Definition: Cn. Pompeius Magnus (Pompey) came from a non-Latin family in Picenum. At 23, Pompey entered the political scene by raising troops to help Sulla liberate Rome from the Marians.
Pompey was primarily a Roman military leader. When Pompey invaded Pontus in 66 B.C., Mithridates, who had long been a thorn in Rome's side, fled to the Crimea where he arranged for his own death. This meant the wars were finally over, Pompey could take credit, and could assume the name "Magnus" (the Great).
Along with Crassus and Julius Caesar, Pompey formed what is known as the first triumvirate, which became the dominating force in Roman politics. The liaisons between the men were personal, tenuous, and short-lived. When Pompey's wife (Caesar's daughter) died, one of the main links broke. Crassus was killed in military action. Eventually, Pompey and Caesar faced each other as enemy commanders after Caesar, defying orders from Rome, crossed the Rubicon. Caesar was the victor of their battle at Pharsalus. Later, Pompey went to Egypt, where he was killed and his head cut off so it could be sent to Caesar.
See Ronald Syme The Roman Revolution
Pompey was primarily a Roman military leader. When Pompey invaded Pontus in 66 B.C., Mithridates, who had long been a thorn in Rome's side, fled to the Crimea where he arranged for his own death. This meant the wars were finally over, Pompey could take credit, and could assume the name "Magnus" (the Great).
Along with Crassus and Julius Caesar, Pompey formed what is known as the first triumvirate, which became the dominating force in Roman politics. The liaisons between the men were personal, tenuous, and short-lived. When Pompey's wife (Caesar's daughter) died, one of the main links broke. Crassus was killed in military action. Eventually, Pompey and Caesar faced each other as enemy commanders after Caesar, defying orders from Rome, crossed the Rubicon. Caesar was the victor of their battle at Pharsalus. Later, Pompey went to Egypt, where he was killed and his head cut off so it could be sent to Caesar.
See Ronald Syme The Roman Revolution
Also Known As: Adulescentulus carnifex, Cn. Pompeius Magnus
Examples: One of Pompey's wives was the daughter of his fellow triumvir Julius Caesar.
