Editing First Triumvirate (section)

==== Luca Conference ====
{{Main|Luca Conference}}
Over the summer of 56&nbsp;BC, Caesar met with the leaders of various factions across Cisalpine Gaul. He met with Crassus at [[Ravenna]]{{sfn|Tatum|2006|p=202}} and Pompey at the town of [[Lucca|Luca]], the southern-most city in [[Cisalpine Gaul]].{{sfn|Morstein-Marx|2021|p=209}} The agreement emerged from three relatively compatible aims: Crassus and Pompey desired a joint consulship; they also wanted good provincial assignments. Caesar needed an extension in his command to prevent a possible usurpation by Ahenobarbus.{{sfn|Gruen|1995|p=101}}

Some two hundred senators, mostly of lower rank, attended upon the three men, seeking to ingratiate themselves.{{sfn|Badian|2012b}} The conference also forced a re-evaluation of alliances across the wider aristocracy: the Claudii – both [[Appius Claudius Pulcher (consul 54 BC)|Appius]] and [[Publius Clodius Pulcher|Publius]] – and Gaius Cato switched sides back to the dynasts. Cicero, dependent on and indebted to Pompey for his return from exile, was also enlisted to lend rhetorical support.{{sfn|Gruen|1995|p=101}} The alliance was renewed and expanded to include the Claudii Pulchri, turning Clodius from an opponent to a supporter.{{sfn|Tatum|2006|pp=202–33}} In return for their help, the allies would support Appius – whose chances of election to a consulship without their support was slim – in his goal of being elected consul for 54.{{sfn|Drogula|2019|p=177}} The remaining opposition was also further reinvigorated. Cato had returned from a provincial assignment in Cyprus in late 56 and supported Domitius' campaign for the consulship. After 55&nbsp;BC, when Pompey and Crassus assumed a joint consulship by violence, the political fortunates of the triple alliance quickly soured.{{sfn|Gruen|1995|p=101}}

The development of the specific terms of their renewed agreement may have taken some time. Caesar responded to the threat of Domitius' consulship by asking Crassus to stand and veto any actions to take away his command.{{sfn|Drogula|2019|p=181}} Pompey chose to stand for the consulship as well, possibly unilaterally, met with the support (if not entirely willing), of his allies.{{sfn|Drogula|2019|p=181}} However, by the time this arrangement was decided, the current consul – [[Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus|Marcellinus]] – refused to accept their candidacy on grounds that they had passed the deadline. Faced with political disaster, they decided instead of "scuttle the whole election process" for 56&nbsp;BC.{{sfnm|Drogula|2019|1p=182 ("scuttle...")|Gruen|1995|2p=147 ("The triumviral combine was faced with political extinction.")}}