Ancient Roman Politics: Pompey, Caesar, and the Roman Senate

Pompey and Caesar

Roman Senate

• The Roman Senate was the governing body of the Roman Republic
• Comprised of patrician (noble) class members who held significant power and influence
• Responsible for advising the consuls, passing laws, and overseeing foreign policy
• Pompey, a prominent general and statesman, was a member of the Senate
• Caesar, a rising star in Roman politics, sought to reform the Senate and increase his own power

Roman Civil War

• The Roman Civil War (49-45 BCE) was a conflict between Pompey and Caesar
• Caesar, who had been consul in 59 BCE, was ordered by the Senate to disband his army and return to Rome as a private citizen
• Caesar refused, citing his rights as a victorious general, and led his legions across the Rubicon River into Italy
• Pompey, who had been appointed to command the defense of Rome, was defeated by Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus (48 BCE)
• Caesar emerged victorious, becoming dictator of Rome, while Pompey fled to Egypt where he was eventually assassinated

Crossing the Rubicon

• The Rubicon River marked the boundary between Gaul (modern-day France) and Italy
• Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon with his legions was a symbolic act of defiance against the Senate and Pompey
• It was an unprecedented move, as a Roman general was not allowed to lead an army into Italy without permission from the Senate
• Caesar's action sparked the Roman Civil War, as he sought to gain control of Rome and overthrow Pompey

Learn about the Roman Senate, its functions, and the rivalry between Pompey and Caesar that led to the Roman Civil War.