On Idus Martiae, the Ides of March, 44 BCE, the Roman Senate met at the Curia of Pompey, a pavilion attached to the Theatre of Pompey. The Senate was in caucus, not in session. Though a relaxed day to discuss affairs; nevertheless, Caesar, as was his custom, wore his toga and laureae coronae perpetuo gestandae, a laurel wreath at all times. He sat in an armchair.

Caesar, three years previously in 47 BCE, was the victor against King Pharnaces II at the battle of Zela ¹ , situated in the province of Bithynia et Pontus. This March Day, two topics, of a fuller roster, focused on securing Rome’s ever-expanding frontier. There was the discussion to subdue the Dacian tribes north of the Danube River and secondly; securing the eastern frontier against the Parthians of Mesopotamia.

The Senate was central to Rome’s success. The Senate’s authority decreed power to supreme officers who were elected annually and who laid down their power at the end of term. For more than two centuries power-sharing had ensured success. This concept of governance was the balance: of trust and of men. This poise of late was under discussion. Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, known as Pompey, had been given a free hand to remove pirates from the Eastern Mediterranean. Within a two-year period, Pompey had successfully eliminated piracy. His power had also extended to the mainland of Asia Minor, defeating Mithridates, king of Pontus, and he consolidated and affirmed Rome’s authority in Syria and Palestine. Pompey in addition to his extraordinary military success; he had wealth and power. The result was his building of the Theatre and the Curia (a building offering relaxation with light refreshments, set within a formally-laid garden).

Meanwhile, Caesar had held two successive five-year terms of office in Gaul; from 59 to 49 BCE. He had also extended Rome’s boundaries in northwest Europe to the English Channel including; two raids to Britain in 55 and 54 BCE. Rome’s legions, after a decade of intense warfare, were bound to Caesar by loyalty and devotion.

Caesar had enemies. Some thought he would usurp the constitution for his own purposes.

January to March blogs focus on Caesar, a selection of pen-portraits that highlight the man and his times.