But clemency prevailed. Caesar usually pardoned those who surrendered, and he readily forgave most of his political enemies, though some were tried in due judicial form. By 44 he pardoned all the remaining Pompeians and removed their political disabilities. Moreover, he pardoned by special laws those condemned under the Pompeian law respecting electoral bribery (p. 249), and numerous other exiles. He had also put Pompeians in high military and civil offices; for example, he made M. Brutus governor of cisalpine Gaul.
Like a true statesman, he had spared his fellow citizens and placed himself above all parties. Thereby he excited discontent and hatred among the democrats and did not win the aristocrats, but he prepared the way for the union of all the best elements of the state in support of the new order of things.
Caesar Dictator for Ten Years. — Before returning from Africa, Caesar had obtained the dictatorship for ten years from January 1, 45; but it was to be an annual office, and he was to appoint a master of horse annually. He was furthermore authorized to appoint the extraordinary as well as the ordinary magistrates, and always to sit between the consuls in the senate and to be asked his opinion first. Possibly he was also given censorial powers (praefectura morum) for three years. The extravagant honors conferred on him did not enlarge his powers, but served to show the establishment of a new monarchy.
Extraordinary Magistrates for 45. — Caesar was elected sole consul for 45. Contrary to expectations, he was obliged to leave for Spain in December, 46. Before departing, he appointed eight extraordinary magistrates (praefecti urbis) of praetorian rank, to take the place of praetors, curule aediles, and urban quaestors, under the supervision of M.
