The lex Vatinia (probably passed in May or early June 59 BC)[1][2][3] also known as the lex Vatinia de provincia Caesaris[4] or the lex Vatinia de imperio Caesaris,[5] was legislation which gave Gaius Julius Caesar governorship of the provinces of Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum for five years.
[6][7][3] It was named after and proposed, in the Tribal Assembly, by plebeian tribune Publius Vatinius.
[13] The law – importantly – gave Caesar, as governor of the provinces, a chance to show his martial quality with great potential for military glory.
[14] When the five year term expired, Caesar met with Pompey, Crassus, and others at the so-called Luca Conference where they renewed their political alliance and pushed through legislation to extend Caesar's Gallic commands in their entirety.
[15] The granting of a proconsulship in Gaul also gave Caesar legal immunity against prosecution by his political enemies and a number of armies.