Caesar ad Rubiconem: Politics, Precedent, and Law in Caesar’s decision to cast the die. Alea Iacta Est, translated as “The die is cast,” is considered by many to be one of the most well-known phrases said by Caesar—probably following Veni Vidi Vici—because of the historicity and meaning the phrase represented. Caesar, when metaphorically casting the die, knew that he could not change the outcome of his actions once he committed himself, yet he crossed the Rubicon anyways, causing a civil war and leaving his fate up to chance. Those who have used the phrase oftentimes do not know the context of the situation, as Caesar had to weigh the Roman Law, revolutionary precedent, and his political standpoint when deciding to defy the Roman …show more content…
After Pompey and Crassus were consuls, both Pompey and Caesar were embarrassed by the Roman Senate when they were refused positions and triumph for their victories in Asia and Spain respectfully. Acordingly, they formed a coalition with Crassus, who was rich, in order to outmaneuver the Senate politically. Caesar was elected to the consulship with Bibulus, exiled both Cicero and Cato the Younger, and instilled Clodius as the tribune to keep his influence in the Government as Caesar left for Gaul. However, the Senate soon reinstated Cicero and Cato, so the Triumvirate was rejuvenated so that Caesar would again take consulship after five years as proconsul of Gaul, Crassus and Pompey would again become co-consuls and would receive governorships of Syria and Spain / Africa accordingly. The triumvirate soon began to dissolve as Crassus died in Syria, Caesar grew in power and prestige in Gaul, and Pompey became sole consul. Pompey, after helping to put down a riot between the supporters of Clodius and Titus Annius Milo, grew closer and closer in ideology to that of the Senate and grew more and more worried of Caesar's growing popularity. With Caesar’s proconsulship coming to a close, he wanted to keep control of his many legions until he was elected consul. However, with Pompey now allying himself with the Senate, and many of Caesar’s political enemies—like Cato and Cicero—promising to prosecute, most of Rome’s political system allied themselves against