The Roman Senate

Portfolio Docket

For purposes of easier research on a committee that hardly has any reliable information online, the Executive
Board has curated a short brief on what each allotment in the Roman Senate stands for and looks to achieve in
committee. However, senators, the human mind is fickle, and your actions in committee can easily change your
stance.

There are three major stances a delegate can have stepping into this committee: Caesarion, Liberatore, and
Neutral. This division is not fixed, and being an extremely fast-paced committee, these blocs are meant to change
constantly. The Caesarion’s find the Liberatore's assassination of Caesar against the ideals of honour and
integrity that Rome has stood for such a long time, but the Liberatores argue that Caesar’s dictatorship was
eroding the very foundation of the Roman Republic. However, Senators, do not make the mistake of
envisioning the situation to be as simple as Caesarion or Liberatore, because herein comes the crucial Neutrals,
making or breaking committee, choosing either side or perhaps blazing their own path. Also, one must not
forget that each senator is going into committee with a goal of personal gain and power accumulation, thus
causing an evershifting bloc dynamic.

Cleopatra VII Philopator (Caesarion)

Ambition. If a single word could be used to summarize Cleopatra’s approach to the Roman Senate, it would be
ambition. And why should it not? After all, the Queen of Egypt will not hide in the shadows as the “kingdom”
that once belonged to her partner disintegrates amidst power-hungry senators’ claims. Cleopatra was the Queen
of Egypt and she was the wife of Ptolemy XIV of Egypt. She was one of the people who impacted Caesar’s life;
she put the idea of the structure of Alexandria in Caesar’s head and pointed out to him how the Roman
architecture and structure lacked the majesty that they should possess. Caesar is said to have had an illegitimate
son with her called Caesarion however he had never claimed Caesarion for his own, but Cleopatra claimed that
Caesorion was his son. It is to be seen how the most powerful woman of Egypt, commands her Egyptian troops
and legions, in this difficult time, especially when rumours of her affair with Mark Antony are making rounds in
Rome and far beyond. Cleopatra has a singular goal at the end of this committee. To ensure that her son,
Caesarion, is recognized as the rightful heir to the throne by Rome’s citizens, Rome’s allies, Rome’s enemies,
and the entire Senate. And she has the means to achieve the same.

Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus (Liberatore)

Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus was one of Caesar’s protégés and close allies who went on to become one of the
primary conspirators of his assassination. He was born in 85 BC, to a patrician family which claimed to be
descended from Lucius Junius Brutus (the founder of the Republic). He has had an illustrious political career
under the guidance of Caesar. He had risen quickly through the military ranks and had been made commander
of Caesar’s fleet, in 56 BC, for the advent in Brittany, to defeat Veneti, where he emerged victorious by
employing an innovative military tactic. During the Gallic Wars, he was elevated to the position of Caesar's
legate because his invasion of Brittany had paved the way for the invasion of England. Brutus was then also
granted command of Caesar's navy after serving with him in Gaul. He oversaw a fleet at the siege of Massilia,
which was an important seaport, in 49 BCE, during the Civil War between Caesar and Pompey. Then, from 48
to 46, Caesar appointed him governor of Transalpine Gaul, named him for a consulship in 42, and named him
as one of his heirs in the case that his primary successor, Octaviun, passed away.

Fulvia (Caesarion)
One of the few female allotments in this committee, Fulvia was one of the most powerful and influential women
of her time. Born into an aristocratic family, she was married three times, first to Publius Clodius Pulcher, then
to Caius Scribonius Curio, and finally to Mark Antony in 44 BC. She was a major participant in the power
struggle post-Caesar’s death and can potentially wreak a lot of havoc on the personal and political lives of various
major figures. Fulvia is a cunning and intelligent individual, who though restricted by the limitations imposed
on women in the Roman Republic, has influenced public opinion in the past. Such an example is when she got
Milo, the political rival and murderer of her first husband, briefly banished and caused public disorder. If the
delegate is able to play their cards right and utilise all the resources provided to them by this semi-crisis
committee, they would be able to influence major change in public opinion and administration with this
allotment.

Gauis Cassius Longinus (Liberatore)

Gaius Cassius Longinus, often referred to as Cassius, is a Roman senator and one of the leaders of the
Liberatores. The brother-in-law of Brutus, they together meticulously formulated a plan to execute Caesar on
the Ides of March. An ardent reader of the philosopher Epicurus, it is often believed that the teachings of
Epicurus shaped his political and social beliefs. As a strong ally of Pompey, he was elected as the Tribune of the
Plebs in 49 BC and he directly opposed Caesar. He was one of Caesar’s strongest enemies in the civil war, and
this is evidenced by the fact that he commanded an entire fleet of ships against him. After the defeat of Pompey
in the Battle of Pharsalus, Caesar forced Cassius to surrender, and later he fled to the East and amassed his army
consisting of 12 legions. The masses despise Cassius and in Dante’s Inferno, he is depicted to be in the lowest
level of hell for his treachery, a sentiment that is probably echoed by the masses.

Gauis Octaviun (Caesarion)

Gaius Octaviun, also known now as Gaius Julius Caesar Octaviunus or Augustus, was the first emperor, or
princep as he called it, of the Roman Empire. He was one of the most prominent figures in the post-Caesar
period of Ancient Rome, and played a crucial role in the power struggle after Caesar’s death, through which he
emerged victorious. In 44 BC, he was declared Caesar’s sole inheritor and adopted son, which paved the way for
him to seize power. It’s important to note however that this is only a potential path that the future of this
allotment can follow. As of now, i.e. 16 July, 44 BC, we only know of the existence of Caesar’s will and do not
know its contents. Thus, we do not know if Octaviun is actually its sole beneficiary, and Rome continues to exist
as a Republic. Being only 18 years of age, up until now, Octaviun has had a limited political career. Born to a
prosperous family from Velitrae on September 23, 63 BC, his father reached the position of praetor though the
most successful politician in his family was, of course, Julius Caesar. Caesar was Octaviun's great uncle and it
was he who introduced Octaviun to the political scene. His first venture into the public sphere was at the age of
12 when he spoke at his grandmother Julia’s funeral. Three to four years later he was granted membership of the
prestigious board of priests or pontifices. After Caesar defeated his rivals in Africa during the Civil War in 46
BC, Octaviun accompanied him in his triumphal procession. The following year, despite being ill, he joined
Caesar in Spain. He was finishing up his academic and military training at Apollonia (present-day Albania)
when he learned of Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC. The stage is set for Octaviun to enter the political
world and take up the limelight. Historically Octaviun's rise to power could be accredited to firstly, the strategic
alliances he formed, including the second triumvirate, and secondly the support he received from Caesar’s
soldiers and the public. The support that he garnered was also in part due to his military and strategic prowess,
competence and oratory skill.

Gauis Trebonius (Liberatore)

Gaius Trebonius was a military commander, strategist and politician of the Roman Republic. Initially, he was a
close ally of Caesar and served as his legate (an official representing a holy official such as a pope, or in this case,
Caesar), but in later life, he became infamous for plotting against Caesar. He was one of the original Liberatores
and approached Mark Antony regarding the assassination of Caesar (but understandably failed because going to
one of Caesar’s allies with a plan to assassinate Caesar is a bad idea) Trebonius turned staunchly against Caesar
when he was elected as a Consul, but ended up being a subordinate to Caesar rather than an equal. Cicero
claims that this was the turning point and helped propagate Trebonius’ dislike into an extreme hatred.

Lucius Tillius Cimber (Liberatore)

Lucius Cimber was initially one of Caesar's strongest supporters and Caesar had even granted him the
governorship of the province of Bithynia and Pontus in 44 BC. At the same time, however, he is said to have
played a major role in setting the stage for the Liberatores to assassinate Caesar, being the one who pulls up
Caesar’s tunic, exposing his friend’s bare back to the sharp daggers carried by the Liberatores. Rumours say it
was his hunger for power that drove him to the verge of wanting more, ultimately leading to his essential role in
Caesar’s assassination, i.e creating a diversion that allowed the other senators to stab Caesar. But the exact cause
as to why Lucius Cimber joined the Liberatores, despite being such a close aide to Caesar remains unclear. This
is a question that we have no doubt his fellow senators will compel him to answer. Cimber also held positions of
political power, such as the praetor in 44BC.

Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (Caesarion)

Marcus Aemilius Lepidus is a Triumvir, a Roman General and a statesman. A tremendous military commander,
he commands respect from his statesmen and soldiers alike due to his military and strategic thinking. His father,
also named Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, was a famed member of the Populares faction and was notable for leading
a rebellion against General Sulla. An ally of Caesar, he despises the people who murdered Caesar (including his
brother-in-law Marcus Junius Brutus) and wishes to take severe military action against them. Interestingly,
Caesar had dined the night before the Ides of March with Lepidus. Lepidus wants to reinstate a triumvirate with
his allies Augustus and Mark Antony but remains sceptical of the effects of another triumvirate in such
uncertain times.

Marcus Antonius (Caesarion)

Marcus Antonius, commonly known as Mark Antony, was perhaps Caesar’s greatest ally. An able military
leader, he is not the most popular or capable politician. When Caesar ordered him to govern Rome whilst he was
away in Egypt, Antony proved himself to be an unpopular figure with the masses. His incapability as a leader
leads to many calling him a “strigil” (a slang word for sidekick). Despite having some conflicts with Caesar,
Antony remained faithful to Caesar, ensuring their estrangement did not last long. He refused the offer of Gaius
Trebonius to lead a revolt against Caesar. Currently, Mark Antony is one of Rome’s most powerful men and
wishes to seize the momentum by reorganizing the military and ordering them to surround the Liberatores. He
also wishes to gain power for himself and views himself as the legitimate heir of Caesar. However, his popularity
with the masses and his relationship with Octaviun remains uncertain. One must not forget that this is a
committee that has both Cleopatra and Fulvia participating, creating a very interesting dynamic that Antony
shall have to traverse.

Marcus Junius Brutus (Liberatore)

Marcus Junius Brutus or Quintus Caepio Brutus is the son of Servilia and Marcus Junius Brutus, the politician
who was killed by Pompey the Great in 77 BC. He was mentored by many prominent figures such as Cato the
younger, who was his maternal uncle, who taught him about stoicism. He was also adopted by another one of
his uncles, Quintus Servilius Caepio, due to which he also came to be known as Quintus Caepio Brutus. Brutus
initially opposed Pompey and his increasing power in the 50s however he reconciled with him when Caesar
invaded Italy in 49 and resultantly served under him in Greece. However, when Pompey was killed in the battle
of Pharsalus in 48, Brutus was captured. But Caesar pardoned him, most likely because of his mother Servilias's
persuasion. Brutus became a member of the senior priesthood of the pontifices and Caesar then took him under
his wing and appointed him to govern Cisalpine Gaul from 47 to 45 for him. Alongside Gaius Cassius
Longinus, Caesar appointed him city praetor in 44, and he also selected Brutus and Cassius as consuls in
advance for the year 41, fast-tracking his political career and importance. However, much to Servilia's
dissatisfaction, Brutus took a decisive step in the anti-Caesarian direction by marrying Cato’s daughter Porcia
after Cato’s death in 46. Brutus was fairly optimistic about Caesar’s plans after he took control of Rome, and
was shocked when Caesar declared himself a perpetual dictator. Conscious of his descent from Lucius Junius
Brutus, the founder of the Roman Republic, he joined in on the plot to assassinate Caesar, wary of the manner
in which power was accumulating in his hands and the way in which Rome was slowly veering away from a
Republic under his rule. Brutus is known for his oratory skills and enjoys great public support, however, it is yet
to be seen how the people of Rome react to his treacherous act against Caesar. Brutus was also known to have a
rather arrogant and at times cruel nature despite his belief in stoicism. At this point, Brutus has made his
anti-Caesarian standpoint clear, and could potentially go on to become an even more important political figure
in the future.
Marcus Tullius Cicero (Neutral)
“A nation can survive its fools, even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within, for the traitor
appears not to be a traitor. He rots the soul of the nation.”
-Marcus Tullius Cicero

Cicero is known as the greatest Roman orator and inventor of the ‘Ciceronian rhetoric’. His influential speeches
and strong hold over the public make him a key player in the 44 BC Cicero’s moving speeches utilized the
Ciceronian rhetoric, i.e a form of persuasion that allowed for judgement to be made through the character roles
assumed by speaker and audience. His strong influence and prominent position are further displayed by the fact
that Cicero became consul in 63 BC, an incredible accomplishment for someone who came from a family that
had not held the consulship before and didn’t have too much political power. While Cicero’s incredibly
powerful speeches and quotes are not, in any way, shirking taking a stand, his position on the assassination of
Julius Caesar is rather contradictory. He was not involved in the conspiracy to kill Caesar and was not present in
the Senate when Caesar was murdered. On March 17, he spoke in the Senate in favour of a general amnesty, but
then he returned to his philosophical writing without taking much action, something which the Executive
Board is sure the delegate will change in committee. This is not to say that he was quiet and undecided. He often
spoke against Marcus Antonius, and at the same time was never shy of calling out the sin of treason. Cicero
initially found Caesar’s invitation to join the First Triumvirate (the political alliance of Caesar, Crassus, and
Pompey) and Caesar’s offer of a place on his staff in Gaul unconstitutional. Ultimately, after a series of incidents,
Cicero supported Pompey both before and during the civil war against Caesar and after Caesar’s victory over
Pompey at Pharsalus, he accepted the offer of clemency.

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (Caesarion)

He was born in 63 BC to common parents and thus hardly anything is known about the origin of Agrippa's
family. Agrippa's gens name (indicating the particular tribe or clan) Vipsanius was extremely rare, and Agrippa
wanted to cast it aside. Very little is known about his early years until he became a constant companion of
Octaviun. He is within a year in age from Octaviun, and they were even schooled together, remaining extremely
close throughout their adolescence. Agrippa is a tireless leader and has a brilliant mind for battle which had helps
him bring both prestige and garner the support of the military forces. However, due to his humble beginnings,
he had gained the hatred of the aristocracy. Caesar had sent Agrippa with Octaviun, to Apollonia, where they
had been training in the art of war when Julius Caesar was assassinated. He has been granted an entry into the
senate as he had held the position of Tribune of the Plebs. His loyalties lie with the Caesarion, unless of course,
unforeseen circumstances arise that change this dynamic.

Munatius Plancus (Neutral)

Lucius Munatius Plancus, commonly known as Munatius Plancus is a Roman senator and excellent diplomat.
He is often considered in the same league as Talleyrand whilst talking about diplomacy. He is also infamous for
changing his allegiances and is considered a fair-weather friend by all. He was part of Caesar’s army in the
conquest of Gaul and then again in the civil war against Pompey. He was the founder of Augusta Raurica (circa
44BC). During the civil war, his allegiance remained unspecified. He revealed to Cicero that he was a “master of
non-committance”. Therefore, his allegiance in the committee remains unspecified, something that the
Executive Board is sure other senators would like to clear up.

Publius Cornelius Dolabella (Caesarion)

Dollabella was born around 70 BC and was known to be extremely notorious. He was by far the most
important of the Dolabellae, a family of the patrician gens Cornelia. During the civil war, he had initially
supported Pompey but then he became a legate to Caesar, and even fought for him, at the Battle of Pharsalus.
He was made the tribune in 48 BC and had sparked a conflict when he had proposed a bill that would waive all
debts, he had proposed this bill solely because he had amassed a large debt himself. Despite being privy to
complaints about Dolabella, and voices commanding that he must be removed from Rome, Caesar spared
Dolabella, and instead took him as one of his generals in the expedition to Africa and Spain. Dolabella has even
been promised the Consulship, by Caesar in 44 BC. However, with Caesar’s assassination, there are many who
may choose to deny Dolabella his promised position of power as consul, due to his chequered past. Dolabella,
however, will stop at nothing to get the power that has been promised to him. He is, as a result of Caesar’s
kindness to him, a Caesarion. Yet it matters not which side he supports if it gets him what he truly desires. it is
up to Publius Dolabella to decide his own future, and the Senate should be aware of his notorious ways!

Publius Ventidius (Caesarion)

Publius Ventidius was born into captivity and made his way to military fame. As Ventidius grew up, he earned a
poor living by undertaking to furnish mules and wagons for those magistrates who went forth from Rome to
administer the provinces. It was a dirty and sweaty job, and this profession has never been forgotten by his
political enemies. However, Publius’s resourcefulness and military bent of mind allowed him to rise from his
humble origins. The Roman General Pompeius Strabo led a conquest of Asculum Picenum, which was
Publius’s native town, and here Publius and his mother were captured. He quickly realised that the Roman army
was a golden opportunity to climb the ranks. Initially, Ventidius was a common soldier during the reign of Julius
Caesar. However, through his competence and skill, he became one of Caesar’s staff officers. He accompanied
Caesar across the Alps for Caesar’s campaign against the Gauls. In 45BC, for his loyal service, Caesar made him a
tribune to the Plebs. While he finds a close ally in Mark Antony, Publius Ventidius’s intelligence and brilliance
can equip him to chart his own path too, something which shall be considerably harder, but no doubt
achievable.

Quintus Labienus (Liberatore)

Quintus was a fairly new politician, under the guidance of Decimus Brutus and Cassius. He was extremely
ambitious, despite being less experienced than his peers, and he was a talented orator and diplomat. His father,
Titus Labienus, had fought alongside Julius Caesar, but Quintus had supported the notion of a republic over
supporting Caesar. Quintus is well-loved by the public of Rome but his true allegiance lies with no one. His
closest allies, as previously mentioned, are Decimus and Cassius. Quintus has also often been suspected of
having informants in the Parthian Empire. Whether this has been done to gain inside information about the
workings of the Empire is a mystery that only the delegate themselves can provide the answer to during
committee.

Quintus Pedius (Caesarion)

Quintus Pedius is the nephew of Julius Caesar and was trusted by him as is seen in the various posts given to him
by Caesar. Pedius served as a general during Caesar's conquest of Gaul in 57 BC. In 55 BC, he lost an election for
the office of aedile. During the Roman Civil War between Caesar and Pompey in 49 BC, he allied himself with
Caesar and due to this was promoted to the post of a praetor in 48 BC. In early 45 BC, he had served as a legate
against Sectus Pompeius in Spain and claimed victory against him, returning to Rome with Caesar. Caesar
honored him by giving him the title of proconsul. Now that Caesar has been assassinated, Quintus believes that
it is his right to get a piece of the power after serving loyally at Caesar’s side, something which Octaviun, Marcus
Antonius and various other allies of Caesar with conflicting interests are bound to dislike.

Sectus Pompeius Magnus Pius (Liberatore)

Pompeius Magnus was born in 67 BC and was the younger son of Pompey “the great”, who had suffered a
defeat at the hands of Julius Caesar during the civil war. After the death of his brother and the defeat at the
Battle of Munda (45 BC), he fled to Sicily, where he launched a revolution against Caesar, and gained a large
base of followers, building up his power and increasing his influence among the people of Rome. Sectus had
married Scribonia, a distant relative. She was the daughter of Lucius Scribonius Libo, consul of 34 BC, and the
niece of another Scribonia, the second wife of Octaviun. Scribonius Libo had a great role to play in brokering
peace, when it was required, between Magnus and Octaviun, as an affine to both, and is therefore, for Sectus
Pompeius, an extremely valuable addition to his side on his quest to gain back the power and respect that his
father once commanded. Although his father had died at the hands of Caesar, Pompeius Magnus was not a part
of the conspiracy, but is seen to be a Liberatore nonetheless. A man with great military prowess, and an army of
his own, separate from those of the other senators, Sectus Pompeius is a force to be reckoned with and could be
an extremely valuable asset not just in the budding conflict against the Parthian Empire, but also in the internal
civil wars of Rome.

Servilia (Neutral)
Servilia was one of the most powerful women of her generation. She was the sister of Cato the younger and was
married twice, first to Marcus Junius Brutus, a politician who was treacherously executed by Pompey in 77 BC
and then to Junius Silanus, a former consul of Rome. She bore a son with her first husband, who also bore his
name, Marcus Junius Brutus, who went on to become one of Caesar’s most famous assassins. She also had an
infamous affair with Julius Caesar before his death. Servilia was intellectually gifted but was also crafty. She had
an extremely widespread political network that she had been cultivating since she was a young woman and this
influence that she maintained also allowed her to undertake many covert ground operations for Caesar during
his conquests and take part in high politics behind the scenes. The marriages of her daughters to various crucial
political figures such as Lepidus and Longinus, alongside her relations with many high-profile individuals only
furthered her political outreach. She also received multiple estates from Caesar post the civil war and also
inherited land from many of her wealthy family members. It will be interesting to see how Servilia proceeds
during the duration of the committee since she has been an ardent supporter of Caesar in the past, but also has
many family members including her son who were involved in his assassination, who she will likely try to defend
and protect given her loyal and protective nature towards her family. At this point, Servilia's conquest for power
could play a pivotal role in determining the future of Rome, and the senators will be watching with bated breath
what her next course of action will be.

Senator Amicus, Senator Atticus, Senator Basilischi, Senator Domitia, Senator Silvius, Senator
Trebulus (Neutral)
Senators are an integral part of this committee, with each of you holding the power to make or break the
committee. In a Senate where the balance of power between the Caesarions and Liberatores remains ever so
fragile, the Senators may very well decide which side prevails. Being a senator means you have the right to
make your own decision and form your own stance, on the basis of what you feel is in the best interests of
the Roman Republic. You need not be swayed by any individual foreign policy; your only focus will be which
side grants you more power and freedom in making your own decisions. You may choose to support those who
believe Julius’s reforms were all for the better, or you may believe that his unilateral actions were eroding the
spirit of Rome. You may even choose to chart your own path as Neutrals, perhaps choosing grey in a world of
black and white. While we realize that it may be hard to research your allotment if you’re a senator, please know
that you have been given complete freedom to choose your stance in this situation, and the Executive Board
expects Senator Amicus, Atticus, Trebulus, Domitia, Basilischi and Silvius to use this power judiciously.