Pompey the Great

Definition

Pompey the Great was a prominent Roman military and political leader during the late Republic, known for his significant role in the transformation of the Roman state and his rivalry with Julius Caesar. He was a key figure in the First Triumvirate, alongside Caesar and Crassus, and used portraiture to bolster his public image and political power, demonstrating the political use of art during this tumultuous time in Roman history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pompey was initially celebrated as a military hero after his successful campaigns against pirates and in the East, which established his reputation as a formidable leader.
2. He utilized portraiture strategically to create a strong public persona, often commissioning works that depicted him in an idealized manner to project power and authority.
3. Pompey's rivalry with Caesar intensified over time, leading to civil war after the collapse of the First Triumvirate, reflecting the political tensions of the Late Republic.
4. He was responsible for the construction of the Theatre of Pompey, one of Rome's first permanent theaters, which showcased his influence on Roman culture and architecture.
5. Pompey's defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BCE ultimately led to his downfall and assassination in Egypt, marking a significant turning point in Roman history.

Review Questions

• How did Pompey the Great use portraiture to enhance his political image during the Late Republic?
  • Pompey strategically commissioned sculptures and artworks that depicted him as an idealized leader, emphasizing attributes such as strength, wisdom, and virtue. This visual representation helped solidify his public persona as a military hero and a competent statesman. By using portraiture effectively, Pompey aimed to garner support from both the populace and the elite, enhancing his political standing amidst the competitive landscape of Roman politics.
• What were the consequences of Pompey's rivalry with Julius Caesar for Roman politics?
  • The rivalry between Pompey and Caesar culminated in a civil war that drastically altered the trajectory of Roman governance. As tensions escalated following the breakdown of their alliance in the First Triumvirate, Pompey's eventual defeat at Pharsalus not only marked the end of his influence but also paved the way for Caesar's dictatorship. This conflict highlighted the fragility of alliances during this period and ultimately contributed to the decline of the Republic itself.
• Evaluate how Pompey’s actions and policies reflected broader themes in Late Republican Rome.
  • Pompey's rise and fall illustrate key themes such as ambition, power struggles, and the tension between traditional Republican values and emerging autocratic rule. His military successes initially enhanced his political power but also bred resentment among peers, culminating in a conflict with Caesar that exposed vulnerabilities within Roman governance. The way Pompey utilized portraiture also reveals how leaders leveraged art to shape public perception, signaling a shift towards more personalized forms of leadership that foreshadowed future imperial practices.

Related terms

First Triumvirate: A political alliance formed in 60 BCE between Julius Caesar, Pompey the Great, and Marcus Licinius Crassus aimed at consolidating power and influencing Roman politics.

Roman Portraiture: A style of sculpture and painting in ancient Rome that emphasized realism and individualism, often used to convey status, power, and virtues of the subject.

Civil War: A conflict that erupted between Pompey and Julius Caesar from 49-45 BCE, leading to significant changes in the Roman political landscape and culminating in Caesar's rise to power.