Pompey the Great

Pompey was granted extraordinary command under the Lex Gabinia to eliminate piracy in the Mediterranean. He divided the sea into sectors and within three months destroyed pirate fleets and captured their strongholds, restoring Roman trade routes and grain supply.

Pompey took command against Mithridates VI of Pontus, defeating him and forcing his suicide. He then annexed Syria, captured Jerusalem, and established Roman provinces in the East. He organized the region into client kingdoms and provinces, extending Roman hegemony to the Euphrates.

Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus formed a political alliance to advance their individual ambitions. Pompey sought ratification of his Eastern settlements and land for his veterans. The pact dominated Roman politics for a decade until Crassus's death in 53 BC.

Pompey commanded the senatorial army against Caesar at Pharsalus in Greece. Despite numerical superiority, his forces were defeated by Caesar's veterans. Pompey fled to Egypt, expecting refuge, but was assassinated on the orders of the Egyptian court upon arrival.

After his defeat at Pharsalus, Pompey landed in Egypt seeking refuge. On September 28, 48 BC, he was stabbed to death by former Roman soldiers serving the Egyptian king Ptolemy XIII, who hoped to curry favor with Caesar. His head was presented to Caesar.