59 BC

Events

### Consuls and Proconsuls

The consuls for this year were Gaius Julius Caesar (patricius) and Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus (plebeian). The proconsuls included Quintus Cecilius Metellius Zeler in Narbonne Gaul, Lucius Afranius in Cisalpine Gaul, as well as several others.

### Confirmation of Pompey's Activities

Confirmation was given to Pompey's activities in the East. This likely refers to his military campaigns and conquests in the region.

### Distribution of Lands to Veterans

Lands in Campania were distributed to veterans, a move that would have been popular with the common people.

### Julia's Agrarian Law

Julius Caesar proposed the Lex Julia agraria, which aimed to establish Pompey's veterans as settlers in Capua. This law was an attempt by Caesar to win the favor of the people and reconcile the Senate.

### Cato's Obstruction

Caton (likely Cato the Younger) opposed Caesar's plan, delivering a lengthy speech against it. In response, Caesar had Caton thrown into prison during a sitting of the Senate.

### Caesar's Marriage and Calpurnia's Marriage

Pompey married Julia, Caesar's daughter. Meanwhile, Caesar himself married Calpurnia, the daughter of Lucius Pison.

### Publius Claudius Pulcher and Cicero

Publius Claudius (Clodius) Pulcher passed into the plebeians and was elected tribune. With his help, Caesar sought to expel Cicero from Italy.

### Senate Proposals

The Senate proposed to Caesar the management of the public roads and forests.

Timeline

* 5 November 60 BC: The Consulate of Caius Julius Caesar and Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus began in Rome.
* March: The Lex Julia agraria was proposed by Julius Caesar, leading to a confrontation with Caton.
* Throughout the year: Regular publications of the debates of the Senate (Acta Senatus) were registered in Acta Diurna.

References

Note: This article is based on information from multiple sources and has been synthesized into a single cohesive narrative.