Pompey the Great assassinated, September 28th, 48 BC
Upon landing in Egypt, Roman general and politician Pompey is murdered on the orders of King Ptolemy of Egypt.
During his long career, Pompey the Great displayed exceptional military talents on the battlefield. He fought in Africa and Spain, quelled the slave revolt of Spartacus, cleared the Mediterranean of pirates, and conquered Armenia, Syria and Palestine. Appointed to organize the newly won Roman territories in the East, he proved a brilliant administrator.
In 60 B.C., he joined with his rivals Julius Caesar and Marcus Licinius Crassus to form the First Triumvirate, and together the trio ruled Rome for seven years. Caesar’s successes aroused Pompey’s jealousy, however, leading to the collapse of the political alliance in 53 B.C. The Roman Senate supported Pompey and asked Caesar to give up his army, which he refused to do. In January 49 B.C., Caesar led his legions across the Rubicon River from Cisalpine Gaul to Italy, thus declaring war against Pompey and his forces.
Caesar made early gains in the subsequent civil war, defeating Pompey’s army in Italy and Spain, but he was later forced into retreat in Greece. In August 48 B.C., with Pompey in pursuit, Caesar paused near Pharsalus, setting up camp at a strategic location. When Pompey’s senatorial forces fell upon Caesar’s smaller army, they were entirely routed, and Pompey fled to Egypt.
Pompey hoped that King Ptolemy, his former client, would assist him, but the Egyptian king feared offending the victorious Caesar. On September 28, Pompey was invited to leave his ships and come ashore at Pelusium. As he prepared to step onto Egyptian soil, he was treacherously struck down and killed by an officer of Ptolemy.
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My Mark Antony double drabble series is done! Self indulgent character study as befits the protagonist.
1: Antony & Brutus
2: Antony & Caesar
3: Antony & Cicero
4: Antony & Cassius
5: Antony & Octavian
6: Antony & Agrippa
7: Antony & Pompey
8: Antony & Rome
Chapters: 8/8
Fandom: Classical Greece and Rome History & Literature RPF, Julius Caesar - Shakespeare, Rome (TV 2005), Ancient History RPF
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Marcus Antonius | Mark Antony/Julius Caesar, Marcus Antonius | Mark Antony & Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger, Marcus Antonius | Mark Antony & Gaius Cassius Longinus (d. 42 BCE), Mark Antony & Marcus Tullius Cicero, Mark Antony & Gaius Iulius Caesar Octavianus | Emperor Augustus, Mark Antony & Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Mark Antony & Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus | Pompey the Great
Characters: Marcus Antonius | Mark Antony, Julius Caesar, Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger, Gaius Cassius Longinus (d. 42 BCE), Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus | Emperor Augustus, Marcus Tullius Cicero, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus | Pompey the Great
Additional Tags: Double Drabble, Battle of Philippi, ides of March, War, Angst, Memory, Character Study
Summary:
A series of ficlets focused on Mark Antony during the 2nd Triumvirate: double drabbles, one for each pair.
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ISO
I ALMOST did it. I almost took the lazy modern way and just downloaded an AI art app and told it what I wanted. But I won't do it. Making a difference and saving art means not being lazy or cheap.
So with that said I know theres a lot of art blogs I follow and who follow me and all that good stuff so if anyone thinks they would be up for the challenge of illustrating some historical figures for me I'd be very happy to see some examples of your art style and if it's what I'm looking for and come to an agreement on commissions and stuff.
Namely I need Pompeius Magnus in the style of a Lee Pace looking dude... So give me Lee Pace with gingery curls in a toga or Roman general's uniform basically
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Chapter 14: Honors and Pronouncements (Pt 2)
It was late afternoon when a stirring from the doors of the Villa Publica preceded the exit of Gnaeus Pompey Magnus and his party. Cicero and Quintus rose to follow as Pompey, Crassus and the senior-most members of the senate strode confidently out the gate to face the crowds.
Pompey looked tired, but confident. Cicero had only glimpsed Pompey once or twice in years past, but the general had not changed much. His face was handsome beneath a curling shock of blonde hair, though the lines around his eyes began to finally hint at the passing years.
“People of Rome!” he called. “The leaders of the senate have granted me the honor of a triumph, and I am pleased to accept it!”
The crowd roared.
“They have also informed me that I will be allowed to stand for consul in the coming elections, and I am pleased to accept that, as well,” Pompey continued. “For I have dedicated my life to Rome’s service, and I will gladly answer the call to leadership.”
He paused.
“The only thing that pleases me more I that I will share the consulship with my colleague and old friend, Marcus Licinius Crassus!”
The roar increased as Crassus waved.
“I am humbled by your affection,” Pompey said, motioning for the crowd to calm itself, “and promise to serve as I always have – with the utmost loyalty and respect to the Senate and the People of Rome! And I pledge to hold a festival of games, dedicated to Hercules, to honor my victories in Spain, so that the people of Rome may share in the joy of my return!”
The roar of the crowd reached a crescendo, and was nearly deafening as Marcus Licinius Crassus stepped forward.
“People of Rome!” he called. “I thank my brother, Gnaeus Pompey Magnus, for his kind words, and now make my own pledge to the city I love! First, I will use a tenth of my fortune to buy food for all of Rome during the festival of Hercules planned by my co-consul, and for three months following, so that no man, woman or child in Rome will go hungry!”
Cicero leaned in to Quintus and I as the speeches ended.
“Brilliant,” he said. “Games from Pompey and free food from Crassus – the perfect combination for public happiness.”
“But a tenth of Crassus’ fortune?” Quintus asked. “That must be at least 40 million sesterces!”
Finally sensing his moment had come, Cicero strode forward.
“This is Cicero, Imperator,” Palicanus said, pushing my master toward Pompey. “He is considered one of Rome’s foremost advocates, and has been of great use to us in the senate!”
“Has he?” Pompey said, shaking Cicero’s hand, absently. “Well, keep up the good work.”
Cicero gripped the general’s hand longer, getting his attention.
“I shall, general,” he said, “for I hope next year to be aedile!”
“Aedile?” Pompey said, surprised. “No, no, I don’t think that will be possible. I have other plans in that direction.”
Pompey and the others started back inside, but the general turned back to a stricken Cicero as he walked.
“Don’t worry, my friend,” he said. “I’m sure we can find a use for you. There’s always a place for a good lawyer!”
And with that, Pompey moved on without a second glance, leaving Cicero standing, mouth agape and staring after him.
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