 When Caesar was first elected, the aristocracy tried to limit his future power by allotting the woods and pastures of Italy, rather than the governorship of a province, as his military command duty after his year in office was over.With the help of political allies, Caesar secured passage of the "lex Vatinia", granting him governorship over Cisalpine Gaul (northern Italy) and Illyricum (southeastern Europe).At the instigation of Pompey and his father-in-law Piso, Transalpine Gaul (southern France) was added later after the untimely death of its governor, giving him command of four legions.