Senatorial Opposition to Pompey’s Eastern Settlement. A Storm in a Teacup?

Abstract

This paper argues that ratification of Pompey’s eastern acta following his return to Rome in 61 was not obstructed by the Senate, but proceeded expeditiously on the basis suggested by L. Lucullus: namely, that his acta be approved severally, and not en bloc as originally presented. This is inferred from the silence within the Ciceronian corpus from 61 to 60 (in contrast to later ancient accounts), and (more positively) from evidence of senatorial approval of various major acta before 59. Retrospective historiography on the part of Asinius Pollio and others, combined with contemporary protests in 59 against ‘tyranny’ and the land bill, may explain the elevation of this non-event to a cause celebre.