2. Came from aristocratic ITALIAN (not Roman) family Supported Sulla and the optimates Excellent soldier Earned the name “Kid Butcher” Defeated Spartacus “Elected” consul in 70 BCE (20 years too early) Overturned Sulla’s reforms and moved into the populares camp

3. From 67-63 BCE, granted special imperium by Senate to fight in the East Commands were unconstitutional and illegal Returned to Rome, an untouchable conquering hero Beloved by the people HATED by the Senate For all his popularity, Pompey had no political power Formed the “1 st Triumvirate” with friends and political allies Julius Caesar and Marcus Crassus Pompey married Caesar’s daughter and everybody gets what they want

4. Born to patrician family Claimed descent from Venus Related to Marius and Sulla Childhood genius Known for his unusual intelligence and oratory skills, military abilities, and infectious personality His “other” side The heart throb of Rome Known for his sexual exploits (often with married women) Very successful but normal climb of the cursus honorum

5. Successful governor of Spain Elected Pontifex Maximus (chief priest of Rome Populares politician People ADORED him The Senate HATED him 60 BCE – Forms “1 st Triumvirate” with Pompey and Marcus Crassus Needed their help to be elected consul Elected consul in 59 BCE

6. Caesar became Governor of Gaul Gallic Wars (conquered modern-day France) Julia died Pompey remarried daughter of leading optimates politician Pompey began to get jealous of Caesar’s fame Caesar asked Pompey to help him get elected consul Pompey refused Senate (with Pompey’s support) exiled Caesar for unlawful acts Caesar marched on Rome in 49 BCE

7. Caesar vs. Pompey, but also populares vs. optimates The Senate was with Pompey Plebeian Assembly, businessmen, and most of the Army were with Caesar Caesar defeated Pompey at the Battle of Pharsales in 48 BCE Pompey fled to Egypt Egyptian ruler (Cleopatra’s bro) murdered Pompey and pickled his head in a jar in order to win favor with Caesar Caesar was not pleased Caesar defeated other optimates leaders in Spain, Syria, and North Africa

8. Rome was such a mess that no elections could be held Caesar appointed Dictator by what remained of the Senate Refused crown twice Caesar’s reforms Made the Senate less exclusive Major public works projects Reduced urban overcrowding by creating Roman colonies in the provinces Extended Roman citizenship to provincial elites and intellectuals Julian calendar He also found time to conquer Egypt and father a child with Cleopatra Intended to march on the Parthian Empire in the east as well

9. Caesar assassinated in the Senate House 60-80 senators were responsible (including Caesar’s “good” friend Brutus) Called themselves the “Liberators” They were afraid that Caesar wanted to be king Wore purple Put his face on coins Named a month after himself Wanted to return the Republic to the good old days Had no plan to actually re-institute it Did not realize how popular Caesar and his reforms were with the people Liberators only held power for a short while Caesar’s nephews Gaius Octavius and Marcus Antonius opposed them and swore revenge