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