Pompey

This article refers to the prominent military leader and politician of the late Roman republic, who also had descendants named Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus.

Hispania and Spartacus

Pompey's reputation for military genius, and occasional bad judgment, continued when he demanded proconsular imperium (although he had not yet served as Consul) to go to Spain to fight against Sertorius, a Marian general who maintained a lone presence there. He refused to disband his legions until his request was granted, and he joined Metellus Pius against Sertorius. The campaign against the brilliant guerrilla general would last from 76 BC to 71 BC. It is significant that the war was finally won only when rivals murdered Sertorius, not because either Pompey or Metellus Pius had been able to achieve a clean victory on the battlefield.

Related Topics:
Proconsul - Imperium - Sertorius - Metellus Pius - 76 BC - 71 BC

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In the months after Sertorius' death, however, Pompey revealed one of his most significant talents; a genius for the organization and administration of a conquered province. Fair and generous terms extended his patronage throughout Spain and into southern Gaul. When Crassus was facing difficulties against Spartacus at the end of the Third Servile War in 71 BC, Pompey returned to Italy with his army to bring a decisive ending to the revolt.

Related Topics:
Crassus - Spartacus - Third Servile War - 71 BC

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Disgruntled opponents, especially Crassus, said he was developing a talent for showing up late in a campaign and taking all the glory for its successful conclusion. This growing enmity between Crassus and Pompey would not be resolved for over a decade. Back in Rome, Pompey celebrated his second extralegal triumph for the victories in Hispania. Admirers saw in Pompey the most brilliant general of the age. In 71 BC, at only 35 years of age (see cursus honorum), Pompey was elected Consul for the first time, serving in 70 BC as junior partner of Crassus, with the overwhelming support of the Roman population.

Related Topics:
71 BC - Cursus honorum - Consul - 70 BC

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