Pompey vs. Caesar

Came from aristocratic ITALIAN (not Roman) family

Supported Sulla and the optimatesExcellent soldierEarned the name “Kid Butcher”

Defeated Spartacus “Elected” consul in 70 BCE (20 years too

early)Overturned Sulla’s reforms and moved

into the populares camp

Pompey “The Great”(104-48 BCE)

From 67-63 BCE, granted special imperium by Senate to fight in the EastCommands were unconstitutional and illegal

Returned to Rome, an untouchable conquering heroBeloved by the peopleHATED by the Senate

For all his popularity, Pompey had no political powerFormed the “1st Triumvirate” with friends and

political allies Julius Caesar and Marcus Crassus

Pompey married Caesar’s daughter and everybody gets what they want

Pompey “The Great”(104-48 BCE)

Julius Caesar102-44 BC• Born to patrician family• Claimed descent from Venus• Related to Marius and Sulla

• Childhood genius • Known for his unusual intelligence and

oratory skills, military abilities, and infectious personality

• His “other” side• The heart throb of Rome• Known for his sexual exploits (often with

married women)• Very successful but normal climb of the cursus

honorum

Julius Caesar(102-44 BCE)

Successful governor of SpainElected Pontifex Maximus (chief priest of

RomePopulares politician

People ADORED himThe Senate HATED him

60 BCE – Forms “1st Triumvirate” with Pompey and Marcus CrassusNeeded their help to be elected consul

Elected consul in 59 BCE

Caesar became Governor of GaulGallic Wars (conquered modern-day

France)Julia died

Pompey remarried daughter of leading optimates politician

Pompey began to get jealous of Caesar’s fame

Caesar asked Pompey to help him get elected consulPompey refusedSenate (with Pompey’s support) exiled

Caesar for unlawful actsCaesar marched on Rome in 49 BCE

Things Fall Apart When…..

Caesar vs. Pompey, but also populares vs. optimatesThe Senate was with PompeyPlebeian Assembly, businessmen, and most

of the Army were with CaesarCaesar defeated Pompey at the Battle of

Pharsales in 48 BCEPompey fled to EgyptEgyptian ruler (Cleopatra’s bro) murdered

Pompey and pickled his head in a jar in order to win favor with CaesarCaesar was not pleased

Caesar defeated other optimates leaders in Spain, Syria, and North Africa

Civil War 49-45 BCE

Dictator CaesarRome was such a mess that no elections could

be heldCaesar appointed Dictator by what remained of

the SenateRefused crown twice

Caesar’s reformsMade the Senate less exclusiveMajor public works projectsReduced urban overcrowding by creating

Roman colonies in the provincesExtended Roman citizenship to provincial

elites and intellectualsJulian calendar

He also found time to conquer Egypt and father a child with Cleopatra

Intended to march on the Parthian Empire in the east as well

The Ides of March 44 BCECaesar assassinated in the Senate House60-80 senators were responsible (including Caesar’s

“good” friend Brutus)Called themselves the “Liberators”

They were afraid that Caesar wanted to be kingWore purplePut his face on coinsNamed a month after himself

Wanted to return the Republic to the good old daysHad no plan to actually re-institute itDid not realize how popular Caesar and his

reforms were with the peopleLiberators only held power for a short while

Caesar’s nephews Gaius Octavius and Marcus Antonius opposed them and swore revenge