For his loyalty and valuable services to Caesar in the civil war, Balbus was awarded, by him, with his admission to the College of Pontiffs, a prestigious religious office.

Mommsen thinks that he had incurred the displeasure of Augustus by his conduct as praetor, and that his African appointment after so many years was due to his exceptional capabilities for the post.

Some of the reasons for the construction were the high demand of innovative and new buildings in the capital and the desire for fame and favor from his supporters, including the emperor Augustus.

[6] Lucius Cornelius Balbus Minor planned to conquer the inhabited African lands, during or in the aftermath of crossing the Saharan desert.

Thus, in around 20-19 BC he decided to set off from Sabratha, a Roman city located in today's North-Western Libya and near the Libyan desert, to begin the expedition.

The exact size of his armed force is unclear, but it is estimated that Balbus had around 10,000 soldiers, including an unknown number of camels.

[1] Balbus had planned his expedition carefully: it is a plausible evidence that the use of spies and explorers was employed to gather news and intelligence against the Garamantes.

Balbus also gathered specific maps for the expedition, organized supplies and tools for his troops, and he had officials and cavalry of the army taught to ride camels.