Trebonius

Gaius Trebonius (c. 92 BC – January 43 BC) was a military commander and politician of the late Roman Republic, who became Suffect Consul in 45 BC. A trusted associate of Julius Caesar, he was later among those who instigated the plot to assassinate the Dictator.

Early career

Born c. 92 BC, Trebonius' father was an eques, but had not been a magistrate, and the son was considered a Novus Homo ("New Man"), one of several in Caesar's circle. He served as Quaestor around 60 BC, during which he attempted to prevent the adoption of Publius Clodius Pulcher into a plebeian family, against the wishes of the Triumvirs. However, by the time Trebonius was elected Plebeian Tribune in 55 BC, he had become one of their supporters.

During that year, Trebonius proposed a Lex Trebonia to the Tribal Assembly that the consuls Pompey and Marcus Licinius Crassus receive the provinces of Syria, Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior. Further, that their commands would last for five years, and that the proconsuls would possess the right of making war or peace at their discretion. Cato the Younger, a noted opponent of Pompey, spoke against the bill, attempting to filibuster the motion, causing Trebonius to firstly expel him from the Forum, before ordering him to be taken to prison. However, the large crowd which accompanied Cato caused Trebonius to change his mind and order his release. Eventually the law was passed, with the five-year commands to Pompey, who received the two Spanish provinces, and Marcus Licinius Crassus, who obtained Syria.