 Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus | The First Triumvirate was an alliance between Julius Caesar, Marcus Licinius Crassus, and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, also known as Pompey, was a military leader in Rome. Marcus Licinius Crassus, also known as Crassus, was a Roman general and politician. Crassus provided financial and political support to Julius Caesar. Crassus and Pompey had served together in politics (the consulship in 70 BCE) and did not like each other. Caesar convinced them to work with him and help him be elected consul. Caesar was already friends with Crassus and gave Pompey his daughter Julia (who he had with Cornelia at around 83 BCE) in marriage. The Triumvirate was a secret until Senate opposed Caesar’s idea of Roman colonies and Caesar appeared before the Council with Crassus and Pompey, which showed the alliance. The Triumvirate was successful in 59 BCE when Caesar was elected for consul. When he was elected, the government tried to limit his power, but with some help, he was able to become appointed governor of Northern Italy, Southeastern Europe, and Southern France. I believe he did this to gain more power during his consulship year. After his consulship, he was able to escape being prosecuted for “irregularities” while in office and he left Rome for a while (see Conquest of Gaul). The Triumvirate worked together in politics. However, by 56 BCE, the trio was growing tired of each other. They called a meeting that renewed their “friendship”. They decided that Pompey and Crassus would be on the consulship in 55 BCE, allowing Caesar to rule Gaul for five more years. Also, this would give Crassus more power in Syria and Pompey in Hispania. Pompey was jealous of Caesar’s successes (see Gallic War) and did not like Crassus. Crassus and Caesar got along fine. Crassus died in 53 BCE significantly broke the alliance. Pompey being elected consul in 52 BCE took part in driving Caesar’s act of crossing the Rubicon, starting a civil war. Pompey was made a commander in chief and was defeated by Caesar in Egypt. The alliance of the First Triumvirate was officially over. |
