The Rubicon · Episode 1 of 1

The Vote

7:20 · 49 BC · Free

Caesar’s planned return from command in Gaul divides Rome, and Curio wins overwhelming Senate support for disarming both Caesar and his former ally Pompey, only to see the proposal blocked and Pompey charged with defending the city.

Curio

Pompey

CurioSay both names.

0:007:20

Episodes

1The Vote
Caesar’s planned return from command in Gaul divides Rome, and Curio wins overwhelming Senate support for disarming both Caesar and his former ally Pompey, only to see the proposal blocked and Pompey charged with defending the city.
Playing
2The Last Decree
Caesar’s representatives seek a compromise that would leave him two legions, but Cato insists on a public hearing and the Senate moves from demanding Caesar’s resignation to overriding the tribunes who oppose its measures.
Soon
3The Far Bank
Caesar faces a boundary he cannot lawfully cross with an army, but his troops are already occupying Ariminum when the hesitation reported by Suetonius gives way to his own crossing with the Thirteenth Legion.
Soon
4The Disguises
Caesar makes his case to the soldiers by displaying the fugitive tribunes, as his own account describes, then takes three more cities before Rome receives news of the invasion.
Soon
5Those Who Remain
Pompey orders every senator to follow him or be counted for Caesar, drawing frightened, uncommitted men into his departure from Rome while others seek refuge at their country villas.
Soon
6Terms
Caesar proposes that both commanders return to their provinces and disarm, but Pompey’s conditional acceptance demands immediate withdrawal and Senate arbitration, which Caesar rejects rather than halt his advance.
Soon

Transcript

7 more scenes need an account.

Rome, before the civil war

CurioSay both names.

PompeyChoose your next words carefully.

CurioCaesar gives up his command. Pompey gives up his command. There. Neither name is difficult.

PompeyAnd when he refuses?

CurioThen you will have his answer. I am asking for yours.

PompeyYou would put my name beside his?

CurioWill you let me?

PompeyYou want my consent. You shall not have it.

CurioYour command is in Spain. You have stayed here, in Rome, in politics.

CurioWhat would you lose by giving it up?

PompeyAsk me something else.

CurioThen let the Senate answer. If Rome asks Caesar to surrender his command, will it ask the same of you?

Episodes

1The Vote

Playing

2The Last Decree

Caesar’s representatives seek a compromise that would leave him two legions, but Cato insists on a public hearing and the Senate moves from demanding Caesar’s resignation to overriding the tribunes who oppose its measures.

Soon

3The Far Bank

Caesar faces a boundary he cannot lawfully cross with an army, but his troops are already occupying Ariminum when the hesitation reported by Suetonius gives way to his own crossing with the Thirteenth Legion.

Soon

4The Disguises

Caesar makes his case to the soldiers by displaying the fugitive tribunes, as his own account describes, then takes three more cities before Rome receives news of the invasion.

Soon

5Those Who Remain

Pompey orders every senator to follow him or be counted for Caesar, drawing frightened, uncommitted men into his departure from Rome while others seek refuge at their country villas.

Soon

6Terms

Caesar proposes that both commanders return to their provinces and disarm, but Pompey’s conditional acceptance demands immediate withdrawal and Senate arbitration, which Caesar rejects rather than halt his advance.

Soon