What was Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus' full name and common English name?

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, commonly known in English as Pompey, was a prominent Roman general and statesman. He was also known as Pompey the Great.

When and where was Pompey born, and where did he die?

Pompey was born on September 29, 106 BC, in Picenum, Italy. He died on September 28, 48 BC, at the age of 57 in Pelusium, Egypt, as a result of assassination.

Who was Pompey's father, and what was his family's status?

Pompey's father was Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo, who was the dominant figure of the Pompeia gens family in Picenum. Strabo was the first in his branch of the family to achieve senatorial status in Rome.

What were Pompey's primary occupations during his career?

Pompey served as both a soldier and a politician throughout his career, rising to significant prominence in the late Roman Republic.

How did Pompey earn the cognomen Magnus, and from whom?

Pompey earned the cognomen Magnus, meaning "the Great," from the dictator Sulla. Sulla bestowed this name upon Pompey in admiration of his abilities, comparing him to his own boyhood hero, Alexander the Great.

What nickname was given to Pompey by his adversaries, and why?

Pompey's adversaries gave him the nickname "adulescentulus carnifex," which translates to "teenage butcher," due to his perceived ruthlessness in his early military actions.

In which major civil war did Pompey first rise to prominence as a commander?

Pompey first rose to prominence by serving Sulla as a commander during Sulla's civil war, which took place from 83 to 81 BC.

How did Pompey's early military success impact his political career path?

Pompey's success as a general at a young age allowed him to advance directly to his first consulship without following the traditional cursus honorum, the established sequence of political offices required for advancement in Roman politics.

How many times did Pompey serve as consul, and in which years?

Pompey served as Roman consul on three occasions: in 70 BC, 55 BC, and 52 BC.

What significant political alliance did Pompey join in 60 BC, and with whom?

In 60 BC, Pompey joined Marcus Licinius Crassus and Julius Caesar to form the informal political alliance known as the First Triumvirate. This alliance was solidified by Pompey's marriage to Caesar's daughter, Julia.

What political shift did Pompey make after the deaths of Julia and Crassus?

After the deaths of his wife Julia in 54 BC and Crassus in 53 BC, Pompey shifted his political allegiance to the optimates, a conservative faction within the Roman Senate.

What major conflict arose between Pompey and Caesar, and what was its outcome for Pompey?

Pompey and Caesar eventually began to contend for leadership of the Roman state, leading to Caesar's civil war. Pompey was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC.

Where did Pompey seek refuge after his defeat at Pharsalus, and what happened there?

Following his defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus, Pompey sought refuge in Ptolemaic Egypt. However, he was assassinated by the courtiers of Ptolemy XIII upon his arrival.

What was Pompey's role in the Social War (91–87 BC)?

Pompey began his military career by serving alongside his father, Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo, during the Social War, which lasted from 91 to 87 BC.

How did Pompey's father die, and what legal trouble did it cause for Pompey?

Pompey's father, Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo, died in 87 BC during the Bellum Octavianum civil war, possibly from disease or murder. Prior to his death, Strabo was accused of embezzlement, and as his legal heir, Pompey was put on trial for the alleged crime.

What was Pompey's involvement in Sulla's civil war in Italy?

During Sulla's civil war, Pompey raised his own legion and joined Sulla. He fought against government armies, notably routing one attempting to prevent his union with Sulla, and was recognized by Sulla with the title of Imperator.

What were Pompey's key military campaigns and wars?

Pompey was involved in numerous significant military conflicts, including the Social War, Sulla's civil war, the Sertorian War, the Third Servile War, his campaign against the pirates, the Third Mithridatic War, and Caesar's civil war.

How did Pompey contribute to the suppression of the Third Servile War?

Pompey returned to Italy just as Marcus Licinius Crassus was concluding the Third Servile War against Spartacus. Pompey then massacred 6,000 surviving rebels, a move that caused resentment from Crassus.

What was the significance of Pompey's campaign against the pirates in 67 BC?

Pompey was granted extraordinary powers by the Lex Gabinia to combat Mediterranean piracy. He successfully cleared the seas of pirates in just three months, a remarkable feat that significantly boosted his prestige and demonstrated his military effectiveness.

How did Pompey reorganize the East after his campaigns against Mithridates VI and Tigranes the Great?

Following his victories, Pompey annexed Syria, established the province of Bithynia and Pontus, restored allied rulers, reorganized Cilicia, and made Judea a client kingdom, significantly expanding Roman territory and influence in the East.

What was the outcome of Pompey's intervention in the Hasmonean Civil War in Judea?

Pompey intervened in the Hasmonean Civil War, siding with Hyrcanus II against his brother Aristobulus II. After compelling Aristobulus to surrender Jerusalem, Pompey's forces stormed and looted the Temple, ultimately making Judea a client kingdom under Hyrcanus II.

What role did Pompey play in the formation of the First Triumvirate?

Pompey was a key member of the First Triumvirate, an informal political alliance with Julius Caesar and Marcus Licinius Crassus, formed in 60 BC to consolidate their political power and counter the influence of the Senate's conservative faction.

What was the significance of the laws passed during Pompey's second consulship in 55 BC?

During his second consulship with Crassus, Pompey helped enact legislation that extended their provincial commands and granted them significant powers, including the right to levy troops and wage war, effectively solidifying their control over Roman politics.

What event marked the end of the First Triumvirate and paved the way for conflict between Pompey and Caesar?

The deaths of Julia, Pompey's wife and Caesar's daughter, in 54 BC, and Crassus in 53 BC, removed the personal and political ties that bound the First Triumvirate, leading to increased rivalry and eventual confrontation between Pompey and Caesar.

How did Pompey serve as sole consul in 52 BC, and what legislation did he enact?

In 52 BC, Pompey was elected sole consul to restore order amidst political violence. During his consulship, he enacted laws that made prosecutions retrospective, which directly threatened Caesar's political future by potentially making him liable for trial upon leaving his command in Gaul.

What was Pompey's strategic position at the beginning of Caesar's civil war?

At the start of Caesar's civil war, Pompey held a seemingly strong position, backed by the resources of the Roman state and allies in the East. However, his leadership was constrained by the Senate, and internal divisions weakened his overall standing.

Why did Pompey withdraw from Italy to Greece at the start of Caesar's civil war?

Pompey withdrew from Italy to Greece after Caesar crossed the Rubicon. This strategic retreat allowed Pompey to gather forces and consolidate his support from the eastern provinces, aiming to build an army larger than Caesar's.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC?

The Battle of Pharsalus resulted in a decisive victory for Julius Caesar over Pompey's forces. Pompey, outnumbered and outmaneuvered, was forced to flee the battlefield.

What were Pompey's strengths and weaknesses as a general, according to the text?

Pompey was considered an outstanding strategist and organizer, capable of winning campaigns through skillful maneuvering and planning, though his tactics were sometimes criticized as unoriginal. His reluctance to engage in open battle at times and his only decisive defeat at Pharsalus were noted weaknesses, while his bravery and ability to inspire troops were strengths.

How many triumphs did Pompey celebrate in his career?

Pompey celebrated three triumphs during his career, marking significant military victories.

What major structures did Pompey commission in Rome?

Pompey commissioned significant architectural projects in Rome, most notably the Theatre of Pompey, which included a large portico and the Curia of Pompey.

Who were Pompey's five wives?

Pompey was married five times: to Antistia, Aemilia Scaura, Mucia Tertia, Julia (daughter of Julius Caesar), and Cornelia Metella.

What literary works have depicted Pompey's life and career?

Pompey's dramatic life and fall have been depicted in various literary works, including Lucan's epic poem 'Pharsalia,' Renaissance plays, and later novels by authors like Colleen McCullough and Steven Saylor.

What was Pompey's ultimate fate after fleeing to Egypt?

After fleeing to Egypt following his defeat at Pharsalus, Pompey was assassinated by Roman officers serving in the Egyptian army, reportedly on the orders of Ptolemy XIII's advisors.

What was the significance of the Lex Gabinia proposed by Aulus Gabinius at Pompey's behest?

The Lex Gabinia, proposed in 67 BC, granted Pompey extraordinary proconsular authority for three years to suppress piracy throughout the Mediterranean, a mandate that allowed him to achieve a swift and decisive victory against the pirates.

How did Pompey's actions in 59 BC, during Caesar's consulship, benefit him?

During Caesar's consulship in 59 BC, Caesar ensured the ratification of Pompey's eastern settlements and supported legislation that extended Caesar's own provincial commands, strengthening their alliance.

What was the impact of Pompey's eastern settlement on Roman state income?

Pompey's reorganization of the East resulted in a significant increase in Roman state income, reportedly raising it from 200 million to 340 million sesterces annually, with an additional 480 million sesterces paid to the treasury.

What was the nature of the First Triumvirate as a political alliance?

The First Triumvirate was an informal political alliance formed by Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar to counter the influence of the conservative faction in the Roman Senate. It was based on mutual political interests and personal connections, such as Pompey's marriage to Caesar's daughter, Julia.

How did Pompey's relationship with the Senate deteriorate leading up to Caesar's civil war?

The Senate, particularly factions led by Cato the Younger and Metellus Celer, opposed Pompey's settlements in the East and his proposed land distribution for veterans. This opposition, coupled with Pompey's growing rivalry with Caesar, strained his relationship with the Senate.

What was Pompey's strategy during the campaign in Greece against Caesar?

Pompey's strategy in Greece was to build a larger army than Caesar's and to starve Caesar's forces into submission by controlling supply lines and naval access. He aimed to avoid a decisive pitched battle initially, preferring a war of attrition.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Dyrrhachium in 48 BC?

In the Battle of Dyrrhachium, Pompey successfully blocked Caesar's attempt to capture his main supply base. Although Pompey managed to break through Caesar's siege lines, the engagement was costly, and Caesar eventually withdrew, allowing Pompey to regroup.

What was Pompey's military reputation among his contemporaries?

Pompey's military reputation was generally high, earning him the cognomen 'Magnus' and three triumphs. However, some contemporaries like Sertorius and Lucullus criticized his decisions, and he was sometimes accused of claiming credit for others' victories.

How did Pompey's personal wealth contribute to his career?

Pompey amassed considerable personal wealth through his military campaigns and political actions, particularly from his eastern settlements. He used this wealth to reward his troops, build public structures like the Theatre of Pompey, and establish a significant patronage base.

What was the significance of Pompey's consulship in 70 BC regarding the powers of the plebeian tribune?

During his consulship in 70 BC, Pompey, alongside Crassus, supported the restoration of powers to the plebeian tribune, including the ability to veto senatorial bills. This action was seen as a significant shift in the political landscape of the late Republic.

How did Pompey's relationship with Caesar evolve from alliance to conflict?

Pompey initially allied with Caesar in the First Triumvirate, cemented by marriage to Julia. After Julia's death and Crassus' demise, their political ambitions diverged, leading to a power struggle that culminated in Caesar's civil war.

What was Pompey's final resting place?

Pompey's body was cremated by servants after his assassination in Egypt. His head was later returned to his wife Cornelia, and he was ultimately buried at his villa in the Alban Hills, Italy.

Pompey Wiki: Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus: Architect of the Republic's Twilight

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Early Life and Career

Patrician Roots and Early Service

Born on September 29, 106 BC, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus hailed from Picenum, a region providing a strong base of support. His father, Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo, was the first of their lineage to attain senatorial rank, serving as consul in 89 BC. Strabo was known for his political pragmatism and military acumen, though also for perceived avarice and ruthlessness. Young Pompey commenced his military service under his father during the Social War (91–87 BC), an early crucible that forged his martial capabilities.

Navigating Sulla's Civil War

Following his father's death in 87 BC amidst the political turmoil of the Octavian civil war, Pompey faced accusations of embezzlement. He was acquitted, reportedly through a strategic marriage alliance. As Sulla returned to Italy in 83 BC to reclaim power, Pompey raised and equipped a legion from his father's former clients in Picenum. His decisive actions in joining Sulla and routing opposing forces earned him the title of Imperator, signaling his early military promise and Sulla's favor.

African Campaigns and the "Great" Cognomen

In 82-81 BC, Pompey campaigned in Sicily and Africa against the remaining Marian factions. His victory over Gaius Domitius Ahenobarbus at the Battle of Utica and the subsequent subjugation of Numidia, including the execution of King Hiarbas, solidified his reputation. It was during this period that his troops began bestowing upon him the cognomen Magnus ("the Great"), inspired by Alexander the Great, a testament to his burgeoning military prestige.

Ascendancy: Military and Political Milestones

Unconventional Rise to Consulship

Pompey's military successes allowed him to bypass the traditional cursus honorum. He achieved his first consulship in 70 BC, an unprecedented feat for someone so young and without prior holding of lower magistracies. This direct ascent underscored his exceptional military standing and the political necessity of accommodating his influence.

Campaign Against the Pirates

In 67 BC, the Senate, under pressure from popular tribunes and Pompey himself, granted him extraordinary powers via the Lex Gabinia to combat the pervasive Mediterranean piracy. In a remarkably swift and efficient campaign, lasting only three months, Pompey cleared the seas, demonstrating exceptional logistical and strategic command. This success significantly enhanced his authority and popularity.

Eastern Reorganization

Following his victory over Mithridates VI of Pontus and the subsequent settlement of the East (66-61 BC), Pompey fundamentally reshaped the Roman East. He annexed Syria, established client kingdoms, and reorganized territories, significantly increasing Roman revenue and influence. This extensive command further cemented his status as Rome's preeminent military figure.

Major Campaigns and Conflicts

Sertorian War (80-72 BC)

Pompey's early career was significantly shaped by the protracted conflict in Hispania against Quintus Sertorius. Despite initial setbacks and defeats, Pompey demonstrated resilience and strategic adaptation. He eventually contributed to the war's conclusion, though Sertorius' assassination by his own men ultimately ended the rebellion. This campaign tested Pompey's resolve and provided valuable experience in prolonged warfare.

Third Mithridatic War (73-63 BC)

Pompey inherited command of the war against Mithridates VI of Pontus and Tigranes the Great of Armenia from Lucullus. His strategic brilliance and decisive victories, culminating in the defeat of Mithridates and the subjugation of Armenia and surrounding regions, brought an end to decades of conflict. This campaign showcased his ability to manage complex, multi-front operations in the East.

Caesar's Civil War (49-45 BC)

The culmination of his rivalry with Julius Caesar, this conflict marked the final act of the Roman Republic. After initial strategic withdrawals and attempts to consolidate forces in Greece, Pompey faced Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC. His decisive defeat there led to his flight and subsequent assassination in Egypt, signaling the end of his political and military career.

Political Maneuvering and the Triumvirate

The First Triumvirate

In 60 BC, Pompey formed an informal political alliance, the First Triumvirate, with Marcus Licinius Crassus and Julius Caesar. This pact was cemented by Pompey's marriage to Caesar's daughter, Julia. The Triumvirate aimed to circumvent senatorial opposition and advance their mutual political interests, leveraging Pompey's popular support, Crassus' wealth, and Caesar's political ambition.

Senatorial Opposition and Shifting Alliances

Following the deaths of Julia and Crassus, Pompey's relationship with Caesar deteriorated. He increasingly aligned himself with the conservative senatorial faction, the optimates, led by figures like Cato the Younger. This shift was driven by mutual suspicion and the growing power of Caesar, setting the stage for their eventual confrontation.

Consulship and Legislative Impact

As consul in 70 BC and again in 55 BC, Pompey played a role in restoring powers to the tribunes, which had been curtailed by Sulla. His consulship with Crassus, though described as politically barren by some, saw significant legislative actions that influenced the late Republic's trajectory. His later sole consulship in 52 BC was an extraordinary measure to restore order amidst political violence.

The Road to Civil War

Escalating Tensions

The breakdown of the First Triumvirate, exacerbated by the deaths of Julia and Crassus, intensified the rivalry between Pompey and Caesar. Legislative maneuvers in the Senate, particularly those designed to strip Caesar of his command in Gaul and prevent him from standing for consulship in absentia, created an irreconcilable impasse.

Crossing the Rubicon

In January 49 BC, Caesar crossed the Rubicon river, initiating civil war. Pompey, initially hesitant and perhaps overconfident in his superior forces and senatorial backing, was forced to abandon Rome. He retreated to Greece to consolidate his army, leaving Italy open to Caesar's rapid advance.

The Greek Campaign and Pharsalus

Pompey assembled a formidable army in Greece, significantly outnumbering Caesar's forces and controlling the seas. However, strategic missteps and the pressure from his allies led him to accept battle against Caesar at Pharsalus on August 9, 48 BC. The decisive defeat of Pompey's army marked the turning point of the civil war and the effective end of his military career.

Final Moments and Assassination

Flight to Egypt

Escaping the battlefield of Pharsalus, Pompey sought refuge in Egypt, hoping for support from the young Ptolemy XIII. His arrival coincided with an internal power struggle within the Egyptian court. The advisors of Ptolemy XIII, seeking to curry favor with Caesar and perhaps fearing Pompey's potential influence, decided upon his elimination.

Betrayal at Pelusium

On September 28, 48 BC, as Pompey disembarked at Pelusium, he was assassinated by Roman soldiers serving in the Egyptian army, led by Lucius Septimius. This ignominious end, orchestrated by Ptolemy's court, occurred just days before his 58th birthday. His body was hastily cremated by loyal servants, and his head was presented to Caesar.

Legacy of a Fallen Titan

Pompey's death marked the definitive end of his era. While his military achievements were undeniable, his inability to navigate the complex political landscape of the late Republic ultimately led to his downfall. His life and career became a subject of enduring fascination, chronicled in literature and history as a symbol of the Republic's turbulent transition.

Enduring Influence and Literary Depictions

Literary Heritage

Pompey's dramatic life and tragic end have inspired countless literary works. From Lucan's epic poem Pharsalia in antiquity to Renaissance plays by Chapman and Kyd, and later adaptations by Corneille and Cibber, his story has been a recurring theme. These works explore his military genius, political ambition, and the fall of a Roman titan.

Military Acumen and Strategy

Pompey was recognized as a formidable strategist and organizer, capable of commanding large armies and executing complex campaigns. While not always displaying battlefield genius, his ability to outmaneuver opponents, manage logistics, and adapt his strategies, particularly evident in his campaigns against pirates and in the East, cemented his reputation as one of Rome's greatest generals.

Impact on the Republic

Pompey's career profoundly influenced the final decades of the Roman Republic. His unconventional rise, immense personal power, and eventual conflict with Caesar were central factors in the Republic's transformation into the Roman Empire. His actions and decisions shaped the political and military landscape, leaving an indelible mark on Roman history.

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References

A Roman talent was roughly 32 kilograms of gold, making this distribution worth over $32 billion using 2023 prices

Now in Northern Italy, Ravenna was then a federated ally of the Roman Republic

Crawford 1974, pp. 449â451, though he only links the aplustre with Pompey's cura annonae of 57.

Sean Easton, "Why Pompey Is better off dead", The Classical Journal 107.2 (2011), pp. 212â23

A Manual of Old English Plays (1892), pp. 33, 50

Joseph Wharton, An Essay on the Genius and Writings of Pope, (London, 1756), vol. 1, p. 296

Robert Dodsley, A Collection of Poems by Several Hands, (London 1755), vol. 4, pp. 90â94

The Broken Heart, with other poems, London 1825, pp. 56â60

Alaric A. Watts, Lyrics of the Heart, London 1851, pp. 209â213

"Pompeyâs Pillar", Ruins of Many Lands, London 1849, pp. 61â2

The Tragedy of Pompey the Great, London, 1910

A full list of references for this article are available at the Pompey Wikipedia page

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This document has been meticulously crafted by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material concerning Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. It is intended for academic and educational purposes, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview suitable for advanced students of history and classics.

This is not professional historical or military advice. The information presented is based on a specific textual dataset and may not encompass all nuances or interpretations available in broader historical scholarship. Always consult primary sources and peer-reviewed academic works for definitive analysis.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Career 🏛️

🌳 Patrician Roots and Early Service

⚖️ Navigating Sulla's Civil War

⚔️ African Campaigns and the "Great" Cognomen

Ascendancy: Military and Political Milestones ⭐

📈 Unconventional Rise to Consulship

🌊 Campaign Against the Pirates

🌏 Eastern Reorganization

Major Campaigns and Conflicts 🛡️

🔥 Sertorian War (80-72 BC)

🐍 Third Mithridatic War (73-63 BC)

💥 Caesar's Civil War (49-45 BC)

Political Maneuvering and the Triumvirate 🏛️

🤝 The First Triumvirate

📜 Senatorial Opposition and Shifting Alliances

⚖️ Consulship and Legislative Impact

The Road to Civil War 💥

⏳ Escalating Tensions

➡️ Crossing the Rubicon

🇬🇷 The Greek Campaign and Pharsalus

Final Moments and Assassination 💀

🚢 Flight to Egypt

🗡️ Betrayal at Pelusium

⚱️ Legacy of a Fallen Titan

Enduring Influence and Literary Depictions 📚

✍️ Literary Heritage

🎖️ Military Acumen and Strategy

🏛️ Impact on the Republic

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Career

Patrician Roots and Early Service

Navigating Sulla's Civil War

African Campaigns and the "Great" Cognomen

Ascendancy: Military and Political Milestones

Unconventional Rise to Consulship

Campaign Against the Pirates

Eastern Reorganization

Major Campaigns and Conflicts

Sertorian War (80-72 BC)

Third Mithridatic War (73-63 BC)

Caesar's Civil War (49-45 BC)

Political Maneuvering and the Triumvirate

The First Triumvirate

Senatorial Opposition and Shifting Alliances

Consulship and Legislative Impact

The Road to Civil War

Escalating Tensions

Crossing the Rubicon

The Greek Campaign and Pharsalus

Final Moments and Assassination

Flight to Egypt

Betrayal at Pelusium

Legacy of a Fallen Titan

Enduring Influence and Literary Depictions

Literary Heritage

Military Acumen and Strategy

Impact on the Republic

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Scholarly Disclaimer

Important Notice Regarding Content