What Roman province did Julius Caesar govern in 61 BC?

The Roman province Julius Caesar governed in 61 BC was Hispania Ulterior. This was the western and southern part of Roman-controlled Hispania, broadly corresponding to areas of modern western Andalusia and Portugal.

Caesar served as propraetor, or provincial governor, after holding the praetorship. His administration brought him military success against local peoples and valuable opportunities to improve his finances and political standing. He returned to Rome in 60 BC with enough prestige to pursue the consulship for 59 BC.

Hispania Ulterior is easily confused with Hispania Citerior, the nearer province centered more toward northeastern and eastern Spain. “Ulterior” meant farther or further, while “Citerior” meant nearer, reflecting the Roman viewpoint from Italy. Caesar’s later and much more famous provincial command was in Gaul, which began after his consulship and launched the campaigns described in his Commentaries on the Gallic War.

His governorship also mattered because he faced a choice between pursuing a triumph and entering Rome to seek the consulship. He gave up the triumph to advance his political career.