Veni Vidi Vici

Before Julius Caesar was made dictator for life, he engaged in a civil war with his rival Pompey. Caesar started the war by crossing the Rubicon River into Italy, reportedly uttering the words Iacta alea est—”the die is cast.” Pompey fled and was eventually killed after Caesar pursued him to Egypt. From Egypt, Caesar went to Syria and Pontus, where in 47 BCE he defeated Pharnaces II with such ease that he reported his victory with the words Veni, vidi, vici—meaning what? More… Discuss

MARCUS LICINIUS CRASSUS

Crassus was the wealthiest man in Rome when he, along with Julius Caesar and Pompey, formed the First Triumvirate in 60 BCE. The three men were able to control Rome, and though Pompey and Crassus were jealous of each other, Caesar kept the arrangement going. However, seven years later, Crassus invaded Parthia, hoping for a victory to match the successes of Pompey and Caesar. His army of about 44,000 was defeated in the desert by 10,000 Parthian archers, and he was killed while trying to do what? More… Discuss

 

Today’s Birthday: POMPEY THE GREAT (106 BCE)

Pompey the Great (106 BCE)

Pompey was a Roman general and the rival of Julius Caesar. Along with Caesar and Crassus, he was a member of the First Triumvirate established in 61 BCE. After the death of Pompey’s wife, Caesar’s daughter Julia, Pompey and Caesar became enemies. When Pompey received the sole consulship as the leader of the senatorial party, Caesar broke with the senate and crossed the Rubicon, and a civil war began. Pompey was defeated at Pharsalus and fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated while doing what? More… Discuss