiest families of Rome, the Patricians. The Senate is responsible for most legislation. The masses of the Roman citizens represented by the Plebian Councils and Tribal Councils, two bodies made up exclusively of plebs, or , who were not considered part of a noble house. By the time of the Late Roman Republic, these bodies had been rendered relatively toothless, with the bodies being dominated by Eques, men from traditionally Plebeian families who had risen to power and wealth in the Republic. Dysfunction, cronyism and corruption plague the Roman Republic, as the state has grown from a small collection of towns in central Italy to a polity that stretches from modern day Spain all the way to Syria and Turkey. An influx of slaves from conquered territories sent to work on farms and in mines throughout Italy has displaced many small hold farmers, leading to massive migrations to urban areas. By the early first century BC, Rome was the largest city in the world, with a population of more than one million. While the grain dole has prevented mass starvation and unrest in the city, many Romans of lower status have come to believe that the Republic no longer has their interests in mind, with a Senate dominated by large landowners, and consuls who ignore their supposedly co equal status with the of the Plebs to favor the massive slave run estates.

The Brothers and the

In 145 BC, 609 years after the founding of the city of Rome, The Roman Republic was at the height of its power. After vanquishing its longtime nemesis in the , Rome was unchallenged in the Mediterranean. Among the heroes of the war was a young soldier named Gracchus. Born into a wealthy Plebeian family, Tiberius and his younger brother Gaius were both tireless advocates for the mostly unemployed urban poor who had been displaced by large landowners. They aimed to redistribute land throughout Italy and in Rome's new conquered territories, especially to soldiers. When Tiberius was elected in 133, he began a committee to redistribute land. The Senate however, led by the archconservative Optimaes faction, would not stand for this, as many of them were in fact large landowners. In a move that shocked the Roman political world, wealthy senators formed a mob that assassinated . This was the first instance of violence in Roman politics in almost 400 years.

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The Senate worked to cripple the land redistribution committee and was able to essentially stop most redistribution. Ten years later, his brother Gaius attempted to implement similar programs, along with a grain subsidy. After unconstitutionally winning a second consecutive year of Tribune of the Plebs, he committed suicide as a mob came to kill him. The death of the Gracchi Brothers deeply damaged the Roman political system, as urban violence, mob violence and politically motivated killings and exiles became increasingly common. The legacy of the Gracchi brothers lives on in the Populares movement, which champions the cause of the urban poor and soldiers. The Populares support land grants for soldiers, as well as advocating for progressive taxation and an expansion to the grain dole and other social services.

Sulla, Marius and the Roman Civil War

After the killings of the Gracchi brothers, Roman politics grew increasingly deadly. This came to a head following the Social War, in which Rome fought its Italian allies, who demanded they receive . Two generals in particular distinguished themselves in the conflict, Lucius , head of the Optimae, and , a general who was favorable to the Populares. Following the war, the Senate planned to launch a campaign into the wealthy lands of King Mithridates in and modern Turkey. However, Marius, who was instrumental in reforming the structure of the Roman Legions, was wary of Sulla, who he saw as power hungry and only interested in the wealth he could plunder from his campaign, used his influence in the Senate to award command of the war to another general at the last moment. Outraged by this slight, Sulla prepared to march on Rome. Taking five legions, he marched on the city of Rome. In a panic, the Senate gave him command back, and Marius was forced to flee the city. Sulla then left for Greece, taking his army with him. Marius was elected consul but died less than a month later. When Sulla returned and found out that he had been declared a “Hostes” or enemy of the state, he again marched on Rome with his legions, and crushed a Populares army lead by Marius’s son, also named Gaius Marius, at Sacriporto. Sulla marched into Rome unopposed, where he was granted the title of , giving him supreme executive power over every aspect of the Roman State. He launched a brutal political purge, killing or exiling thousands of Populares and those loyal to Marius, as well as those he deemed as being overly critical of him. Sulla’s reign of terror lasted two years, before he retired to his country estate.

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Sulla’s tenure as dictator broke the foundations of Roman politics. The breaking of norms in part led to the conspiracy, led by disgruntled Senator Lucius Catalina. The conspirators sought to overthrow the Roman state through an army composed largely of ex-soldiers of Sulla drowning in debt. This conspiracy was thwarted by , leading to him assuming leadership of the Optimaes faction in the senate. More importantly however, Sulla’s march on Rome set a dangerous precedent, one that would be exploited by an ambitious Roman politician, a populares who had once served in Marius’s army. His name is Julius Caesar, and now it appears increasingly likely that just like Sulla before him, he will lead his legions against Rome itself.

Questions to Consider

1. What should be done in order to restore public confidence and support for the Republic? Should the Senate and like-minded Consuls continue to rule as they have in the past, with limited land redistribution? Or should radical land reform, very unpopular with many wealthy Romans be implemented in order to preserve social stability? Think about your character’s position when considering this question. 2. How should military threats against the Republic be dealt with? What reforms should be considered to reduce or eliminate the possibility for ambitious generals to turn their armies against the Republic? 3. How should the Roman political system be reformed to prevent political violence? What should be considered acceptable governing methods in Roman politics? 4. Should the grain dole and other public expenses be expanded in order to provide greater social security to the ? If so, who should pay for this, and how should it be distributed?

Topic 2: The Threat of Caesar

The foundation of the Roman Republic—its elected Senate— is what all our great state’s and stability relies on. While other kingdoms are in constant turmoil due to succession wars and dueling monarchs, Rome has a much more stable source of power. It is celebrated on our coins, monuments, infrastructure, and laws; Senatus Populusque : The Roman Senate and People. Our government is designed to prevent the rise of a dictator, whose interests do not align with those of the people. However, in recent years, this backbone of Roman society has been tested.

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For the past decade, the Triumvirate of Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar has ruled over the Roman world. With their influence, they have been able to bypass checks of power in the Roman governing system in order to ensure that power rests solely in their hands. However, in the past few years, we have seen this alliance falter. Crassus died in battle against the Parthians, while Pompey and Caesar have severed their informal ties. In the years since, corruption and degradation has haunted the Roman Senate. With Caesar campaigning to the North to conquer the , the only thing left to prevent a descent into anarchy was to name Pompey the sole consul, effectively giving him sole executive power in Rome. While his one-year term has technically expired, Pompey remains the de facto leader of Rome. However, in the past year, Caesar has finally stamped out the last of the Gallic tribes, and is set on returning home to run once again for the office of consul. While many in the city support this transition, his opponents are fearful of the military power Caesar has amassed. These opponents are of the opinion that Caesar ought to be prosecuted for crimes he had committed in his year as consul—prosecution he has been immune to as a consequence of his position as governor of Gaul and Illyricum. Increasingly, the pro-Caesar and anti-Caesar camps have divided the Senate and the Roman public as a whole. This division has spurred rumors of an impending civil war. While at first refusing to take a side, Pompey has just made his final verdict on the matter: Caesar will give up his command in the coming Spring. While some are hopeful that he will hold true to this command, in the end, the man with the most power is the one with the most swords. Right now, that man seems to be Caesar, but in Pompey’s own words, “I only have to stamp my foot, and all over Italy and cavalry will rise up from the ground.” Only time will tell whether Caesar will bring his troops into Italy and force Pompey’s hand. However, if he does, there is no doubt that it would prompt a conflict unforeseen in centuries on the Italian Peninsula. Each of you have unique circumstances and alliances which will yield different approaches to this crisis. However, as a whole, our committee has the ability to wield great power, if compromises can be reached.

Questions to Consider 1. What is the proper response to the threat of Caesar’s army? Do you back Pompey and the existing Roman governing structure, or Caesar’s advancing legions? 2. How can a large-scale conflict be prevented? What can you personally do to ensure this result? 3. If a civil war is to out, what are the best options for you to take going forward?

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4. What can the committee do together to end the conflict? What benefits would come from a compromise within our committee?

Sources

These sources are also useful for your own research. There are tons of information out there on this era of Roman politics, so feel free to go beyond this!

• Carlin, Dan. “The Celtic Holocaust.” Hardcore History, 9 August 2017, https://www.dancarlin.com/hardcore-history-60-the-celtic-holocaust/. • Cicero, Marcus Tullius., and Shackleton Bailey D. R. Selected Letters. Penguin, 2005. • Everitt, Anthony. Cicero: The Life and Times of Rome's Greatest Politician. RB Large Print, 2004. • Holland, Tom. : The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic. Abacus, 2013.

Lastly, just between you and me, Wikipedia can be a good way to collect and consolidate sources on a topic as well-researched and written about as this one. Some Wikipedia articles even have their own organized lists of sources, which can be really useful for finding information (ex. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Caesar#Sources). Just note that you shouldn’t cite Wikipedia directly. Vale!

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Dossier

Cleopatra Despite being born into the of Ptolemaic , has had to fight for every bit of power she has earned. She was named co-ruler of the kingdom in 51 BC at just 17 years old, alongside her brother, Ptolemy XIII. Despite familial ties, there is no hiding the animosity between the rulers. At the moment, it seems as if Cleopatra has the upper hand; not only do the Egyptian people consider her the true queen, but ties to powerful Romans such as Pompey and Caesar give her amongst the strongest allies in the world. As tensions rise, Cleopatra will have power over a fading but formidable kingdom, along with one of the few remaining states on the Mediterranean independent of Roman control.

Marc Antony Antony rose to prominence as a military leader serving under Caesar during his conquest of the Gauls. He has made himself a useful and faithful ally of Caesar, whether that be serving him militarily as a of the , or in positions in Rome such as in order to protect Caesar’s interests domestically. As Caesar’s military force rears its head to Rome itself, Antony is tasked with protecting Caesar from political opponents such as Pompey. His position as a member of the College of the grants Antony some political influence, but that influence only stands to grow if Caesar is able to conquer Rome.

Cicero In a political world where it seems every player is dedicated to shaping the system to their own benefit, Cicero stands as one of the few Roman politicians who aims above all to uphold the values of the Roman Republic. A gifted speaker and writer, Cicero’s greatest political weapon was his pen. He quickly rose the ranks of the Republic during the 70’s and 60’s BC, eventually being elected consul in 63 BC, a year in which he helped to thwart an attempt by Catiline to undermine the Republic and seize power in Rome. The threats facing the Republic today harken back to that conspiracy in many ways, although Caesar seems to pose a threat that may not be so easily stopped with speeches and essays. While currently serving as governor of Cilicia in Asia, it seems likely Cicero’s talents will be needed in Rome if the Republic is to be preserved.

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Piatus Pius Pius holds the office of , the title of the highest-ranking priest in Rome. While ostensibly the leader of the religious realm, the Pontifex Maximus also holds some political power due to his responsibilities. He has control over the calendar year, is the regulator of public morals and the fines that are levied for their transgression, and maintains the Maximi, a record of important public events which take place in Rome. While the role has veered recently toward being a symbolic post for the rich and powerful in Rome, Pius is dedicated to upholding the traditional religious sanctity of the role. However, that does not mean ignoring the clear influence he has not only on the Roman system, but also the people living within it.

Brutus ’ power initially came through his command of money; in his time as assistant to the governor of Cyprus, Brutus was a prominent usurer in the Eastern Mediterranean. Upon his return to Rome, Brutus became a Senator known for his opposition to the of Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey. Although that alliance has since broken down, Brutus remains largely opposed to any plot to seize illegitimate power in the Republic, a belief that certainly extends to the growing threat of Julius Caesar. Despite a fondness that Caesar seems to have for Brutus, it is clear that that amiability only goes one way. Brutus may be the second most prominent amongst the conservative political faction of the , only behind Pompey.

Pompey Pompey has been one of most powerful men in Rome over the past couple of decades. Originally coming to power as a young military leader, he quickly became the most celebrated military leader of the 70’s BC. In the coming years, Pompey spent time leading Rome in battle as a general, and at home as consul, even before he met the age requirement of 42. This was an office he would hold on two more occasions. Pompey would go on to marry Julius Caesar’s daughter, , forming an alliance amongst the two and Marcus Crassus which would go on to rule Rome for the majority of the 50’s BC. However, after the deaths of both Crassus and Julia, and faced with the growing ambition of Caesar, Pompey has come to oppose his former ally. Given his prominence and power, Pompey appears the most able and willing to lead the defense of Rome against Caesar, if the conflict comes to bear.

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Cassius Cassius served under Crassus in a military campaign against the Parthian Empire. Crassus, perhaps the richest man in Rome, was impressed by Cassius’ leadership abilities. Following his successes in the war, he has returned to Rome to serve in the Senate. Cassius has always had a distinct disdain for those who claim absolute power over the Republic. In this vein, Cassius does not look favorably upon Caesar’s rise to power. Along with Brutus and Pompey, Cassius is amongst the most prominent optimates, a conservative political faction who opposes Caesar.

Octavian Although still a teenager, Octavian has one clear advantage: he is the adopted son of Julius Caesar. If Caesar is to continue amassing power, it can be all but guaranteed that Octavian will have a rapid rise through the Roman political world. While currently living with his mother in Rome, Octavian has a distinct interest in his father’s military campaigns. He is now approaching the age at which he will be able to leave home to see what life is like from his father’s perspective as a general. Presently, however, Octavian must be weary. Caesar’s affection for his son cuts both ways; if Octavian is to be endangered, it would serve as a crucial bargaining piece against him. Octavian must be careful in navigating the increasingly perilous world around him if he ever wants to reach the heights of his father.

Bodocenos The Gauls have no centralized leader, but instead a council of elders who look over each individual tribe. However, in the absence of a representative voice, the Gallic tribes have collectively, under the command of Vercingetorix, agreed to send the elder Bodocenos to Rome in order to speak for their interests. The Gauls have lived in Western Europe for centuries, and what they lack in cooperation, they make up for in collective numbers and strength. They hold significant wealth as well, which is part of the reason the region is so coveted by Rome. While Caesar is currently in the process of carving up large swathes of their territory, as a wise Gaul (probably) once said, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” It seems as though Caesar has acquired more and more enemies in Rome as he has risen in power. If we are able to come to some agreement with some of these Romans, an independent Gaul may come to rise once more.

Titus Labienus Libenius was a politician who served in the Senate, most chiefly as and tribune of the plebs in the 60’s BC. However, his greatest asset was always as a soldier. During his conquest of the Gauls, Libienus was second in command to Caesar. He became known for his tactical genius and would certainly be a useful

11 Background Guide – Senate of the Late Roman Republic piece to any side who has his loyalty. Labienus is currently serving as governor of in Northern Italy. A man only loyal to Rome, while he may have seen his conquests alongside Caesar as a way of expanding territory in the name of the Republic, today it seems as though Caesar is betraying the very country he purports to serve. Whether or not Labienus chooses to lend his talents to the optimates in Rome or Caesar will depend on his own choice regarding which side is more just; or, which will offer him the greatest reward in the end.

Orodes II There are few in the Western world who were able to stave off Roman influence and retain their sovereignty. The Parthian Empire, led by Orodes II, King of , may be the only kingdom capable of going toe-to-toe with Rome militarily. Thus far under his reign, the Parthians have seen mostly military success in the campaigns levied against them. As factions grow in Rome, one side may find a strong ally in the Parthian king. However, friends shouldn’t get too comfortable. Orodes has no problem casting away those close to him to get what he wants; he and his older brother Mithridates plotted to murder their father and take his throne. In the ensuing fraternal conflict, Orodes turned his back on his brother, sparking a civil war which lasted until Orodes finally defeated and executed Mithridates. Orodes has now turned to the offensive, attacking Roman territory in the Middle East. Regardless of who is able to win the power struggle in Rome, the might of Orodes and his empire will be hard to ignore.

Quintus Gladius Scion of a wealthy Eques family from Capua, Quintus Gladius controls one of the largest gladiator troops in Rome, on top of substantial land holdings in Latium. An Optimate, he will seek to use his wealth and power to prevent further reforms in Rome which could endanger his control of his country estates. However, he also has the popularity of his games to consider and should be careful not to alienate large portions of the population. His gladiators are well known throughout the city, and in one on one combat are superior even to Roman Legionnaires. However, they are available in limited numbers, and as they are all slaves, any suspicious activity they engage in will be noted. Quintus is also a relatively wealthy man, though he by himself does not have the resources to spend exorbitant amounts of money for any long period of time.

Lucius Serving as the of Asia, Lucius Antonius has command of one of the wealthiest provinces in the empire. As a brother of , he supports the Populares, and is generally favorable to Caesar’s calls for reform and redistribution of land and resources. His hold on the province of Asia is

12 Background Guide – Senate of the Late Roman Republic tenuous however, and he will have to make sure to keep a watchful eye on the Parthians to his east. As governor of Asia, he can count on income from the province. While Asia has no full legions stationed inside of it, Antonius will have the support of several cohorts stationed throughout the province.

Marcus Ignus A political wildcard, and one of the wealthiest men in Rome, Marcus Ignus inherited a large part of the fortune of Crassus, one of Caesar’s comrades from the First Triumvirate, who was killed in a disastrous campaign against the Parthians. Marcus controls the fire brigades of Rome, one of the most important industries in the rapidly expanding city. He also holds large portions of land and buildings in the newer sections of the city of Rome itself, primarily populated by poor immigrants from Italy’s countryside. While Marcus could choose to remember his roots as a humble firefighter and fight for the common man, he could also embrace his new status and support the Optimates.

Virus Manlius A man’s man, Virus is actually from Gaul, but was captured when he was a boy and sent to fight in the gladiatorial games. He won his freedom after winning 84 fights in a row, too much public acclaim. Virus is an unmatched one on one combatant. He also has kept close ties to the Gladiators who he fought with in the games. While immensely popular in Rome, Virus deeply dislikes the which he has lived in for most of his life and will go to any means to ensure that he is the last man who has to earn his freedom through bloody combat.

Arruntia Arruntia is the current Vestalis Maxima, the leader of the Vestal Virgins, the most important group of priestesses in the Republic. Harming her in any way is punishable by death, and in a court of law, her word is trusted absolutely. She and her sisters are strictly apolitical and seek to avoid violence in the Republic as much as possible. Her main concern is promoting traditional Roman religious and cultural values, and she frowns on the decadence that has consumed the Republic as of late. She is particularly sympathetic to the plight of the plebs in the city, who support her temple. If she does speak on political matters, the Plebs will certainly be listening, but doing so too often could damage the reputation of the Vestal Virgins.

Gaius Considus Longus The Optimates Optimate, Gaius Considus Longus is the Roman governor of , and possibly the Senate’s strongest military ally. With the Third Legion stationed in Africa, he can call upon some of the best

13 Background Guide – Senate of the Late Roman Republic military troops in the empire. Equipped with the Scorpios, the newest Roman technology, Legio III is capable of defeating a single Caesarian Legion in the field. However, its troops will be difficult to replace if lost. Africa is also an immensely wealthy province, but the Governor will have some difficulty taking advantage of it for himself, as the economy there is closely regulated by the Quaestor.

Aedile The , who in this committee will be represented by a single delegate, work together to maintain infrastructure, temples and public works in the Republic, employing a large labor force to maintain and improve the aqueducts, fountains, roads and sewers, among other amenities that make life in Rome possible. In addition to their role as civil engineers, the Aediles also run the police forces of the city of Rome. It is important to note that the Roman police force serves mainly to foil conspiracies through its use of spies and informants, instead of as a law enforcement agency. As such, the will be able to more effectively sniff out plots against the Republic through his large networks in the city of Rome, but his reach will be more limited the further away from the heart of the Republic.

Quaestor The Quaestor manages the treasury of the Roman Republic. While he no longer directly controls the entire treasury and its oversight himself, he is at the top of the large bureaucracy that does. The Quaestor will likely favor the Optimates and will be strongly opposed to more public expenditures by the Roman state. While he could siphon off money from the treasury for his own needs, he would have to ensure that the bureaucracy under him firmly supports his moves.

Fulvia Beautiful, brilliant and at the height of the Roman cultural scene, is the current wife of Mark Antony. A populara, she supports Caesar’s cause, and will use her significant social connections to try to influence the wealthy and powerful to support him. Through her lavish parties and frequent sponsoring of public festivals, she can influence the popular opinions of every part of Roman society. She particularly dislikes Cicero, who she views as self-important and the remnants of an old, decaying system.

Gaius Scribonius Curio The Tribune of the Plebs, Gaius Scribonius Curio has the interests of the people of Rome in mind. While certainly not revolutionary, he wants to see modest improvements for the poor and in the city, through the expansion of the grain dole, as well as modest land redistribution. His real power lies in his

14 Background Guide – Senate of the Late Roman Republic ability to any legislation passed by the Senate of Rome, but in these chaotic times, it remains to be seen whether the Senate will respect the traditional power of the Tribune of the Plebs.

Tullius Navus While certainly not as well-known as Rome’s Legions, the provides crucial logistical support to the Roman Republic. The current commander is Tullius Navus, a from Ostia. An arch conservative, he strongly supports Pompey’s faction in the Senate. He will try to maintain the Republic and Senate at all costs and is not above politicizing his command to do so. While the Roman Navy is certainly powerful, it is not as large as it was during the , and Tullius will have to secure funding to expand it.

Marcus Lepidus A staunch Caesarian, Marcus Lepidus is particularly close with Mark Antony and Octavian. A gifted orator from a wealthy family, Marcus Lepidus can move votes in the Senate and build up popular support for Caesar. He also recently returned from a posting in , where he has some popularity, despite the provinces support for Pompey.

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