77, Lepidus, who had been Lauron (not far from Valencia)
declared
in his
ordered by the senate to repair to his province favour.
ordered by the senate to repair to his province favour.
William Smith - 1844 - Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities - c
Q.
POMPEIUS Rufus, praetor B.
C.
63.
His quaestor in Sardinia in B.
c.
103, under the pro-
cognomen shows that he belonged to the preceding praetor T. Albucius, against whom he collected
family, but his descent is quite uncertain. In his materials for an accusation, although the Romans
praetorship he was sent to Capua, where he re- regarded the relation between praetor and quaestor
inained part of the following year, because it | as a sacred one, like that between father and
ܪ
## p. 477 (#493) ############################################
POMPEIUS.
477
POMPEIUS.
Bon. For that reason he was not allowed to con- year, B. C. 87, Strabo was killed by lightning. llis
duct the accusation, which was assigned to C. avarice and cruelty had made himn hated by the
Caesar instead (Cic. Div. in Curcil. 19). He was soldiers to such a degree, that they tore his corpse
probably praetor in B. c. 94, and obtained in the from the bier and dragged it through the streets.
following year the government of Sicily (Cic. Verr. Cicero describes him (Brut. 47) as worthy of
iii. 16, v. 66). On the breaking out of the Social hatred on account of his cruelty, avarice, and per-
or Marsic war, in B. c. 90, Pompeius served as fidy. " He possessed some reputation as an orator,
legate under the consul P. Rutilius Lupus. Pom. and still more as a general. He left behind him
peius was at first deſeated, and obliged to take a considerable property, especially in Picenum ;
refuge at Firmum, where he was besieged by and his anxiety to protect his estates probably led
Afranius, one of the Italian generals. But when him to make that neighbourhood one of the princi-
Sulpicius came to his assistance, Afranius was at pal scats of the war against the Italians (Appian,
tacked at once by the two Roman arinies, and lost B. C. i. 40, 47, 52, 60—60, 80 ; Liv. Epit. 74–
his life in the battle: his troops Aed in confusion 79; Vell. Pat. ii. 20, 21 ; Flor. iii. 18 ; Oros. v.
to Asculum. To this town Pompeius proceeded to 18 ; Plut. Pomp. 1, 3 ; Cic. Philipp. xii. 11. )
lny siege ; and as he seems to have been regarded 22. Cn. POMPEIUS MAGNUS, the son of No. 21,
as a general of no mean abilities, he was elected to and afterwards the triumvir, was born on the 30th
the consulship, B. C. 89, with L. Porcius Cato. of Septeinber, B. c. 106, in the consulship of Atilius
Soon after entering upon his consulship, he de Serranus and Servilius Caepio.
He was con-
feated the Italians on the east coast, who, ignorant sequently a few months younger than Cicero, who
that the Etruscans had made terms with the Ro- was born on the 3d of January in this year, and
mans, were marching to their assistance. He fol- six years older than Caesar. He had scarcely left
lowed up this victory by others, and defeated, in school before he was summoned to serve under his
succession, the Marsi, Marrucini, and Vestini. He father in the Social war. He fought under him in
at length took Asculum, and subdued the Picen- B. C. 89 against the Italians, when he was only
tines, and returned to Rome at the end of the seventeen years of age, and continued with him
year, which he entered in triumph on the 27th of till his death two years afterwards. He was pre-
December. Before he laid down his consulship, sent at the battle of the Colline Gate, in B. c. 87,
he probably brought forward the law (lex Pom- and, as has been already related, he saved the life of
peia), which gave to all the towns of the Transpa- his father, and quelled an insurrection of the sol-
dani the Jus Latii or Latinitas.
diers by his courage and activity. The death of
In the following year, B. C. 88, occurred the dread his father soon after this event left Pompey his own
fal struggle between Marius and Sulla for the com- master at the age of nineteen. The aristocratical
mand of the Mithridatic war, which ended in the party were no longer able to offer any opposition to
proscription of Marius, and his flight from Italy. Marius and Cinna, who accordingly entered Home
Strabo had returned to his army, and was engaged in shortly afterwards, and took a bloody revenge on
southern Italy in completing the subjugation of the their opponents. Pompey's house was plundered ;
Italians, when he learnt that the senate had deprived and he did not venture to appear in public till
him of the command, and had assigned his army to after the death of Marius in the following year,
the consul Q. Pompeius Rufus, to whom the care of B. C. 86. His enemies, however, immediately ac-
Italy was entrusted, while his colleague Sulla was cused him of having shared with his father in the
engaged in the Mithridatic war. But Strabo, who plunder of Asculum. Not trusting either to the
was excessively fond of power, was indignant at justice of his cause, or to the eloquence of his advo-
this decision. He however concealed his resent- cates, L. Marcius Philippus and Q. Hortensius, he
ment and handed over the army to Rufus; but at agreed to marry the daughter of the praetor Antis.
the same time he secretly instigated the soldiers to tius, who presided at the trial, and was in con-
murder their new commander, which they accord sequence acquitted.
ingly did shortly afterwards. He affected great In B. C. 84, the Marian party made great
horror of the crime, but took no steps to bring the preparations to oppose Sulla, who had now
perpetrators to justice ; and Sulla, who was on the finished the Mithridatic war, and was on his way
point of starting for the East, was obliged to over- to Italy. Pompey, though so young, was fired
look the murder.
with the ambition of distinguishing himself above
Next year, B. C. 87, the Marian party obtained all the other leaders of the aristocracy; and while
the upper hand. L. Cinna, who had been driven the rest were content to wait quietly for Sulla's
out of the city by his colleague Cn. Octavius, had arrival in Italy to deliver them from their enemies,
collected a formidable army, and being joined by Pompey resolved to share with Sulla the glory of
Marius, advanced against Rome. The aristocracy crushing the Marian party. He accordingly fled from
summoned Pompeius Strabo to their aid; but as the
of Cinna shorly before the Litter was mur.
he commanded against their wish, and had been dered, and hastened to Picenum, where he pro-
refused a second consulship this year, he was un- ceeded to levy troops without holding any public
willing to espouse their side. Still, not being pre- office, and without any authority from the senate
pared to join the other party, he advanced by slow or people. The influence which he possessed by
marches to the relief of the city, and, contrary to his large estates in Picenum, and by his personal
his wishes, was obliged to fight near the Colline popularity, enabled him to raise an army of three
Gate with Cinna and Sertorius. The battle was legions by the beginning of the following year,
not decisive, but Strabo was unable to play any B. c. 83. ile assumed the command at Auximum, a
longer a neutral part. Cinna attempted to remove town in the north of Picenum, not far from An-
him by assassination, but he was saved by the cona ; and while the rest of the aristocracy hastened
energy and prudence of his son, who also quelled to join Sulla, who had landed at Brundisium,
a dangerous mutiny among the soldiers. Shortly Pompey was anxious to distinguish himself by
after these events, and in the course of the same some brilliant success over the enemy. The faults
camp
## p. 478 (#494) ############################################
478
POMPEIUS.
POMPEIUS.
Next
of the Marian generals gave him the wished-for 1 he was seized and brought in chains to Pomper,
opportunity; he was surrounded by three armies, at Lily baeum, who put him to death, and sent
commanded respectively by M. Brutus, C. Caelius his head to Sulla He likewise executed several
Caldus, and C. Carrinas, whose great object seems others of the Marian party ; but he can scarcely
to have been to prevent his escape to Sulla. Pom- be reproached with cruelty for so doing, as he had
pey now displayed for the first time the great no other alternative, even if he had wished to
military abilities for which he became afterwards save them ; and he treated the cities which had
80 conspicuous ; he concentrated all his forces in one espoused the popular side with greater leniency
spot, and then fell upon M. Brutis at a time when than might have been expected. Next year, B. C.
he could receive no assistance from the other ge- 81, Pompey left Sicily, and passed over to Africa,
nerals, and completely defeated him. Pompey also in order to oppose Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, the
distinguished himself by his personal bravery in son-in-law of Cinna, who, with the assistance of
this engagement, charging at the head of his ca- Hiarbas, had collected a formidable army. But
valry, and striking down a Celtic horseman with his troops, chiefly consisting of Numidians, were
his own hand. The Marian generals, after the no match for the veterans who had conquered the
loss of this battle, quarrelied among themselves, and well-disciplined Italian allies. Still they fought
withdrew from the country. Pompey, who had with great bravery, and out of 20,000 only 3000
no longer an enemy to oppose him, set out to join are said to have survived the decisive battle.
Sulla, and was hailed as a deliverer by the towns Their camp was taken, and Domitius fell. In a
of Picenum, who had now no other alternative but few months Pompey reduced the whole of Nu-
submission. Ile was proscribed by the senate, midia ; Hiarbas was taken prisoner and put to
but his troops proved faithful to him, and he death, and his throne was given to Hiempsal.
joined Sulla in safety, having already gained for But it was not only his military achievements that
himself a brilliant reputation. He was received gained him great renown at Rome ; unlike other
by Sulla with still greater distinction than he had Roman governors, be abstained from plundering
anticipated ; for when he leapt down from his the province, which seemed the more extraordinary,
horse, and saluted Sulla by the title of Imperator, since the disturbed state of the country afforded
the latter returned the compliment by addressing him particular facilities for doing so. Intent upon
him by the same title. Pompey was only twenty- triumphing, he collected a great number of elephants
three, and had not held any public office when he and lions in Numidia, and returned to Rome, in the
received this unprecedented mark of honour. same year, covered with glory. As he approached
year, B. c. 82, the war was prosecuted with Rome, numbers flocked out of the city to meet
vigour against the Marian party. Pompey took a him; and the dictator himself, who formed one of
prominent part in it as one of Sulla's legates, and the crowd, greeted him with the surname of
by his success gained still further distinction. The Magnus, which he bore ever afterwards, and
younger Marius, who was now consul, was block-handed down to his children. * But Pompey did
aded in Praeneste, and his colleague, Carbo, was not find it easy to obtain his wished-for triumph.
making every effort to relieve him. Sulla himself Hitherto no one but a dictator, consul, or praetor,
fought an indecisive battle against Carbo ; but his had enjoyed this distinction, and it seemed a
legates, Marcius and Carrinas, were defeated by monstrous thing for a simple eques, who had not
Pompey. Carbo then retreated to Ariminum, and yet obtained a place in the senate, to coret this
sent Marcius to the relief of Praeneste ; but Pom- honour. Sulla at first tried to dissuade Pompey
pey defeated the latter again in the Apennines, from pressing his request ; and as he would not
and compelled him to retire. Despairing of suc- relinquish his design, the matter was referred to
cess, Carbo then abandoned Marius to his fate, and the senate, and there Sulla positively opposed it.
set sail for Africa. Praeneste shortly afterwards Pompey was not, however, to be cowed, and ut-
surrendered. Sulla thus became the master of tered a threat about the rising and the setting
Italy, and was proclaimed dictator.
sun; whereupon Sulla, indignant at his impudence,
ceeded to reward his partizans, and to take ven- shouted out contemptuously, “ Let him triumph
geance on his enemies ; and in order to connect then! " It is true that Sulla's dominion was too
Pompey more closely with himself, he compelled firmly established to be overthrown by Pompey ;
him to marry his step-daughter Aemilia, the but he probably could not have put him down
daughter of his wife Caecilia Metella, by her for- | without a struggle, and therefore thought better
mer husband Aemilius Scaurus. To effect this to let him have his own way. Pompey therefore
marriage two divorces had to take place : Pompey entered Rome in triumph as a simple eques in the
was obliged to put away his wife Antistia, though month of September B. c. 81, and before he had
her father had been murdered by Marius as a completed his twenty-fifth year. Pompey's con-
partizan of Sulla, simply on account of his connec- duct in insisting upon a triumph on this occasion
tion with Pompey; and Aemilia was obliged to has been represented by many modern writers as
leave her husband M'. Glabrio, although she was vain and childish ; but it should be recollected
pregnant at the time.
Aemilia died shortly after that it was a vanity which all distinguished
wards in child-birth.
Romans shared, and that to enter Rome drawn in
But although the war in Italy was brought to a
close, the Marian party still held out in other
parts of Europe ; ard Pompey, who was now re- # There can be little doubt that this surname
garded as one of the principal leaders of the aristo- was given to Pompey on this occasion, though
cracy, was sent against them by Sulla. He first many writers assign it to a different time. The
proceeded to Sicily, to which island Carbo had question is discussed at length by Drumann, vol. ir.
crossed over from Africa, but here met with no p. 335. Pompey did not use it himself till he
opposition ; as soon as he landed, Carbo fled from was appointed to the command of the war against
the island, intending to take refuge in Egypt, but | Sertorius (Plut. Pomp. 13).
He then pro-
## p. 479 (#495) ############################################
POMPEIUS.
479
POMPEIUS.
|
the triumphal car was regarded as one of the general had met with nothing but disasters; and
noblest objects of ambition.
he therefore still continued at the head of his army
Having thus succeeded in carrying his point in the neighbourhood of Rome. The senate, howa
against the dictator Pompey again exhibited his cver, hesitated to give him this opportunity for
power in promoting in B. c. 79 the election of M. gaining fresh distinction and additional power ;
Aemilius Lepidus to the consulship, in opposition but as Sertorius was now joined by Perperna,
to the wishes of Sulla. Through Pompey's in- and was daily becoming more formidable, it be-
fluence Lepidus was not only elected, but obtained came absolutely necessary to strengthen Metellus ;
a greater number of votes than his colleague and as they had no general excepi Pompey, who
Q. Catulus, who was supported by Sulla. The was either competent or willing to conduct the
latter hnd now retired from public affairs, and war against Sertorius, they at length unwillingly
would not relinquish his Epicurean enjoyments for determined to send him to Spain, with the title of
the purpose of defeating Pompey's plans, but con- Proconsul, and with equal powers to Metellus.
tented himself with warning the latter, as he met In the debate in the senate which ended in his
him retuming from the comitia in triumph, “ Young appointment, it was urged that no private man
man, it is time for you not to slumber, for you ought to receive the title of Proconsul, whereupon
have strengthened your rival against yourself. " L. Philippus replied with bitter scorn, in allusion
The words of Sulla were prophetic; for upon his to the insignificance of the existing consuls, “ Non
death, wliich happened in the course of the same ego illum mea sententia pro consule, sed pro con-
year, Lepidus attempted to repeal the laws of Sulln, sulibus mitto. "
and to destroy the aristocratical constitution which In forty days Pompey completed his prepara-
he had established. He seems to have reckoned tions, and left Italy with an army of 30,000 foot
upon the support of Pompey ; but in this he was and 1000 horse, at the beginning of B. c. 76, being
disappointed, for Ponipey remained faithful to the then thirty years of age. He crossed the Alps
aristocracy, and thus saved his party. During the between the sources of the Rhône and the Po,
year of the consulship of Lepidus and Catulus, and advanced towards the southern coast of Spain.
B. C. 78, peace was with difficulty preserved The Spanish tribes, through which he marched,
(LEPIDUS, No. 13] ; but at the beginning of the did not offer him much resistance, and the town of
following year B. c.
77, Lepidus, who had been Lauron (not far from Valencia) declared in his
ordered by the senate to repair to his province favour. But the approach of Sertorius quickly
Further Gaul, marched against Rome at the head changed the face of matters, and taught Pompey
of an army, which he had collected in Etruria. that he had a more formidable enemy to deal with
Here Pompey and Catulus were ready to receive than any he had yet encountered. His army was
him ; and in the battle which followed under the suddenly surprised by Sertorius, and he was obliged
walls of the city, Lepidus was defeated and obliged to retreat with the loss of a legion. Sertorius fol-
to take to flight. While Catulus followed him into lowed up his victory by taking the town of Lauron,
Etruria, Pompey marched into Cisalpine Gaul, which he committed to the flames, almost before
where M. Brutus, the father of the so-called ty- Pompey's face. Thus his first campaign in Spain
rannicide, commanded a body of troops on behalf ended ingloriously. He passed the winter in the
of Lepidus. On Pompey's approach Brutus threw Nearer Province, and at the beginning of B. c. 75
himself into Mutina, which he defended for some crossed the Iberus, and again marched southward
time, but at length surrendered the town to against C. Herennius and Perperna, the legates of
Pompey, on condition that his life should be Sertorius. These he defeated, with great loss,
spared. This was granted by Pompey; but next near Valencia ; and elated with his success, and
day he was murdered, by Pompey's orders, at anxious to wipe off the disgrace of the preceding
Rhegium, a small town on the Po, whither he had year, he hastened to attack Sertorius, hoping to
retired after the surrender of Mutina. Pompey was crush him entirely before Metellus arrived to share
much blamed for this cruel and perfidious act, which the glory with him. Sertorius, who had advanced
was however more in accordance with the spirit of from the west, was equally eager to fight before
his party than his own general conduct. But he the junction of the two Ronan armies. The
seems to have acted now in accordance with battle, thus eagerly desired by both generals, was
Sulla's principles ; for he likewise put to death fought on the banks of the Sucro (Xucar). It
Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus, the son of Lepidus, was obstinately contested, but was not decisive.
whom he took prisoner at Alba in Liguria. The The right wing, where Pompey commanded in
war in Italy was now at an end ; for Lepidus, person,
was put to flight by Sertorius, and Pompey
despairing of bolding his ground in Etruria, had himself was nearly killed in the pursuit ; his left
sailed with the remainder of his forces to Sardinia, wing, however, which was under the command of
where he died shortly afterwards
his legate L. Afranius, drove the right wing of
The senate, who now began to dread Pompey, Sertorius's army off the field, and took his camp.
ordered him to disband his army ; but he found Night put an end to the battle ; and the approach
various excuses for evading this command, as he of Metellus on the following day obliged Sertorius
was anxious to obtain the command of the war to retire. Pompey and Metellus then continued
against Sertorius in Spain. Sertorius was the only together for a time, but were reduced to great
surviving general of the Marian party, who still straits for want of provisions, and were frequently
continued to hold out against the aristocracy. By obliged to separate in order to obtain food and
his extraordinary genius and abilities he had won fodder. On one of these occasions they were
the hearts of the Spaniards, and had for the last attacked at the same time, Pompey by Sertorius,
three years successfully opposed Metellus Pius, and Metellus by Perperna ; Metellus defeated the
one of the ablest of Sulla's generals (SERTORIS). latter with a loss of 5000 men, but Pompey was
The misfortunes of Metellus only increased Pom- routed by Sertorius, and lost 6000 of his troons
pey's eagerness to gain laurels, where a veteran Shortly after this Pompey retired, for the wintes,
## p. 480 (#496) ############################################
480
POMPEIUS.
POMPEIUS.
to the country of the Vaccaei, whence he wrote to decisive battle with Spartacus in Lucania, in which
the senate, in the most earnest terms, for a further the latter perished with a great part of his troops ;
supply of troops and corn, threatening to quit but Pompey was fortunate enough to fall in with
Spain if he did not receive them, as he was re-six thousand of the fugitives, who had rallied again,
solved to continue the war no longer at his own and whom he cut to pieces, and thereupon he wrote
expence. His demands were complied with, and to the senate, “ Crassus, indeed, has defeated the
two legions were sent to his assistance ; for the enemy, but I have extirpated the war by the roots,"
consul L. Lucullus, who then had great influence Thus he claimed for himself, in addition to all his
with the senate, feared that Pompey might execute other exploits, the glory of finishing the Servile
his threat returning to Italy, and then deprive war; and the people, who now idolized him, were
him of the command of the Mithridatic war. only too willing to admit his claims. Crassus
Of the campaigns of the next three years (B. C. deeply felt the injustice that was done him, but he
74-72) we have little information ; but Sertorius, dared not show his resentment, as he was anxious
who had lost some of his influence over the Spanish for the consulship, and could not dispense with the
tribes, and who had become an object of jealousy services of Pompey in obtaining it . Pompey him-
to M. Perperna and his principal Roman officers, self bad also declared himself a candidate for the
was unable to prosecute the war with the same same honour ; and although he was ineligible by
vigour as he had done during the two preceding law, inasmuch as he was absent from Rome, had
years. Pompey accordingly gained some advan- not yet reached the legal age, and had not held
inges over him, but the war was still far from a any of the lower offices of the state, still his
close ; and the genius of Sertorius would probably election was certain.
;
He had always been a
have soon given a very different aspect to affairs, personal favourite with the people ; and during
had he not been assassinated by Perperna in B. c. his long absence from Italy, they seemed to
72. (Sertorius. ] Perperna had Hattered himself have forgotten that he had been one of Sulla's
that he should succeed to the power of Sertorius ; principal generals, and only looked upon him as
but he soon found that he had murdered the only the great general, who had delivered Italy from an
man who was able to save him from ruin and invasion of Spanish barbarians. In their eyes he
death. In his first battle with Pompey, he was no longer belonged to the aristocratical party, whose
completely defeated, his principal officers slain, corruption and venality both as magistrates and
and himself taken prisoner. Anxious to save his judices had become intolerable. Pompey likewise
life he offered to deliver up to Pompey the papers was not ignorant that he was an object of jealousy
of Sertorius, which contained letters from many of and dislike to the leading members of the aristocracy,
the leading men at Rome, inviting Sertorius to and that they would be ready enough to throw him
Italy, and expressing a desire to change the con. on one side, whenever an opportunity presented.
stitution which Sulla had established. But Pompey He accordirgly resolved to answer the expec-
refused to see him, and commanded him to be put tations which the people had formed respecting
to death, and the letters to be burnt: the latter him, and declared himself in favour of a restoration
was an act of prudence for which Pompey deserves of the tribunician power, which had been abolished
no small praise. The war was now virtually at by Sulla. The senate dared not offer any resist-
an end ; and the remainder of the year was em- ance to his election ; at the head of a powerful
ployed in subduing the towns which had com- army, and backed by the popular enthusiasm, he
promised themselves too far to hope for forgiveness, could have played the part of Sulla, if he had
and which accordingly still held out against chosen. The senate, therefore, thought it more
Pompey. By the winter the greater part of Spain prudent to release him from the laws, which dis-
was reduced to obedience ; and some of the qualified him from the consulship; and he was
Spaniards, who had distinguished themselves by accordingly elected without any open opposition
their support of the troops of the republic, were along with M. Crassus, whom he had recommended
rewarded by Pompey with the Roman franchise to the people as his colleague. A triumph, of
Among those who received this honour was L. course, could not be refused him on account of his
Cornelius Balbus, whose cause Cicero subsequently victories in Spain ; and accordingly, on the 31st of
pleaded in an oration that has come down to us. December, B. c. 71, he entered the city a second
[BALBUS. ) Metellus had taken no part in the time in his triumphal car, a simple eques.
final struggle with Perperna, and returned to Italy On the 1st of January, B. c. 70, Pompey entered
before Pompey.
The latter thus obtained the on his consulship with M. Crassus. One of his
credit of bringing the war to a conclusion, and of first acts was to redeem the pledge he had given
making, in conjunction with commissioners from to the people, by bringing forward a law for the
the senate, the final arrangements for settling the restoration of the tribunician power. Sulla had
affairs of the conquered country: His reputation, allowed the tribunicial office to continue, but had
which had been a little dimmed by the long con-deprived it of the greater part of its power ; and
tinuance of the war, now burst forth more brightly there was no object for which the people were so
than erer ; and the people longed for his return, eager as its restoration in its former authority
that he might deliver Italy from Spartacus and and with its ancient privileges. Modern writers
his horde of gladiators, who had defeated the con- have disputed whether its restoration was an in-
suls, and were in possession of a great part of the jury or a benefit to the state ; but such specula-
country.
tions are of little use, since it is certain, that the
In B. C. 71 Pompey returned to Italy at the measure was inevitable, and that it was quite
head of his army. Crassus, who had now the impossible to maintain the aristocratical consti-
conduct of the war against Spartacus, hastened tution in the form in which it had been left by
to bring it to a conclusion before the arrival of Sulla. It is probable enough that Pompey was
Pompey, who he feared might rob him of the chiefly induced by his love of popular favour to
laurels of the campaign. He accordingly fought a propose the law, but he may also have had the
## p. 481 (#497) ############################################
POMPEIUS.
481
POMPEIUS.
senate.
good sense to see, what the short-sightedness of Greece and of the islands, but even of Itnly itself,
the majority of the aristocracy blinded them to, and had at length carried their audacity so far as
that further opposition to the people would have to make descents upon the Appian rond, and carry
been most injurious to the interests of the aris- off Roman magistrates, with all their attendants
tocracy itself.
The law was passed with little and lictors. All cominunication between Rome
opposition ; for the senate felt that it was worse and the provinces was cut off, or at least rendered
than useless to contend against Pompey, supported extremely dangerous ; the fleets of corn-vessels,
as he was by the popular enthusiasm, and by his upon which Rome to a great extent depended for
troops, which were still in the immediate neigh- | its subsistence, could not reach the city, and the
bourhood of the city. Later in the same year price of provisions in consequence rose enormously,
Pompey also struck another blow at the aristocracy Such a state of things had become intolerable, and
by lending his all-powerful aid to the repeal of all eyes were now directed to Pompey. He, howe
another of Sulla's laws. From the time of C. ever, was not willing to take any ordinary com-
Gracchus (B. C. 123) to that of Sulla (B. C. 80), mand, and the scarcity of provisions made the
the judices had been taken exclusively from the people ready to grant him any power he might ask.
equestrian order ; but by one of Sulla's laws they still he was prudent enough not to ask in person
had been chosen during the last ten years from the for such extraordinary powers as he desired, and
The corruption and venality of the latter to appear only to yield to the earnest desires of
in the administration of justice had excited such the people. Accordingly, at the beginning of the
general indignation that some change was cla- year B. C. 67, he got the tribune Gabinius, a
morously demanded by the people. Accordingly, man of abandoned character, and whose services he
the praetor L. Aurelius Cotta with the approbation had probably purchased, to bring forward a bill,
of Pompey, proposed a law by which the judices which was intended to give Pompey almost ab.
were to be taken in future from the senatus, solute authority over the greater part of the Roman
equites, and tribuni aerarii, the latter probably world. It proposed that the people should elect a
representing the wealthier members of the third man with consular rank, who should possess un-
order in the state. (Comp. Madvig, De Tribunis limited and irresponsible power for three years
aerariis, in Opuscula, vol. ii. p. 242, &c. ) This law over the whole of the Mediterranean, and to a
was likewise carried; but it did not improve the distance of fifty miles inland from its coasts,
purity of the administration of justice, since cor- who should have fifteen legates from the senate,
ruption was not confined to the senators, but a fleet of 200 ships, with as many soldiers and
pervaded all classes of the community alike. In sailors as he thought necessary, and 6000 Attic
carrying both these measures Pompey was strongly | talents. The bill did not name Pompey, but it
supported by Caesar, with whom he was thug was clear who was meant. The aristocracy were
brought into close connection, and who, though he in the utmost alarm, for not only did they dread
was rapidly rising in popular favour, could as yet the ambition of Pompey, but they feared that he
only hope to weaken the power of the aristocracy might interfere with many of their friends and
through Pompey's means.
relatives, who held provinces which would come
Pompey had thus broken with the aristocracy, under his imperium, and probably spoil their plans
and had become the great popular hero. On the for making their fortunes by the plunder of the
expiration of his consulship he dismissed his army, provincials. Accordingly, they resolved to offer
which he no longer needed for the purpose of over- the most vigorous opposition to the bill. In the
awing the senate, and for the next two years (B. C. senate Caesar was almost the only member of the
69 and 68) he remained in Rome, as he had pre- senate who came forward in its support. Party.
viously declared that he would not accept a pro spirit ran to such a height that the most serious
vince. Having had little or no experience in civil riots ensued. The aristocracy, headed by the
affairs, be prudently kept aloof during this time from consul C. Piso, made an attack upon Gabinius,
all public matters, and appeared seldom in public, who, in danger of his life, fled for refuge to the
and then never without a large retinue, in order people ; and they, in their turn, led on by Gabi-
to keep up among the people the feelings of re- nius, assaulted the senate-house, and would pro-
spectful admiration with which they had hitherto bably have sacrificed the consul to their fury, had
regarded him. Pompey did not possess the diver-not Gabinius effected his rescue, dreading the
sified talents of Caesar: he was only a soldier, odium which such a catastrophe would have occa-
but he showed no small good sense in abstaining sioned. Even Pompey himself was threatened by
from meddling with matters which he did not the consul, “ If you emulate Romulus, you will
understand. But the necessities of the common- not escape the end of Romulus. ” When the day
wealth did not allow him to remain long in inactivity. came for putting the bill to the vote, Pompey
The Mediterranean sea was at this time swarming affected to be anxious for a little rest, and entreated
with pirates. From the earliest times down to the the people to appoint another to the command, but
present day piracy has more or less prevailed in this piece of hypocrisy deceived no one. Q. Catu-
this sea, which, lying as it does between three lus and Q. Hortensius spoke against the bill with
continents, and abounding with numerous creeks great eloquence, but with no effect. Thereupon
and islands, presents at the same time both the the tribune L. Trebellius, whom the aristocracy
greatest temptations and the greatest facilities for had gained over, placed his veto upon the voting ;
piratical pursuits. Moreover, in consequence of the and as no threats nor entreaties could induce him
civil wars in which the Romans had been engaged, to withdraw his opposition, Gabinius proposed
and the absence of any fleet to preserve order upon that he should be deprived of his tribuneship.
the sea, piracy had reached an alarming height. Even then it was not till seventeen out of the
The pirates possessed fleets in all parts of the thirty-five tribes had voted for his degradation,
Mediterranean, were in the habit of plundering that Trebellius gave way, and withdrew his veto.
the most wealthy cities on the coasts, not only of It was now too late in the day to come to any
VOL. III,
11
## p. 482 (#498) ############################################
482
POMPEIUS.
POMPEIUS.
1
decision, but on the following morning the bill the panegyric of Cicero (pro Leg. Man. 12)
was passed, and became a law. When Pompey • Pompey made his preparations for the war
appeared before the people and accepted the com- at the end of the winter, entered upon it at the
mand, he was received with shouts of joy ; and upon commencement of spring, and finished it in the
his asking for still greater means in order to bring middle of the summer. " Pompey, however, did
the war to a conclusion, his requests were readily not immediately return to Rome, but was employed
complied with. Ile now obtained 500 vessels, during the remainder of this year and the begin.
120,000 snilors and foot-soldiers, 5000 horse- ning of the following (1. c. 66) in visiting the
soldiers, 24 legates, and the power of taking such cities of Cilicia and Pamphylia, and providing for
sums of money as he might think fit out of the the government of the newly-conquered districis.
public treasury. On the day that the bill was It was during this time that he received ambassa-
passed the price of provisions at Rome immediately dors from the Cretans, and endeavoured to obtain
fell : this was to the people the most conclusive the credit of the pacification of that island, when
answer that could be given to the objections of the its conquest had been completed by Q. Metellus.
aristocracy, and showed, at all events, the immense The history of this event is related elsewhere,
confidence which all parties placed in the military [METELLUS, No. 23. )
abilities of Pompey.
Pompey was now anxious to obtain the command
Pompey completed all his preparations by the of the war against Mithridates. The rapidity with
end of the winter, and was ready to commence ope- which he had crushed the pirates, whose power had
rations early in the spring. His plans were formed been so long an object of dread, formed a striking
with grent skill and judgment and were crowned contrast to the long-continued struggle which Lil-
with complete success. He stationed his legates cullus had been carrying on ever since the year
with different squadrons in various parts of the B. c. 74 with the king of Pontus. Nay more, the
Mediterrancan to prevent the pirates from uniting, victories which Lucullus had gained at first had
and to hunt them out of the various bays and been forgotten in the disasters, which the Roman
creeks in which they concealed themselves ; while, armies had lately experienced, and in consequence of
at the same time, he swept the middle of the sea which Mithridates was now once more in possession
with the main body of his fleet, and drove them of his hereditary dominions. The end of the war
eastwards. In forty days he cleared the western seemed more distant than ever. The people
sea of pirates, and restored communication between demanded again the invincible arm of Pompey.
Spain, Africa, and Italy. After then remaining a Accordingly, the tribune C. Manilius, who had been
short time in Italy, he sailed from Brundisium; and secured by Pompey and his friends, brought for-
on his way towards Cilicia, where the pirates had ward a bill at the beginning of B. c. 66, giving to
gathered in large numbers, he stopped at Athens, Pompey the command of the war against Mithri-
where he was received with divine honours. With dates, with unlimited power over the army and
the assistance of his legates he cleared the seas as the fleet in the East, and with the rights of a pro-
he went along ; and, in consequence of his treating consul in the whole of Asia as far as Armenia.
mercifully the crews which fell into his power, num- As his proconsular power already extended over all
bers surrendered themselves to him, and it was the coasts and islands of the Mediterranean in
chiefly through their means that he was able to virtue of the Gabinian law, this new measure
track out the lurking places of those who still lay virtually placed almost the whole of the Roman
in concealment. The main body of the pirates had dominions in his hands. But there was no power,
deposited their families and property in the heights however excessive, which the people were not ready
of Mount Taurus, and with their ships awaited Pom- to intrust to their favourite hero ; and the bill was
pey's approach off the promontory of Coracaesium in accordingly passed, notwithstanding the opposition
Cilicia. Here the decisive battle was fought; the of Hortensius, Catulus, and the aristocratical party.
pirates were defeated, and fled for refuge into the Cicero advocated the measure in an oration which
town, which they shortly afterwards surrendered has come down to us (Pro Lege Manilia), and
with all their property, and promised to evacuate Caesar likewise supported it with his growing popu-
all their strong places. The humanity with which larity and influence. On receiving intelligence of
Pompey had acted during the whole of the war, this new appointment, Pompey, who was then in
contributed very much to this result, and saved Cilicia, complained that his enemies would not let
him a tedious and difficult campaign among the him rest in peace, and that they were exposing him
fastnesses of Mount Taurus. More than 20,000 to new dangers in hopes of getting rid of him.
prisoners fell into his hands ; and as it would have this piece of hypocrisy, however, deceived no one,
been dangerous to turn them loose upon society and Pompey himself exhibited no unwillingness
without creating some provision for them, he settled to take the command which had been given him.
them in various towns, where it would be difficult | He immediately crossed the Taurus, and received
for them to resume their former habits of life. the army from Lucullus, whom he treated with
Those on whom most reliance could be placed marked contempt, repealing all his measures and
were distributed among the small and somewhat disparaging his exploits.
depopulated cities of Cilicia, and a large number The power of Mithridates had been broken by
was settled at Soli, which had been lately deprived the previous victories of Lucullus, and the suc-
of its inhabitants by the Armenian king Tigranes, cesses which the king had gained lately were only
and which was henceforward called Pompeiopolis. of a temporary nature, and were mainly owing to
The worse class were removed to Dyme in Achaia, the disorganisation of the Roman army. The most
or to Calabria. The second part of this campaign, difficult part of the war had already been finished
reckoning from the time that Pompey sailed from before Pompey was appointed to the command, and
Brundisium, occupied only forty-nine days, and it was therefore only left to him to bring it to a con-
the whole war was brought to a conclusion inclusion. For this purpose he had a more numerous
the course of three months ; so that, to adopt army and a more powerful fleet than Lucullus had
## p. 483 (#499) ############################################
POMPEIUS.
483
POMPEIUS.
erer possessed. The plan of his campaign, how: 1 Pompey left L. Afranius with a part of his
ever, was characterised by great military skill, and forces in the country between the Euphrates and
fully justified the confidence which the Roman the Araxes, and proceeded himself with the
people reposcd in him. One of his first measures rest of his army towards the north in pursuit of
was to secure the friendship and alliance of the Mithridates. But the season was already so far
Parthian king, Phraates III. , a step by which he advanced that he could not advance further with
not only deprived Mithridates of all hopes of the them than the river Cyrus (the Kur), in the
co-operation of that monarch, but likewise cut him neighbourhood of which he resolved to take up his
off from all assistance from the Armenian king quarters for the winter. The legions were dis-
Tigranes, who was now obliged to look to the tributed through the country in three separate
bifety of his own dominions. Pompey next sta- divisions ; and Orocses, king of Albania, on the
tioned his ficet in different squadrons around the borders of whose kingdom the Romans were en-
coasts of Asia Minor, in order to deprive Mithri- camped, thought this a favourable opportunity for
dates of all communication from the sea, and he crushing the invaders. He accordingly crossed the
then proceeded in person at the head of his land Cyrus at the head of a large army about the
forces against the king. Thus thrown back upon middle of December, but was casily defeated by
his own resources, Mithridates sned for peace, but Pompey, and compelled to suc for peace, which
as Pompey would hear of nothing but unqualified was granted him on condition of his giving the
submission, the negotiation was broken off. The Romans a passage through his territories.
king was still at the head of an army of 30,000 In B. c. 65 Pompey commenced his march north-
foot and 2000 horse, but he knew too well the wards in pursuit of Mithridates, but he had first
strength of a Roman arniy to venture an en- to fight against the Iberians, a warlike people,
gagement with these forces, and accordingly with who lay between the Albanians on the east and
drew gradually to the frontiers of Armenia.
cognomen shows that he belonged to the preceding praetor T. Albucius, against whom he collected
family, but his descent is quite uncertain. In his materials for an accusation, although the Romans
praetorship he was sent to Capua, where he re- regarded the relation between praetor and quaestor
inained part of the following year, because it | as a sacred one, like that between father and
ܪ
## p. 477 (#493) ############################################
POMPEIUS.
477
POMPEIUS.
Bon. For that reason he was not allowed to con- year, B. C. 87, Strabo was killed by lightning. llis
duct the accusation, which was assigned to C. avarice and cruelty had made himn hated by the
Caesar instead (Cic. Div. in Curcil. 19). He was soldiers to such a degree, that they tore his corpse
probably praetor in B. c. 94, and obtained in the from the bier and dragged it through the streets.
following year the government of Sicily (Cic. Verr. Cicero describes him (Brut. 47) as worthy of
iii. 16, v. 66). On the breaking out of the Social hatred on account of his cruelty, avarice, and per-
or Marsic war, in B. c. 90, Pompeius served as fidy. " He possessed some reputation as an orator,
legate under the consul P. Rutilius Lupus. Pom. and still more as a general. He left behind him
peius was at first deſeated, and obliged to take a considerable property, especially in Picenum ;
refuge at Firmum, where he was besieged by and his anxiety to protect his estates probably led
Afranius, one of the Italian generals. But when him to make that neighbourhood one of the princi-
Sulpicius came to his assistance, Afranius was at pal scats of the war against the Italians (Appian,
tacked at once by the two Roman arinies, and lost B. C. i. 40, 47, 52, 60—60, 80 ; Liv. Epit. 74–
his life in the battle: his troops Aed in confusion 79; Vell. Pat. ii. 20, 21 ; Flor. iii. 18 ; Oros. v.
to Asculum. To this town Pompeius proceeded to 18 ; Plut. Pomp. 1, 3 ; Cic. Philipp. xii. 11. )
lny siege ; and as he seems to have been regarded 22. Cn. POMPEIUS MAGNUS, the son of No. 21,
as a general of no mean abilities, he was elected to and afterwards the triumvir, was born on the 30th
the consulship, B. C. 89, with L. Porcius Cato. of Septeinber, B. c. 106, in the consulship of Atilius
Soon after entering upon his consulship, he de Serranus and Servilius Caepio.
He was con-
feated the Italians on the east coast, who, ignorant sequently a few months younger than Cicero, who
that the Etruscans had made terms with the Ro- was born on the 3d of January in this year, and
mans, were marching to their assistance. He fol- six years older than Caesar. He had scarcely left
lowed up this victory by others, and defeated, in school before he was summoned to serve under his
succession, the Marsi, Marrucini, and Vestini. He father in the Social war. He fought under him in
at length took Asculum, and subdued the Picen- B. C. 89 against the Italians, when he was only
tines, and returned to Rome at the end of the seventeen years of age, and continued with him
year, which he entered in triumph on the 27th of till his death two years afterwards. He was pre-
December. Before he laid down his consulship, sent at the battle of the Colline Gate, in B. c. 87,
he probably brought forward the law (lex Pom- and, as has been already related, he saved the life of
peia), which gave to all the towns of the Transpa- his father, and quelled an insurrection of the sol-
dani the Jus Latii or Latinitas.
diers by his courage and activity. The death of
In the following year, B. C. 88, occurred the dread his father soon after this event left Pompey his own
fal struggle between Marius and Sulla for the com- master at the age of nineteen. The aristocratical
mand of the Mithridatic war, which ended in the party were no longer able to offer any opposition to
proscription of Marius, and his flight from Italy. Marius and Cinna, who accordingly entered Home
Strabo had returned to his army, and was engaged in shortly afterwards, and took a bloody revenge on
southern Italy in completing the subjugation of the their opponents. Pompey's house was plundered ;
Italians, when he learnt that the senate had deprived and he did not venture to appear in public till
him of the command, and had assigned his army to after the death of Marius in the following year,
the consul Q. Pompeius Rufus, to whom the care of B. C. 86. His enemies, however, immediately ac-
Italy was entrusted, while his colleague Sulla was cused him of having shared with his father in the
engaged in the Mithridatic war. But Strabo, who plunder of Asculum. Not trusting either to the
was excessively fond of power, was indignant at justice of his cause, or to the eloquence of his advo-
this decision. He however concealed his resent- cates, L. Marcius Philippus and Q. Hortensius, he
ment and handed over the army to Rufus; but at agreed to marry the daughter of the praetor Antis.
the same time he secretly instigated the soldiers to tius, who presided at the trial, and was in con-
murder their new commander, which they accord sequence acquitted.
ingly did shortly afterwards. He affected great In B. C. 84, the Marian party made great
horror of the crime, but took no steps to bring the preparations to oppose Sulla, who had now
perpetrators to justice ; and Sulla, who was on the finished the Mithridatic war, and was on his way
point of starting for the East, was obliged to over- to Italy. Pompey, though so young, was fired
look the murder.
with the ambition of distinguishing himself above
Next year, B. C. 87, the Marian party obtained all the other leaders of the aristocracy; and while
the upper hand. L. Cinna, who had been driven the rest were content to wait quietly for Sulla's
out of the city by his colleague Cn. Octavius, had arrival in Italy to deliver them from their enemies,
collected a formidable army, and being joined by Pompey resolved to share with Sulla the glory of
Marius, advanced against Rome. The aristocracy crushing the Marian party. He accordingly fled from
summoned Pompeius Strabo to their aid; but as the
of Cinna shorly before the Litter was mur.
he commanded against their wish, and had been dered, and hastened to Picenum, where he pro-
refused a second consulship this year, he was un- ceeded to levy troops without holding any public
willing to espouse their side. Still, not being pre- office, and without any authority from the senate
pared to join the other party, he advanced by slow or people. The influence which he possessed by
marches to the relief of the city, and, contrary to his large estates in Picenum, and by his personal
his wishes, was obliged to fight near the Colline popularity, enabled him to raise an army of three
Gate with Cinna and Sertorius. The battle was legions by the beginning of the following year,
not decisive, but Strabo was unable to play any B. c. 83. ile assumed the command at Auximum, a
longer a neutral part. Cinna attempted to remove town in the north of Picenum, not far from An-
him by assassination, but he was saved by the cona ; and while the rest of the aristocracy hastened
energy and prudence of his son, who also quelled to join Sulla, who had landed at Brundisium,
a dangerous mutiny among the soldiers. Shortly Pompey was anxious to distinguish himself by
after these events, and in the course of the same some brilliant success over the enemy. The faults
camp
## p. 478 (#494) ############################################
478
POMPEIUS.
POMPEIUS.
Next
of the Marian generals gave him the wished-for 1 he was seized and brought in chains to Pomper,
opportunity; he was surrounded by three armies, at Lily baeum, who put him to death, and sent
commanded respectively by M. Brutus, C. Caelius his head to Sulla He likewise executed several
Caldus, and C. Carrinas, whose great object seems others of the Marian party ; but he can scarcely
to have been to prevent his escape to Sulla. Pom- be reproached with cruelty for so doing, as he had
pey now displayed for the first time the great no other alternative, even if he had wished to
military abilities for which he became afterwards save them ; and he treated the cities which had
80 conspicuous ; he concentrated all his forces in one espoused the popular side with greater leniency
spot, and then fell upon M. Brutis at a time when than might have been expected. Next year, B. C.
he could receive no assistance from the other ge- 81, Pompey left Sicily, and passed over to Africa,
nerals, and completely defeated him. Pompey also in order to oppose Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, the
distinguished himself by his personal bravery in son-in-law of Cinna, who, with the assistance of
this engagement, charging at the head of his ca- Hiarbas, had collected a formidable army. But
valry, and striking down a Celtic horseman with his troops, chiefly consisting of Numidians, were
his own hand. The Marian generals, after the no match for the veterans who had conquered the
loss of this battle, quarrelied among themselves, and well-disciplined Italian allies. Still they fought
withdrew from the country. Pompey, who had with great bravery, and out of 20,000 only 3000
no longer an enemy to oppose him, set out to join are said to have survived the decisive battle.
Sulla, and was hailed as a deliverer by the towns Their camp was taken, and Domitius fell. In a
of Picenum, who had now no other alternative but few months Pompey reduced the whole of Nu-
submission. Ile was proscribed by the senate, midia ; Hiarbas was taken prisoner and put to
but his troops proved faithful to him, and he death, and his throne was given to Hiempsal.
joined Sulla in safety, having already gained for But it was not only his military achievements that
himself a brilliant reputation. He was received gained him great renown at Rome ; unlike other
by Sulla with still greater distinction than he had Roman governors, be abstained from plundering
anticipated ; for when he leapt down from his the province, which seemed the more extraordinary,
horse, and saluted Sulla by the title of Imperator, since the disturbed state of the country afforded
the latter returned the compliment by addressing him particular facilities for doing so. Intent upon
him by the same title. Pompey was only twenty- triumphing, he collected a great number of elephants
three, and had not held any public office when he and lions in Numidia, and returned to Rome, in the
received this unprecedented mark of honour. same year, covered with glory. As he approached
year, B. c. 82, the war was prosecuted with Rome, numbers flocked out of the city to meet
vigour against the Marian party. Pompey took a him; and the dictator himself, who formed one of
prominent part in it as one of Sulla's legates, and the crowd, greeted him with the surname of
by his success gained still further distinction. The Magnus, which he bore ever afterwards, and
younger Marius, who was now consul, was block-handed down to his children. * But Pompey did
aded in Praeneste, and his colleague, Carbo, was not find it easy to obtain his wished-for triumph.
making every effort to relieve him. Sulla himself Hitherto no one but a dictator, consul, or praetor,
fought an indecisive battle against Carbo ; but his had enjoyed this distinction, and it seemed a
legates, Marcius and Carrinas, were defeated by monstrous thing for a simple eques, who had not
Pompey. Carbo then retreated to Ariminum, and yet obtained a place in the senate, to coret this
sent Marcius to the relief of Praeneste ; but Pom- honour. Sulla at first tried to dissuade Pompey
pey defeated the latter again in the Apennines, from pressing his request ; and as he would not
and compelled him to retire. Despairing of suc- relinquish his design, the matter was referred to
cess, Carbo then abandoned Marius to his fate, and the senate, and there Sulla positively opposed it.
set sail for Africa. Praeneste shortly afterwards Pompey was not, however, to be cowed, and ut-
surrendered. Sulla thus became the master of tered a threat about the rising and the setting
Italy, and was proclaimed dictator.
sun; whereupon Sulla, indignant at his impudence,
ceeded to reward his partizans, and to take ven- shouted out contemptuously, “ Let him triumph
geance on his enemies ; and in order to connect then! " It is true that Sulla's dominion was too
Pompey more closely with himself, he compelled firmly established to be overthrown by Pompey ;
him to marry his step-daughter Aemilia, the but he probably could not have put him down
daughter of his wife Caecilia Metella, by her for- | without a struggle, and therefore thought better
mer husband Aemilius Scaurus. To effect this to let him have his own way. Pompey therefore
marriage two divorces had to take place : Pompey entered Rome in triumph as a simple eques in the
was obliged to put away his wife Antistia, though month of September B. c. 81, and before he had
her father had been murdered by Marius as a completed his twenty-fifth year. Pompey's con-
partizan of Sulla, simply on account of his connec- duct in insisting upon a triumph on this occasion
tion with Pompey; and Aemilia was obliged to has been represented by many modern writers as
leave her husband M'. Glabrio, although she was vain and childish ; but it should be recollected
pregnant at the time.
Aemilia died shortly after that it was a vanity which all distinguished
wards in child-birth.
Romans shared, and that to enter Rome drawn in
But although the war in Italy was brought to a
close, the Marian party still held out in other
parts of Europe ; ard Pompey, who was now re- # There can be little doubt that this surname
garded as one of the principal leaders of the aristo- was given to Pompey on this occasion, though
cracy, was sent against them by Sulla. He first many writers assign it to a different time. The
proceeded to Sicily, to which island Carbo had question is discussed at length by Drumann, vol. ir.
crossed over from Africa, but here met with no p. 335. Pompey did not use it himself till he
opposition ; as soon as he landed, Carbo fled from was appointed to the command of the war against
the island, intending to take refuge in Egypt, but | Sertorius (Plut. Pomp. 13).
He then pro-
## p. 479 (#495) ############################################
POMPEIUS.
479
POMPEIUS.
|
the triumphal car was regarded as one of the general had met with nothing but disasters; and
noblest objects of ambition.
he therefore still continued at the head of his army
Having thus succeeded in carrying his point in the neighbourhood of Rome. The senate, howa
against the dictator Pompey again exhibited his cver, hesitated to give him this opportunity for
power in promoting in B. c. 79 the election of M. gaining fresh distinction and additional power ;
Aemilius Lepidus to the consulship, in opposition but as Sertorius was now joined by Perperna,
to the wishes of Sulla. Through Pompey's in- and was daily becoming more formidable, it be-
fluence Lepidus was not only elected, but obtained came absolutely necessary to strengthen Metellus ;
a greater number of votes than his colleague and as they had no general excepi Pompey, who
Q. Catulus, who was supported by Sulla. The was either competent or willing to conduct the
latter hnd now retired from public affairs, and war against Sertorius, they at length unwillingly
would not relinquish his Epicurean enjoyments for determined to send him to Spain, with the title of
the purpose of defeating Pompey's plans, but con- Proconsul, and with equal powers to Metellus.
tented himself with warning the latter, as he met In the debate in the senate which ended in his
him retuming from the comitia in triumph, “ Young appointment, it was urged that no private man
man, it is time for you not to slumber, for you ought to receive the title of Proconsul, whereupon
have strengthened your rival against yourself. " L. Philippus replied with bitter scorn, in allusion
The words of Sulla were prophetic; for upon his to the insignificance of the existing consuls, “ Non
death, wliich happened in the course of the same ego illum mea sententia pro consule, sed pro con-
year, Lepidus attempted to repeal the laws of Sulln, sulibus mitto. "
and to destroy the aristocratical constitution which In forty days Pompey completed his prepara-
he had established. He seems to have reckoned tions, and left Italy with an army of 30,000 foot
upon the support of Pompey ; but in this he was and 1000 horse, at the beginning of B. c. 76, being
disappointed, for Ponipey remained faithful to the then thirty years of age. He crossed the Alps
aristocracy, and thus saved his party. During the between the sources of the Rhône and the Po,
year of the consulship of Lepidus and Catulus, and advanced towards the southern coast of Spain.
B. C. 78, peace was with difficulty preserved The Spanish tribes, through which he marched,
(LEPIDUS, No. 13] ; but at the beginning of the did not offer him much resistance, and the town of
following year B. c.
77, Lepidus, who had been Lauron (not far from Valencia) declared in his
ordered by the senate to repair to his province favour. But the approach of Sertorius quickly
Further Gaul, marched against Rome at the head changed the face of matters, and taught Pompey
of an army, which he had collected in Etruria. that he had a more formidable enemy to deal with
Here Pompey and Catulus were ready to receive than any he had yet encountered. His army was
him ; and in the battle which followed under the suddenly surprised by Sertorius, and he was obliged
walls of the city, Lepidus was defeated and obliged to retreat with the loss of a legion. Sertorius fol-
to take to flight. While Catulus followed him into lowed up his victory by taking the town of Lauron,
Etruria, Pompey marched into Cisalpine Gaul, which he committed to the flames, almost before
where M. Brutus, the father of the so-called ty- Pompey's face. Thus his first campaign in Spain
rannicide, commanded a body of troops on behalf ended ingloriously. He passed the winter in the
of Lepidus. On Pompey's approach Brutus threw Nearer Province, and at the beginning of B. c. 75
himself into Mutina, which he defended for some crossed the Iberus, and again marched southward
time, but at length surrendered the town to against C. Herennius and Perperna, the legates of
Pompey, on condition that his life should be Sertorius. These he defeated, with great loss,
spared. This was granted by Pompey; but next near Valencia ; and elated with his success, and
day he was murdered, by Pompey's orders, at anxious to wipe off the disgrace of the preceding
Rhegium, a small town on the Po, whither he had year, he hastened to attack Sertorius, hoping to
retired after the surrender of Mutina. Pompey was crush him entirely before Metellus arrived to share
much blamed for this cruel and perfidious act, which the glory with him. Sertorius, who had advanced
was however more in accordance with the spirit of from the west, was equally eager to fight before
his party than his own general conduct. But he the junction of the two Ronan armies. The
seems to have acted now in accordance with battle, thus eagerly desired by both generals, was
Sulla's principles ; for he likewise put to death fought on the banks of the Sucro (Xucar). It
Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus, the son of Lepidus, was obstinately contested, but was not decisive.
whom he took prisoner at Alba in Liguria. The The right wing, where Pompey commanded in
war in Italy was now at an end ; for Lepidus, person,
was put to flight by Sertorius, and Pompey
despairing of bolding his ground in Etruria, had himself was nearly killed in the pursuit ; his left
sailed with the remainder of his forces to Sardinia, wing, however, which was under the command of
where he died shortly afterwards
his legate L. Afranius, drove the right wing of
The senate, who now began to dread Pompey, Sertorius's army off the field, and took his camp.
ordered him to disband his army ; but he found Night put an end to the battle ; and the approach
various excuses for evading this command, as he of Metellus on the following day obliged Sertorius
was anxious to obtain the command of the war to retire. Pompey and Metellus then continued
against Sertorius in Spain. Sertorius was the only together for a time, but were reduced to great
surviving general of the Marian party, who still straits for want of provisions, and were frequently
continued to hold out against the aristocracy. By obliged to separate in order to obtain food and
his extraordinary genius and abilities he had won fodder. On one of these occasions they were
the hearts of the Spaniards, and had for the last attacked at the same time, Pompey by Sertorius,
three years successfully opposed Metellus Pius, and Metellus by Perperna ; Metellus defeated the
one of the ablest of Sulla's generals (SERTORIS). latter with a loss of 5000 men, but Pompey was
The misfortunes of Metellus only increased Pom- routed by Sertorius, and lost 6000 of his troons
pey's eagerness to gain laurels, where a veteran Shortly after this Pompey retired, for the wintes,
## p. 480 (#496) ############################################
480
POMPEIUS.
POMPEIUS.
to the country of the Vaccaei, whence he wrote to decisive battle with Spartacus in Lucania, in which
the senate, in the most earnest terms, for a further the latter perished with a great part of his troops ;
supply of troops and corn, threatening to quit but Pompey was fortunate enough to fall in with
Spain if he did not receive them, as he was re-six thousand of the fugitives, who had rallied again,
solved to continue the war no longer at his own and whom he cut to pieces, and thereupon he wrote
expence. His demands were complied with, and to the senate, “ Crassus, indeed, has defeated the
two legions were sent to his assistance ; for the enemy, but I have extirpated the war by the roots,"
consul L. Lucullus, who then had great influence Thus he claimed for himself, in addition to all his
with the senate, feared that Pompey might execute other exploits, the glory of finishing the Servile
his threat returning to Italy, and then deprive war; and the people, who now idolized him, were
him of the command of the Mithridatic war. only too willing to admit his claims. Crassus
Of the campaigns of the next three years (B. C. deeply felt the injustice that was done him, but he
74-72) we have little information ; but Sertorius, dared not show his resentment, as he was anxious
who had lost some of his influence over the Spanish for the consulship, and could not dispense with the
tribes, and who had become an object of jealousy services of Pompey in obtaining it . Pompey him-
to M. Perperna and his principal Roman officers, self bad also declared himself a candidate for the
was unable to prosecute the war with the same same honour ; and although he was ineligible by
vigour as he had done during the two preceding law, inasmuch as he was absent from Rome, had
years. Pompey accordingly gained some advan- not yet reached the legal age, and had not held
inges over him, but the war was still far from a any of the lower offices of the state, still his
close ; and the genius of Sertorius would probably election was certain.
;
He had always been a
have soon given a very different aspect to affairs, personal favourite with the people ; and during
had he not been assassinated by Perperna in B. c. his long absence from Italy, they seemed to
72. (Sertorius. ] Perperna had Hattered himself have forgotten that he had been one of Sulla's
that he should succeed to the power of Sertorius ; principal generals, and only looked upon him as
but he soon found that he had murdered the only the great general, who had delivered Italy from an
man who was able to save him from ruin and invasion of Spanish barbarians. In their eyes he
death. In his first battle with Pompey, he was no longer belonged to the aristocratical party, whose
completely defeated, his principal officers slain, corruption and venality both as magistrates and
and himself taken prisoner. Anxious to save his judices had become intolerable. Pompey likewise
life he offered to deliver up to Pompey the papers was not ignorant that he was an object of jealousy
of Sertorius, which contained letters from many of and dislike to the leading members of the aristocracy,
the leading men at Rome, inviting Sertorius to and that they would be ready enough to throw him
Italy, and expressing a desire to change the con. on one side, whenever an opportunity presented.
stitution which Sulla had established. But Pompey He accordirgly resolved to answer the expec-
refused to see him, and commanded him to be put tations which the people had formed respecting
to death, and the letters to be burnt: the latter him, and declared himself in favour of a restoration
was an act of prudence for which Pompey deserves of the tribunician power, which had been abolished
no small praise. The war was now virtually at by Sulla. The senate dared not offer any resist-
an end ; and the remainder of the year was em- ance to his election ; at the head of a powerful
ployed in subduing the towns which had com- army, and backed by the popular enthusiasm, he
promised themselves too far to hope for forgiveness, could have played the part of Sulla, if he had
and which accordingly still held out against chosen. The senate, therefore, thought it more
Pompey. By the winter the greater part of Spain prudent to release him from the laws, which dis-
was reduced to obedience ; and some of the qualified him from the consulship; and he was
Spaniards, who had distinguished themselves by accordingly elected without any open opposition
their support of the troops of the republic, were along with M. Crassus, whom he had recommended
rewarded by Pompey with the Roman franchise to the people as his colleague. A triumph, of
Among those who received this honour was L. course, could not be refused him on account of his
Cornelius Balbus, whose cause Cicero subsequently victories in Spain ; and accordingly, on the 31st of
pleaded in an oration that has come down to us. December, B. c. 71, he entered the city a second
[BALBUS. ) Metellus had taken no part in the time in his triumphal car, a simple eques.
final struggle with Perperna, and returned to Italy On the 1st of January, B. c. 70, Pompey entered
before Pompey.
The latter thus obtained the on his consulship with M. Crassus. One of his
credit of bringing the war to a conclusion, and of first acts was to redeem the pledge he had given
making, in conjunction with commissioners from to the people, by bringing forward a law for the
the senate, the final arrangements for settling the restoration of the tribunician power. Sulla had
affairs of the conquered country: His reputation, allowed the tribunicial office to continue, but had
which had been a little dimmed by the long con-deprived it of the greater part of its power ; and
tinuance of the war, now burst forth more brightly there was no object for which the people were so
than erer ; and the people longed for his return, eager as its restoration in its former authority
that he might deliver Italy from Spartacus and and with its ancient privileges. Modern writers
his horde of gladiators, who had defeated the con- have disputed whether its restoration was an in-
suls, and were in possession of a great part of the jury or a benefit to the state ; but such specula-
country.
tions are of little use, since it is certain, that the
In B. C. 71 Pompey returned to Italy at the measure was inevitable, and that it was quite
head of his army. Crassus, who had now the impossible to maintain the aristocratical consti-
conduct of the war against Spartacus, hastened tution in the form in which it had been left by
to bring it to a conclusion before the arrival of Sulla. It is probable enough that Pompey was
Pompey, who he feared might rob him of the chiefly induced by his love of popular favour to
laurels of the campaign. He accordingly fought a propose the law, but he may also have had the
## p. 481 (#497) ############################################
POMPEIUS.
481
POMPEIUS.
senate.
good sense to see, what the short-sightedness of Greece and of the islands, but even of Itnly itself,
the majority of the aristocracy blinded them to, and had at length carried their audacity so far as
that further opposition to the people would have to make descents upon the Appian rond, and carry
been most injurious to the interests of the aris- off Roman magistrates, with all their attendants
tocracy itself.
The law was passed with little and lictors. All cominunication between Rome
opposition ; for the senate felt that it was worse and the provinces was cut off, or at least rendered
than useless to contend against Pompey, supported extremely dangerous ; the fleets of corn-vessels,
as he was by the popular enthusiasm, and by his upon which Rome to a great extent depended for
troops, which were still in the immediate neigh- | its subsistence, could not reach the city, and the
bourhood of the city. Later in the same year price of provisions in consequence rose enormously,
Pompey also struck another blow at the aristocracy Such a state of things had become intolerable, and
by lending his all-powerful aid to the repeal of all eyes were now directed to Pompey. He, howe
another of Sulla's laws. From the time of C. ever, was not willing to take any ordinary com-
Gracchus (B. C. 123) to that of Sulla (B. C. 80), mand, and the scarcity of provisions made the
the judices had been taken exclusively from the people ready to grant him any power he might ask.
equestrian order ; but by one of Sulla's laws they still he was prudent enough not to ask in person
had been chosen during the last ten years from the for such extraordinary powers as he desired, and
The corruption and venality of the latter to appear only to yield to the earnest desires of
in the administration of justice had excited such the people. Accordingly, at the beginning of the
general indignation that some change was cla- year B. C. 67, he got the tribune Gabinius, a
morously demanded by the people. Accordingly, man of abandoned character, and whose services he
the praetor L. Aurelius Cotta with the approbation had probably purchased, to bring forward a bill,
of Pompey, proposed a law by which the judices which was intended to give Pompey almost ab.
were to be taken in future from the senatus, solute authority over the greater part of the Roman
equites, and tribuni aerarii, the latter probably world. It proposed that the people should elect a
representing the wealthier members of the third man with consular rank, who should possess un-
order in the state. (Comp. Madvig, De Tribunis limited and irresponsible power for three years
aerariis, in Opuscula, vol. ii. p. 242, &c. ) This law over the whole of the Mediterranean, and to a
was likewise carried; but it did not improve the distance of fifty miles inland from its coasts,
purity of the administration of justice, since cor- who should have fifteen legates from the senate,
ruption was not confined to the senators, but a fleet of 200 ships, with as many soldiers and
pervaded all classes of the community alike. In sailors as he thought necessary, and 6000 Attic
carrying both these measures Pompey was strongly | talents. The bill did not name Pompey, but it
supported by Caesar, with whom he was thug was clear who was meant. The aristocracy were
brought into close connection, and who, though he in the utmost alarm, for not only did they dread
was rapidly rising in popular favour, could as yet the ambition of Pompey, but they feared that he
only hope to weaken the power of the aristocracy might interfere with many of their friends and
through Pompey's means.
relatives, who held provinces which would come
Pompey had thus broken with the aristocracy, under his imperium, and probably spoil their plans
and had become the great popular hero. On the for making their fortunes by the plunder of the
expiration of his consulship he dismissed his army, provincials. Accordingly, they resolved to offer
which he no longer needed for the purpose of over- the most vigorous opposition to the bill. In the
awing the senate, and for the next two years (B. C. senate Caesar was almost the only member of the
69 and 68) he remained in Rome, as he had pre- senate who came forward in its support. Party.
viously declared that he would not accept a pro spirit ran to such a height that the most serious
vince. Having had little or no experience in civil riots ensued. The aristocracy, headed by the
affairs, be prudently kept aloof during this time from consul C. Piso, made an attack upon Gabinius,
all public matters, and appeared seldom in public, who, in danger of his life, fled for refuge to the
and then never without a large retinue, in order people ; and they, in their turn, led on by Gabi-
to keep up among the people the feelings of re- nius, assaulted the senate-house, and would pro-
spectful admiration with which they had hitherto bably have sacrificed the consul to their fury, had
regarded him. Pompey did not possess the diver-not Gabinius effected his rescue, dreading the
sified talents of Caesar: he was only a soldier, odium which such a catastrophe would have occa-
but he showed no small good sense in abstaining sioned. Even Pompey himself was threatened by
from meddling with matters which he did not the consul, “ If you emulate Romulus, you will
understand. But the necessities of the common- not escape the end of Romulus. ” When the day
wealth did not allow him to remain long in inactivity. came for putting the bill to the vote, Pompey
The Mediterranean sea was at this time swarming affected to be anxious for a little rest, and entreated
with pirates. From the earliest times down to the the people to appoint another to the command, but
present day piracy has more or less prevailed in this piece of hypocrisy deceived no one. Q. Catu-
this sea, which, lying as it does between three lus and Q. Hortensius spoke against the bill with
continents, and abounding with numerous creeks great eloquence, but with no effect. Thereupon
and islands, presents at the same time both the the tribune L. Trebellius, whom the aristocracy
greatest temptations and the greatest facilities for had gained over, placed his veto upon the voting ;
piratical pursuits. Moreover, in consequence of the and as no threats nor entreaties could induce him
civil wars in which the Romans had been engaged, to withdraw his opposition, Gabinius proposed
and the absence of any fleet to preserve order upon that he should be deprived of his tribuneship.
the sea, piracy had reached an alarming height. Even then it was not till seventeen out of the
The pirates possessed fleets in all parts of the thirty-five tribes had voted for his degradation,
Mediterranean, were in the habit of plundering that Trebellius gave way, and withdrew his veto.
the most wealthy cities on the coasts, not only of It was now too late in the day to come to any
VOL. III,
11
## p. 482 (#498) ############################################
482
POMPEIUS.
POMPEIUS.
1
decision, but on the following morning the bill the panegyric of Cicero (pro Leg. Man. 12)
was passed, and became a law. When Pompey • Pompey made his preparations for the war
appeared before the people and accepted the com- at the end of the winter, entered upon it at the
mand, he was received with shouts of joy ; and upon commencement of spring, and finished it in the
his asking for still greater means in order to bring middle of the summer. " Pompey, however, did
the war to a conclusion, his requests were readily not immediately return to Rome, but was employed
complied with. Ile now obtained 500 vessels, during the remainder of this year and the begin.
120,000 snilors and foot-soldiers, 5000 horse- ning of the following (1. c. 66) in visiting the
soldiers, 24 legates, and the power of taking such cities of Cilicia and Pamphylia, and providing for
sums of money as he might think fit out of the the government of the newly-conquered districis.
public treasury. On the day that the bill was It was during this time that he received ambassa-
passed the price of provisions at Rome immediately dors from the Cretans, and endeavoured to obtain
fell : this was to the people the most conclusive the credit of the pacification of that island, when
answer that could be given to the objections of the its conquest had been completed by Q. Metellus.
aristocracy, and showed, at all events, the immense The history of this event is related elsewhere,
confidence which all parties placed in the military [METELLUS, No. 23. )
abilities of Pompey.
Pompey was now anxious to obtain the command
Pompey completed all his preparations by the of the war against Mithridates. The rapidity with
end of the winter, and was ready to commence ope- which he had crushed the pirates, whose power had
rations early in the spring. His plans were formed been so long an object of dread, formed a striking
with grent skill and judgment and were crowned contrast to the long-continued struggle which Lil-
with complete success. He stationed his legates cullus had been carrying on ever since the year
with different squadrons in various parts of the B. c. 74 with the king of Pontus. Nay more, the
Mediterrancan to prevent the pirates from uniting, victories which Lucullus had gained at first had
and to hunt them out of the various bays and been forgotten in the disasters, which the Roman
creeks in which they concealed themselves ; while, armies had lately experienced, and in consequence of
at the same time, he swept the middle of the sea which Mithridates was now once more in possession
with the main body of his fleet, and drove them of his hereditary dominions. The end of the war
eastwards. In forty days he cleared the western seemed more distant than ever. The people
sea of pirates, and restored communication between demanded again the invincible arm of Pompey.
Spain, Africa, and Italy. After then remaining a Accordingly, the tribune C. Manilius, who had been
short time in Italy, he sailed from Brundisium; and secured by Pompey and his friends, brought for-
on his way towards Cilicia, where the pirates had ward a bill at the beginning of B. c. 66, giving to
gathered in large numbers, he stopped at Athens, Pompey the command of the war against Mithri-
where he was received with divine honours. With dates, with unlimited power over the army and
the assistance of his legates he cleared the seas as the fleet in the East, and with the rights of a pro-
he went along ; and, in consequence of his treating consul in the whole of Asia as far as Armenia.
mercifully the crews which fell into his power, num- As his proconsular power already extended over all
bers surrendered themselves to him, and it was the coasts and islands of the Mediterranean in
chiefly through their means that he was able to virtue of the Gabinian law, this new measure
track out the lurking places of those who still lay virtually placed almost the whole of the Roman
in concealment. The main body of the pirates had dominions in his hands. But there was no power,
deposited their families and property in the heights however excessive, which the people were not ready
of Mount Taurus, and with their ships awaited Pom- to intrust to their favourite hero ; and the bill was
pey's approach off the promontory of Coracaesium in accordingly passed, notwithstanding the opposition
Cilicia. Here the decisive battle was fought; the of Hortensius, Catulus, and the aristocratical party.
pirates were defeated, and fled for refuge into the Cicero advocated the measure in an oration which
town, which they shortly afterwards surrendered has come down to us (Pro Lege Manilia), and
with all their property, and promised to evacuate Caesar likewise supported it with his growing popu-
all their strong places. The humanity with which larity and influence. On receiving intelligence of
Pompey had acted during the whole of the war, this new appointment, Pompey, who was then in
contributed very much to this result, and saved Cilicia, complained that his enemies would not let
him a tedious and difficult campaign among the him rest in peace, and that they were exposing him
fastnesses of Mount Taurus. More than 20,000 to new dangers in hopes of getting rid of him.
prisoners fell into his hands ; and as it would have this piece of hypocrisy, however, deceived no one,
been dangerous to turn them loose upon society and Pompey himself exhibited no unwillingness
without creating some provision for them, he settled to take the command which had been given him.
them in various towns, where it would be difficult | He immediately crossed the Taurus, and received
for them to resume their former habits of life. the army from Lucullus, whom he treated with
Those on whom most reliance could be placed marked contempt, repealing all his measures and
were distributed among the small and somewhat disparaging his exploits.
depopulated cities of Cilicia, and a large number The power of Mithridates had been broken by
was settled at Soli, which had been lately deprived the previous victories of Lucullus, and the suc-
of its inhabitants by the Armenian king Tigranes, cesses which the king had gained lately were only
and which was henceforward called Pompeiopolis. of a temporary nature, and were mainly owing to
The worse class were removed to Dyme in Achaia, the disorganisation of the Roman army. The most
or to Calabria. The second part of this campaign, difficult part of the war had already been finished
reckoning from the time that Pompey sailed from before Pompey was appointed to the command, and
Brundisium, occupied only forty-nine days, and it was therefore only left to him to bring it to a con-
the whole war was brought to a conclusion inclusion. For this purpose he had a more numerous
the course of three months ; so that, to adopt army and a more powerful fleet than Lucullus had
## p. 483 (#499) ############################################
POMPEIUS.
483
POMPEIUS.
erer possessed. The plan of his campaign, how: 1 Pompey left L. Afranius with a part of his
ever, was characterised by great military skill, and forces in the country between the Euphrates and
fully justified the confidence which the Roman the Araxes, and proceeded himself with the
people reposcd in him. One of his first measures rest of his army towards the north in pursuit of
was to secure the friendship and alliance of the Mithridates. But the season was already so far
Parthian king, Phraates III. , a step by which he advanced that he could not advance further with
not only deprived Mithridates of all hopes of the them than the river Cyrus (the Kur), in the
co-operation of that monarch, but likewise cut him neighbourhood of which he resolved to take up his
off from all assistance from the Armenian king quarters for the winter. The legions were dis-
Tigranes, who was now obliged to look to the tributed through the country in three separate
bifety of his own dominions. Pompey next sta- divisions ; and Orocses, king of Albania, on the
tioned his ficet in different squadrons around the borders of whose kingdom the Romans were en-
coasts of Asia Minor, in order to deprive Mithri- camped, thought this a favourable opportunity for
dates of all communication from the sea, and he crushing the invaders. He accordingly crossed the
then proceeded in person at the head of his land Cyrus at the head of a large army about the
forces against the king. Thus thrown back upon middle of December, but was casily defeated by
his own resources, Mithridates sned for peace, but Pompey, and compelled to suc for peace, which
as Pompey would hear of nothing but unqualified was granted him on condition of his giving the
submission, the negotiation was broken off. The Romans a passage through his territories.
king was still at the head of an army of 30,000 In B. c. 65 Pompey commenced his march north-
foot and 2000 horse, but he knew too well the wards in pursuit of Mithridates, but he had first
strength of a Roman arniy to venture an en- to fight against the Iberians, a warlike people,
gagement with these forces, and accordingly with who lay between the Albanians on the east and
drew gradually to the frontiers of Armenia.
