C. Antistius Vetus, praetor of Spain. Shortly before he took his position he lost his aunt and his wife. When he returned to Rome and married Pompeia, this strange marriage has been considered a politically tactical move in order to gain an eventual strategic advantage.In 67 BC Pompey the Great had supreme command in the east. Licinius Crassus a rich partician, was bitterly jealous of Pompeys successes. These two men rivaled for the next dictatorship, so in order to keep up with Pompey, Crassus needs the popular support of the people. Who better to help Crassus then the outspoken and popular Julius Caesar, this alliance was considered a marriage de convenance. Caesar was a governor in Spain for a year, he returned in 60 BC. It was at this point that Julius formed a three-way alliance with Crassus and Pompey. This was known as the First Triumvirate. To cement their relationship further, Caesar gave his daughter Julia to Pompey in marriage. Now properly backed Caesar was elected to consul in 59 BC, despite Optimate hostility, the year after he was appointed governor of Roman Gaul.The Gallic wars started in 58 BC, this is because the Helvetii, a Gallic people, were invading a Roman allied tribe known as the Aedui. Caesar marched to Cisalpinc Gaul with six legions; he defeated the Helvetii and forced them back to their homelands. An example of Caesars brilliance as a military and political commander was at this point. He sent the Helvetii back to their homeland and supplied them with corn for their journey, and for when they rebuilt their villages. He did this so that the fertile farmlands would not fall to the neighboring Germanic tribes.Next Caesar crushed the Germanic forces under Ariouistus, now Rome was in control of northern Gaul by 57 BC. A last revolt of the Gauls, led by Vercingetorix, was suppressed in 52-51 BC. Caesar went off to raid Brittan and put down a revolt in Gaul, Crassus was jealous and eager to gain equal military glor...
