Did Julius Caesar Ever Win Over Pompey?

In the tumultuous years of ancient Rome, the rivalry between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great played a crucial role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. While it's often debated whether or not Julius Caesar ever truly won over Pompey, it’s clear that their rivalry culminated in a significant civil war. This article explores their complex relationship and the ultimate outcome of their conflict.

Pompey and Julius Caesar: From Allies to Rivals

Their alliance in the past was characterized by mutual benefit and support. Julius Caesar married Pompey’s daughter, Julia, in 59 BCE, which brought about a period of cooperation and alliance. However, their union was short-lived. Julia’s death in 54 BCE marked the beginning of the end of their friendship as Pompey rose to power and jealousy and rivalry began to overshadow their former partnership.

Caesar's Strategic Maneuvering

As Pompey assembled his legions to face Caesar, the tension between them grew. While Caesar was faced with a numerically superior force, he employed strategic maneuvering to his advantage. His capture of 10,000 soldiers from Pompey's army at the port of Brundusium disrupted Pompey's plans and weakened his force. Moreover, nearly 10,000 men from Pompey's army agreed to serve with Caesar, making his legions more substantial.

By the time the two armies met in battle, Caesar had four legions, while Pompey's troops were heavily outnumbered (approximately 2 to 1). The Battle of Pharsalus in BCE-48 was a decisive victory for Caesar. Over 15,000 of Pompey's men were killed, and Pompey himself fled to Egypt with only 5,000 legionaries.

Pompey's Fateful End in Egypt

In Egypt, Pompey sought refuge but was ultimately betrayed by the local rulers. Ptolemy XIII, brother of Cleopatra VII, agreed to meet with Pompey, only to have him killed. Ptolemaic intrigue and the desire to gain favor with Caesar unfortunately led to Pompey's untimely demise.

The betrayal and execution of Pompey underscore the political and personal stakes involved in the great power struggle of the Roman Republic. The murder of Pompey marked the end of the rivalry and cemented Caesar's position as a formidable leader in Rome.

Conclusion

While it’s true that Caesar never fully won over Pompey, their conflict culminated in the classic Caeasian Civil War. Caesar's victory at the Battle of Pharsalus and Pompey's subsequent death in Egypt were critical turning points that would shape the future of Rome. The legacy of their rivalry remains a fascinating chapter in the annals of ancient history.