Pompey the Great and the Fall of the Roman Republic

In our latest installment, we diverge from our usual timeline and enter into a discussion of Roman Warfare in general. Hope you enjoy!

This episode is the meat and potatoes of the war against piracy. We talk legates, strategy, and the politics of war. Also a few obligatory pirate jokes.

With the Carthaginians long since eradicated from the Mediterranean, the seas become lawless hosts to a growing number of pirates. The problem gets so bad for Rome that it threatens their very survival. Rome again turns to a strong man and the strongest man of the day just so happens to be, Pompey the Great!

In this episode we see two of the soon-to-be most powerful men in Rome get their first taste of the most powerful position in Rome, The Consulship. The two vary in style and end the year on uneasy terms and setting the tone for the rest of their careers.

With the civil war under control in Italy, the Roman eyes look toward Spain. The skilled general Sertorius builds a stronghold that begins to threaten Rome, reminding Romans of Hannibals invasion yet again. Pompey and M. Pius are sent to put an end to Sertorius, but Sertorius doesnt go without a fight!

After Sulla molds Rome into his own image, upstarts begin to stir the crowd once again. They get help from an unlikely ally - Pompey the Great. Pompey lends his support for the consul Lepidus against Sulla's wishes only to squash his rebellion later. Puzzling politics indeed.

Pompey continues his butchery into Africa. Pompey's troops show themselves as incredibly loyal and Pompey demonstrates his incredible leadership skills. Returning home, Pompey is able to secure a triumph for his actions, although it is unusual for such a young man to receive such an honor.

Sulla with Pompey and Metellius Pius, settle affairs in Italy with a dust up. Carbo and whats left of the resistance surrounding Rome scatters fleeing to Sicily. Pompey invades Sicily and earns the title of "adulescentulus carnifex" but did he deserve the title?

The Civil War concludes with Pompey hunting down Sulla's enemies. The Metelli Family reaches its peak in power and prestige as Sulla begins is hour of reckoning.

The early life of Pompey continues to be explored. In the heart of the civil war, we see betrayal and bravado as Roman fights Roman for the control of the Republic.