Chapter 60: Great Turmoil
Chapter 60: Great Turmoil
“Stop this vile collusion and engage in proper discussion, Senate!”
“Face the voices of the citizens crushed by debt!”
In the original history, Catiline had mostly rallied retired soldiers and ruined landowners, with the insolvent who had lost hope of repaying their debts remaining uninvolved. However, the situation now was different.
Catiline’s supporters worked hard to attract as many people as possible and amplify their voices. Eustus, a fallen knight known for his skill in incitement and quick wit, led this effort. Catiline welcomed Eustus’s advice and actively gathered discontented social elements.
Anger proved to be contagious. Those who harbored grievances against the Senate were quickly drawn to Catiline’s camp. His status as a current praetor also aided in rallying support.
Manlius, a former subordinate of Sulla, joined Catiline’s side, promising to support the insolvent if their debts were canceled. Though this promise was unrealistic, it resonated with people who had lost their rationality.
Catiline, unable or unwilling to control the escalating situation, focused solely on pushing his agenda as far as it could go. He attended the Senate meeting to propose his bill one last time before presenting it to the assembly. The bill’s content was even more radical than before.
“All debts of Romans will be completely canceled, and those who charged interest above the legal limit will face severe punishment. They must repay the interest they collected as a fine to the debtors.”
This was a direct declaration of war against the Senate.
Silanus, astonished, responded, “Are you out of your mind, Catiline? Do you think this makes any sense right now?”
Catiline retorted, “The Senate’s failure to address the problem properly is what led to this crisis. We must take responsibility for the situation!”
“Why don’t we discuss a reasonable solution now?” Silanus suggested.
“No,” Catiline insisted, “The supporters of this bill are unwavering. There is no room for persuasion at this point.”
Catiline shed his previously passive demeanor. Cato, incredulous, commented, “He’s completely mad. Unless he’s intent on ruining Rome…”
Cicero, who had been at odds with Catiline, seized the moment to criticize him. “How can you blame the Senate entirely for this situation? It’s your failure to cooperate that has brought us here. It’s like an incompetent actor blaming the script for their poor performance!”
Catiline’s face reddened. “Watch your mouth, newcomer from Arpinum! I am a patrician of the Sergius family and the current praetor of Rome. How dare you insult me like that!”
“Have you forgotten already? Let me remind you that you lost to that newcomer in the election two years ago. As a result, I served as praetor last year, and you had to wait another year.”
“Ha! Do you really think you defeated me fairly, you upstart from a rural area? Your victory would have been impossible without Verres’ downfall. You merely rode the tide and climbed to your position!”
Cicero was about to retort immediately but took a breath to calm himself. He knew that arguing with anger would only damage both their reputations. Unlike Catiline, who had little to lose, Cicero chose to remain composed.
“This kind of emotional confrontation does not help resolve the current situation. Senators, the praetor’s absurd bill is not worth discussing, but it is clear that discontent is growing. We need to address this situation with caution. Now is not the time to act blindly but to seek a careful solution.”
Cicero’s appeal resonated with other senators who agreed with him. However, there were dissenting voices.
Hardliners, including Cato, argued loudly for a stronger stance.
“I have a different opinion! Cicero, you seem to believe that if we respond aggressively, social unrest will worsen. While this is a reasonable concern, we cannot appear to be swayed by thugs. Regardless of our intentions, we must adhere to our laws and order! We must not show any sign of yielding to the demands of the angry. The more we face this challenge, the more resolutely we must respond to restore the Senate’s authority. Therefore, I propose this: Praetor Silanus, exercise your veto power immediately. The Senate has always prevailed despite numerous threats. Let us demonstrate our resolve not to compromise with those who seek to disrupt our order!”
Cato’s fiery speech shifted the mood among the senators who had sided with Cicero.
“The Senate has never lost!”
This phrase resonated deeply with them. Indeed, the Senate had never yielded to external threats. Even figures like Marius and Sulla, who seized power and became dictators, were still Senate insiders. Pompey, who had caused significant frustration for the Senate, was also one of its members. As long as the opponent was not another senator, the Senate had never succumbed to external pressure.
Even the Gracchi brothers, who posed the greatest threat, ultimately failed to overcome the Senate's power.
Meanwhile, Caesar, who was a major debtor but felt detached from the debt cancellation debate, sensed something amiss. Though he was a senator known for opposing the Senate, he believed the issue did not directly concern him.
So, Caesar was able to view the series of events with an objective perspective.
‘It shouldn’t have escalated this much…’
Sensing something was off, Caesar asked Cicero in detail about the agreement he had made with Catiline. Since the information was already exposed, Cicero did not withhold any details.
When Caesar learned that Crassus had mediated between Catiline and the Senate, he felt he was getting closer to understanding the situation. He thanked Cicero briefly and went straight to Crassus’s mansion.
Surprised by Julia’s absence, Caesar assumed it was a matter requiring confidentiality. Upon arrival, he was promptly led to the reception room.
Marcus dismissed everyone else and greeted Caesar personally. Julia was unfortunately out, and it would be some time before she returned.
“It’s been a while. Is this the first time since the praetor election celebration?”
“Yes. I am grateful for your help with the pontifex maximus and the praetor election. I came to thank you again and to catch up. I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Not at all. I wish Julia were here too; she would have been delighted to see you.”
“I’m glad to hear she doesn’t seem to be a burden. I told her to contact me if she ever needed anything regarding her marriage, but she hasn’t reached out. It seems you’re treating her well.”
Marcus responded with a meaningful nod, acknowledging Caesar’s implication.
“I treat her well, but Julia also does a lot for me. I must be the luckiest man in Rome to have such a devoted wife.”
“I’m pleased you think so highly of my daughter. By the way, Rome has been quite tumultuous lately. How is your business?”
“Everything is fine. There is no chance that such an absurd debt cancellation bill will pass.”
“True, but given the current situation, it seems inevitable that significant chaos will follow. I heard the Crassus family tried to mediate between Catiline and the Senate.”
Marcus did not deny it.
“There is no benefit in prolonging the chaos. I did my best, but it seems Catiline lacked the ability to resolve this situation.”
“You did your best? Knowing your capabilities, I would have expected more effective advice. Am I mistaken?”
Marcus neither affirmed nor denied this, smiling as if to say Caesar could interpret it as he wished.
Caesar narrowed his eyes and fell silent.
“You don’t mean…”
“The times require change, but significant changes inevitably face resistance. I lack the power to overcome that resistance right now.”
“No one in Rome has that power at the moment. Perhaps if you were a dictator, but certainly not as a praetor.”
“Isn’t Catiline proving that? His plan failed because it was too radical, but the real issue is that most senators don’t want change at all. Even the most moderate compromise would face strong opposition.”
Caesar agreed. Most senators had financial problems but weren’t considering reforming the financial system. The privileged class was generally conservative about reform, especially on financial matters.
“So you decided to exacerbate the problem and increase the chaos? But will that work? If you try to suppress the riot without justification, it could escalate into a civil war. They have retired soldiers and former commanders under Sulla.”
“That’s true. It would be difficult to crack down without a valid reason. They haven’t done anything so extreme that would necessitate military action yet.”
“And the fundamental issue is this: you need a reform plan that both creditors and debtors can accept, while also addressing the current crisis. Do you know how challenging that is?”
Caesar realized this was not a problem that could be resolved quickly. Creating a precise bill required extensive time and research. Even a genius like Caesar would need to be cautious in designing a new system.
But Marcus had a different perspective.
“There is no way to create a bill that structurally satisfies both sides. However, a system that can be accepted in some way is feasible.”
“Do you already have an idea in mind?”
“I have a rough concept. I need to adjust and refine the details based on Rome’s current situation.”
Having studied finance extensively and possessing ample resources for additional knowledge, Marcus was prepared. He didn’t intend to use modern, complex laws but rather adapt existing methods to fit the current context.
Caesar shook his head in disbelief and asked, “Did you plan all this from the beginning, including lending money to Catiline? To use the chaos to your advantage?”
It was the same reaction Julia had earlier.
Marcus shrugged nonchalantly. “What? I simply lent money to Catiline to help minimize chaos in Rome. I wasn’t sure what he would do if he couldn’t even manage the election properly. I tried my best to advise him, but things didn’t turn out well. I can’t just sit idly by, so I’m working hard to find an alternative.”
Marcus never claimed he had predicted or orchestrated the chaos.
Caesar, reflecting on their conversation, burst into hearty laughter.
“Hahaha! I like you very much. My son-in-law is indeed very capable.”
“I feel the same. Every time I talk to you, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to have a great wife and an excellent father-in-law.”
Caesar nodded with satisfaction, reaffirmed that sending Julia to Marcus instead of Pompey was the right decision.
“You would prefer the chaos to worsen if it would make your reform plan more acceptable, right?”
“That would be ideal, but I have no intention of actively worsening the situation. I am open to getting involved in resolving the chaos, though.”
“Ah, don’t worry. I was already considering how to repay you for the election money you lent me. Think of this as interest, and accept my favor.”
“If you give me a gift, I’ll need to thank you.”
The two exchanged enigmatic smiles.
They continued to chat for a while, discussing the current political situation, Cicero and Cato, who were emerging as key figures in the Senate, and Pompey, who would return to Rome within a year.
Caesar waited for Julia to return but, satisfied with the answers he received, left for his residence.
Marcus saw him off and enjoyed the cool breeze that passed by.
He decided to wait and see what gift Caesar would offer.
Caesar acted on his words promptly.
At the Senate meeting the next day, the session began with intense criticism and condemnation of Catiline. Senators also criticized Silanus and Cicero for their hasty agreement with Catiline and lamented the fact that someone as inept as Catiline had become a praetor.
Then Caesar requested the floor.
He argued that Catiline was not incompetent at all but rather had a deliberate plan. Caesar presented a conspiracy theory suggesting that Catiline had orchestrated the entire situation.
“Consider this: Praetor Catiline consistently displayed behavior that made us question his intentions. Despite being in the most urgent position, he failed to offer any solutions and seemed to shift all responsibility onto the Senate. Why would he act this way? The only logical explanation is that he planned this situation from the start.”
The senators were taken aback by this surprising perspective.
Fulcher, who had been skeptical, nodded in agreement.
“Now that I think about it, I too questioned whether Catiline had some hidden agenda.”
“Some may wonder what Catiline stands to gain from causing such chaos. But Catiline has little to lose. He pretended to follow the Senate’s will and secured the position of proconsul in Asia Minor. Even if this bill fails, he’ll collect money from the wealthy province of Asia Minor to settle his debts. Moreover, he redirected the public’s anger towards the Senate rather than himself.”
“But once he clashes with the Senate like this, his future political career would be over, wouldn’t it?”
“Indeed. Once this conflict erupted, it was only a matter of time before he would be excluded from the Senate. Who would trust someone who made such a radical pledge for an election?”
Catiline immediately denied these claims as slander, but the Senate’s mood had clearly shifted in favor of Caesar.
Even Cicero and Cato regarded Catiline with suspicion.
While they were skeptical of Caesar's claim that Catiline had orchestrated such a scheme, they couldn't ignore that many aspects fit this theory.
“Consider this: how did the rumor about a secret deal between the Senate and Catiline spread so rapidly? If this was all a part of Catiline's scheme, it would make sense,” Caesar argued.
“This is slander! Why would I orchestrate such a scheme when I can comfortably go to Asia Minor in this situation?” Catiline protested.
“Had it been officially announced that Catiline, who had achieved nothing, was going to Asia Minor, it would have created problems. So he took the initiative, incited the people, and directed their anger towards the Senate rather than himself. And it worked, didn’t it?” Caesar continued.
Catiline attempted to argue further, but no one paid attention to his words. Caesar’s reasoning was compelling and, more importantly, it fueled the senators' anger.
The Senate was eager to justify their rage by painting Catiline as a villain. They took decisive action.
Praetor Silanus declared he would reject the bill even if it passed in the assembly and would use all means necessary to prevent it from becoming law. He also vowed to invoke the Senate’s final recommendation if the debt cancellation passed.
The Senate’s support for Silanus was overwhelming, and Catiline’s bill was immediately rejected.
Catiline persisted in proposing more radical bills, relying on the demands of his supporters. However, the praetors influenced by Silanus and the Senate exercised their veto power one by one. The Senate made it clear that no bill would pass until Catiline’s term ended. Even pro-Senate praetors joined in, ensuring that no law could be passed in the assembly.
Despite protests and violence from Catiline’s supporters, the Senate responded with even greater force. Catiline’s faction grew increasingly desperate.
Despair drove some to extreme measures. Justus, now fully loyal to Catiline, suggested a drastic solution.
“At this point, isn’t it necessary to eliminate those blocking the bill’s passage?”
A few days earlier, such a suggestion would have been dismissed as absurd, but now no one objected. This signaled that Catiline’s faction’s anger and desire for violence had reached their peak.
Catiline shared this sentiment. He harbored deep hatred for the Senate as he faced isolation and slander. Cicero announced his intention to accuse Catiline once his term ended, preventing him from taking up his proconsulship. Cato argued for mobilizing all censors to strip Catiline of his senatorship.
With his term ending, Catiline would face threats to his safety, both politically and physically. He felt that if things had deteriorated so far, he might as well try to overturn everything.
Thus, a murderous thought emerged from Catiline’s lips.
“Yeah… It might not be impossible if we don’t get caught.”
This marked the moment when Catiline’s desperate and cornered faction began to truly lose control.