Il primo Triumvirato

Summary

This transcript details key events in the late Roman Republic, focusing on the rise of powerful figures like Pompey, Crassus, and Caesar. Pompey’s military triumphs, including his defeat of Spartacus and his alliance with Crassus, set the stage for his political ascent. The formation of the First Triumvirate in 60 BC saw Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus divide power to bypass the Senate. Caesar’s conquest of Gaul and his ambition for military glory propelled him to greater power, ultimately reshaping Rome’s political landscape and positioning him for future dominance.

Takeaways

• 😀 After the death of Sulla, General Pompey distinguished himself with military exploits during a time of renewed instability between the optimates and populares factions in Rome.
• 😀 Pompey aligned himself with the optimates and, like Sulla, succeeded in suppressing revolts, including those in Etruria and Spain, where he defeated the rebel Quintus Sertorius in 72 BC.
• 😀 In 73 BC, the slave revolt led by Spartacus broke out in Capua, marking the beginning of the Third Servile War, involving gladiators and other anti-Roman factions.
• 😀 Spartacus and his followers were defeated in 71 BC by Crassus, with Pompeo aiding in the final defeat, leading to their shared triumph and return to Rome as victorious generals.
• 😀 Pompey and Crassus were initially denied consulship by the Senate due to not following the required cursus honorum, but they eventually secured the position in 70 BC after aligning with the populares and equestrians.
• 😀 As consuls, Pompey and Crassus reinstated the power of the plebeian tribunate, which had been diminished by Sulla's reforms, signaling their support for the populares.
• 😀 Pompey solidified his military reputation by clearing the Mediterranean of pirates, conquering new territories, defeating Mithridates, and establishing client kingdoms dependent on Rome.
• 😀 Pompey also expanded Rome's territories by eliminating the Seleucid Empire and securing Roman influence over the Bosporan Kingdom and other territories.
• 😀 Julius Caesar, a rising star, was elected Pontifex Maximus in 63 BC and sought to further his political ambitions by aiming for the consulship, despite opposition from the Senate.
• 😀 Caesar, through alliances with Pompey and Crassus, formed the First Triumvirate in 60 BC, an informal pact to dominate Roman politics, bypassing the Senate and securing power for themselves.
• 😀 As part of the Triumvirate's agreements, Caesar was elected consul in 59 BC, and in return for Pompey and Crassus’s support, he promised land for Pompey’s veterans and special privileges for Crassus and his supporters.
• 😀 After serving as consul, Caesar was appointed proconsul in Gaul, which allowed him to pursue his expansionist ambitions, eventually leading to the conquest of the entire Gallic region.

Q & A

Who was Pompey and what were his major military accomplishments?

Pompey was a Roman general who became prominent after the death of Sulla. His major military accomplishments include suppressing revolts in Etruria and Spain, defeating the rebel Quintus Sertorius in 72 BCE, and crushing the Spartacus-led slave revolt in 71 BCE. He also played a key role in liberating the Mediterranean from pirates and expanded Roman influence in the East by defeating Mithridates VI and eliminating the Seleucid Kingdom.

What was the significance of the 'Servile War' and how did Pompey and Crassus contribute to its conclusion?

The 'Servile War' (73-71 BCE) was a major slave revolt led by Spartacus. It involved gladiators, slaves, and anti-Roman elements. Pompey and Crassus both played critical roles in ending the rebellion. While Crassus initially fought the rebels, Pompey joined in and helped secure their defeat. The two generals' actions in the war contributed to their growing political influence in Rome.

Why did the Senate initially refuse to grant Pompey and Crassus the consulship in 70 BCE?

The Senate initially refused to grant Pompey and Crassus the consulship because, according to Roman tradition, a person needed to have held a series of lesser public offices (the *cursus honorum*) before being eligible for the consulship. Pompey and Crassus had not followed this path, making them ineligible for the position at that time.

How did Pompey and Crassus gain the consulship in 70 BCE despite the Senate's refusal?

Pompey and Crassus gained the consulship in 70 BCE by forming a political alliance with the *populares* and the equestrian class. In return for their support, Pompey and Crassus restored the powers of the plebeian tribunate, which had been weakened by Sulla's reforms, thus securing the Senate's approval for their consulship.

What was the role of the plebeian tribunate in Roman politics, and how was it affected by Sulla's reforms?

The plebeian tribunate was a key political office representing the interests of the common people. It had the power to propose legislation and veto decisions by the Senate. Sulla's reforms diminished the power of the tribunate, reducing its influence in favor of the Senate and the aristocracy. However, Pompey and Crassus restored its authority in 70 BCE as part of their political deal.

What military achievements did Pompey accomplish after becoming consul?

After becoming consul, Pompey continued to excel as a military commander. He defeated pirates in the Mediterranean, thereby securing vital trade routes for Rome. He also expanded Roman territories in the East, defeating Mithridates VI and establishing new client kingdoms, such as the Bosporan Kingdom, which became dependent on Rome.

Who was Julius Caesar, and what political position did he obtain in 63 BCE?

Julius Caesar was a rising political and military figure in Rome. In 63 BCE, he obtained the position of Pontifex Maximus, the highest religious office in Rome, responsible for overseeing the priesthood and religious ceremonies. This role gave him significant influence in Roman politics.

What were Julius Caesar's ambitions beyond his religious office, and how did he seek to achieve them?

Julius Caesar’s ambitions went beyond his religious office. He sought the consulship, but the Senate opposed him. To achieve his goals, Caesar formed a political alliance with Pompey and Crassus, leading to the creation of the First Triumvirate in 60 BCE. This alliance allowed him to bypass the Senate and secure the consulship in 59 BCE.

What was the First Triumvirate, and how did it change the political landscape of Rome?

The First Triumvirate was an informal political alliance formed in 60 BCE between Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus. It allowed them to consolidate power and bypass the Senate, effectively controlling Roman politics. Through this alliance, Caesar was able to secure the consulship, and Pompey and Crassus achieved their own political and military goals.

What specific agreements were made between Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus as part of the First Triumvirate?

As part of the First Triumvirate, Caesar agreed to recognize Pompey's eastern conquests and assign lands to his veterans. In exchange for Crassus's support, Caesar agreed to grant privileges to Crassus and his equestrian clients. After serving as consul, Caesar was appointed as proconsul in Gaul, where he aimed to expand Roman territory and increase his political influence.

What role did the *cursus honorum* play in Roman political careers, and why was it important for Pompey and Crassus?

The *cursus honorum* was the official sequence of public offices that Roman politicians were expected to follow before reaching the consulship. It was important because it ensured that individuals had the necessary experience and connections to govern effectively. Pompey and Crassus bypassed this traditional path in their quest for power, which initially led to their rejection by the Senate but ultimately contributed to their political strategy through their alliance.