If you’re reading Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Gallico for Latin class right now, you’ll know about the tension between him and Pompey. As some background, Pompey was a general and statesman in the Roman Republic. Notable for his exceptional military talents, he eradicated piracy in the Mediterranean, restored Roman control over Spain, and conquered parts of North Africa in the civil war.
But in the eyes of Caesar, he was initially the spouse of Caesar’s daughter, Julia. After her death, their political alliance collapsed. Caesar’s offers of compromise were rejected by the Senate, under the influence of Pompey. Therefore, Caesar crossed the Rubicon and began taking cities.
In the Civil War, the two fought against each other for political hegemony. Desperate to outfox each other, we witnessed bold yet strategic strategy of both parties. After many battles, Pompey had the upper hand, declaring himself imperator and sending word of victory to Rome.
At the end, the Battle of Pharsalus flipped the fate, with the war ending as Pompey fled to Egypt. The political lives of Pompey and Caesar clashed, but both are remembered for remarkable military successes.