v23_0304 - POMPEY THE GREAT Denier

POMPEY THE GREAT

(106-48 BC)

Pompey is the son of Cnæus Pompeius Strabo, consul in 89 BC. -VS. and supporter of Sylla as a member of the senatorial aristocracy. He began his career by supporting the happy dictator (Sylla), fighting for him in Sicily and Africa in 81 BC.. -VS. at the age of twenty-five. This is where he received the nickname Magnus (the Great). He then campaigned in Spain against Sertorius with varying fortunes before triumphing in 67 BC.. -VS. He then rids the Mediterranean of the pirates who infest it. Then he puts an end to the fight which opposes Rome to Mithridates VI of Pontus for more than thirty years.. In 63 BC. -VS. , he annexed Syria, putting an end to three centuries of Seleucid monarchy. He then formed with Caesar and Crassus the first triumvirate. He marries Caesar's daughter. After the death of Crassus at Carrhae in 53 BC. -VS. , the conflict becomes inevitable between Caesar and Pompey. This broke out in 49 BC.. -VS. when Caesar crosses the Rubicon, while the senate intends to force him to dissolve his legions with the support of Pompey. Pompey flees to Greece with part of the senate and the aristocracy. He was beaten at Pharsalia in 48 BC.. -VS. He then headed for Egypt, hoping to find refuge there.. It was there that he was treacherously assassinated by the agents of Ptolemy XIII, who wanted to conciliate Caesar.