Echoes of Rome

🗣️ Early Career and Oratory

Quintus Pompeius, son of Aulus Pompeius, first distinguished himself through his exceptional oratorical skills, as noted by the esteemed Roman Senator and historian, Cicero. Details of his early life and initial political ascent remain largely unrecorded, yet his rhetorical prowess clearly marked him for public office.

⚔️ The Numantine Campaign

In 141 BC, Pompeius attained the consulship and was dispatched to Hispania to succeed Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus in command of the ongoing Numantine War. Despite an initial victory against Tanginus, his campaign faced severe setbacks. His troops endured a harsh winter encampment outside Numantia, suffering significant losses due to adverse weather and disease.

🤝 A Controversial Peace

Fearing a recall to Rome to account for his military conduct, Pompeius secretly negotiated a peace treaty with the Numantines. While publicly demanding their surrender, he privately settled for the return of hostages and a payment of thirty talents. Initially hesitant, the Numantines ultimately agreed to these terms, seeking an end to the protracted conflict.

⚖️ Senate's Nullification and Acquittal

Upon the arrival of Marcus Popillius Laenas in 139 BC to assume command, Pompeius's clandestine treaty was exposed. Laenas lodged a formal complaint with the Roman Senate, which subsequently voided the agreement, leading to a renewal of the war. Despite this significant misconduct, Pompeius remarkably evaded punishment and was acquitted when later accused of extortion during his provincial governorship.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Political Ascent and Family

Maintaining popularity among the Roman Plebs, Quintus Pompeius achieved the rare distinction of being elected censor alongside Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus, marking a significant milestone for plebeians in this prestigious office. He was married to an unnamed Roman woman and had a son, also named Quintus Pompeius, who would later oppose Tiberius Gracchus, and a daughter, Pompeia, who married Gaius Sicinius.

🔴 The Cognomen Rufus

Quintus Pompeius Rufus, the eldest son of the Quintus Pompeius who opposed Tiberius Gracchus, and elder brother to tribune Aulus Pompeius, is believed to be the first in his family to adopt the cognomen "Rufus." While the precise origin of this epithet remains uncertain, it is commonly speculated to denote a physical characteristic, such as red hair.

📈 Political Trajectory

Cicero recognized Pompeius Rufus as a notable orator of his youth. His political career saw him rise through the ranks as a staunch supporter of the dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla. He served as tribune of the plebs in 100 BC, praetor in 91 BC, and ultimately achieved the consulship in 88 BC, sharing the office with Sulla himself.

🌪️ Civil War and Command

The outbreak of civil war between Sulla and Gaius Marius dramatically impacted Pompeius Rufus. He was deprived of his consulship and sought refuge in Nola, where he joined Sulla and his army. As Sulla departed to lead the war against Mithridates, he entrusted Pompeius Rufus with the critical command of Italy.

💀 Tragic Demise

During Gnaeus Pompeius Strabo's campaign against the Marsi tribe, the Optimates faction controversially transferred Strabo's army to Pompeius Rufus, the newly appointed consul. This decision proved fatal, as Pompeius Rufus was subsequently murdered by Strabo's disgruntled soldiers, a stark illustration of the brutal political rivalries of the era.

👪 Descendants

Quintus Pompeius Rufus was married to an unnamed Roman woman. They had a son, also named Quintus Pompeius Rufus, who would later marry Cornelia Sulla, the first daughter of the formidable dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla, further entrenching the family's ties to powerful Roman figures.

🌍 The Cognomen Bithynicus

Quintus Pompeius Bithynicus, born in 108 BC and son of the tribune Aulus Pompeius, was the first member of his family to bear the cognomen "Bithynicus." The origins of this specific epithet are not recorded, but it likely indicated a connection to Bithynia, perhaps through military service, provincial administration, or a significant event in the region.

🎓 Scholar and Orator

Pompeius Bithynicus was a close friend and intellectual companion of Cicero, with whom he pursued his studies. Cicero held him in high regard as a diligent scholar and a great learner, though he characterized his oratorical abilities as merely average. This suggests a man more inclined to academic pursuits than the fiery rhetoric often demanded in Roman politics.

loyal Allegiance to Pompey

During the tumultuous civil war between Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar, Pompeius Bithynicus unequivocally sided with Pompey. Following the decisive Battle of Pharsalia in Greece, he fled with Pompey and his remaining loyalists to Egypt, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his chosen leader.

⚰️ Fate in Egypt

Tragically, upon their arrival in Egypt, Pompeius Bithynicus and other Pompeian supporters were summarily executed on the orders of the Greek Pharaoh of Egypt, Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator. This act was a calculated move to curry favor with the victorious Julius Caesar. Pompeius Bithynicus was married to an unnamed woman and had a son, Aulus Pompeius Bithynicus.

❓ Unclear Lineage

This Quintus Pompeius Rufus served as a praetor in 63 BC. His precise relationship to the other individuals bearing the name Quintus Pompeius remains unknown to historians, highlighting the challenges of tracing complete family trees within the fragmented records of ancient Rome.

🛡️ Role in Catiline's Conspiracy

During the infamous Catilinarian conspiracy of 63 BC, Pompeius Rufus played a crucial role in maintaining order. He was responsible for garrisoning Capua, a strategic city, against the supporters of Catiline, thereby helping to suppress the attempted coup and safeguard the Republic.

🌍 Governor of Africa

In 61 BC, Pompeius Rufus was appointed governor of the African Province, where he earned the title of Proconsul. Cicero, a contemporary and keen observer of Roman politics, specifically noted that Pompeius governed this province with commendable integrity, a rare commendation in an era often plagued by corruption among provincial administrators.

📜 Witness for Caelius Rufus

In 56 BC, Pompeius Rufus provided testimony for Marcus Caelius Rufus, who was in Africa at that time. This interaction further illustrates his continued involvement in Roman legal and political affairs, even after his provincial command.

📜 References