Caesar, in Spain, has conquered two local tribes and is hailed as imperator by his troops, reforms the law regarding debts, and completes his governorship in high esteem.

Caesar’s military expedition beyond the northwest frontier of his province has enabled him to win loot for himself as well as for his soldiers, with a balance left over for the treasury.

As imperator, Caesar is entitled to a triumph.

However, he also wants to stand for consul, the most senior magistracy in the republic.

If he were to celebrate a triumph, he would have to remain a soldier and stay outside the city until the ceremony, but to stand for election he would need to lay down his command and enter Rome as a private citizen.

He cannot do both in the time available.

He asks the senate for permission to stand in absentia, but Cato blocks the proposal.

Faced with the choice between a triumph and the consulship, Caesar chooses the consulship.