Caepio's pursuit of glory fractures Roman command

Caepio had waited in Transalpine Gaul for an opportunity to win a battle, wealth, and a triumph. Mallius's arrival threatened to transfer the honor of either victory or settlement to the sitting consul. That prospect gave the proconsul a powerful personal incentive to preserve a separate command and force a decision before Mallius could claim the result. This rivalry offers a more convincing explanation for Caepio's conduct than lack of experience. Arausio is a case study in how a reward system built around individual prestige can work against unity of command.