Caesar, Pompey, Crassus: The First Triumvirate (Encore) - Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More

Summary6 min read

Summary of "Caesar, Pompey, Crassus: The First Triumvirate (Encore)" – Everything Everywhere Daily

Episode Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host: Gary Arndt | Glassbox Media

Introduction

In this encore episode of Everything Everywhere Daily, host Gary Arndt delves into the intricate dynamics of the First Triumvirate, an unlikely political alliance in 60 BC that united three of Rome's most influential men: Gaius Julius Caesar, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey), and Marcus Licinius Crassus. This partnership played a pivotal role in the waning years of the Roman Republic, ultimately setting the stage for its transformation into an empire.

Historical Context and the Roman Republic’s Turmoil

At the dawn of the first century BC, the Roman Republic was embroiled in internal conflicts and power struggles. From 83 to 81 BC, the civil war between the generals Marius and Sulla had left the aristocracy devastated. The subsequent years saw further instability, including the brutal suppression of the Spartacus-led slave revolt from 71 to 63 BC and the thwarting of the Catiline conspiracy, which threatened to overthrow the Republic's governance.

Gary Arndt explains, “At this point in Roman history, aristocratic Roman men of senatorial rank would constantly vie for power and prestige” (10:45).

To navigate this chaos and ascend the political ladder, Roman senators adhered to the cursus honorum, a sequential order of public offices. Success in this system required a combination of auctoritas (influence and prestige), substantial wealth to fund campaigns and public games, and a robust network of patronage.

Profiles of the Triumvirate Members

Marcus Licinius Crassus
- Wealth and Business Acumen: Crassus was reputed to be the wealthiest man in the Roman Republic, amassing his fortune through real estate speculation and various business ventures. Notably, he established what is considered Rome's first fire brigade—not to save buildings, but to capitalize on fires by purchasing burning properties at low prices (12:30).
- Political and Military Ventures: Despite his immense wealth, Crassus lacked significant military achievements until his appointment to suppress the Spartacus revolt. His strategy in suppressing the revolt helped him gain auctoritas, though it did not endear him to the public as effectively as other military leaders.
Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey)
- Military Prowess: Unlike Crassus, Pompey earned his standing through distinguished military service. Serving under Sulla during the civil war, Pompey secured victories in Sicily, North Africa, and against King Mithridates of Pontus. His successful campaigns earned him the title Magnus (“the Great”) from Sulla.
- Political Maneuvering: Despite his successes, Pompey struggled with the Senate's optimates—the conservative aristocratic faction. His public popularity sometimes clashed with Senate opposition, exemplified when his proposal to distribute land to veterans was blocked, with Crassus leading the opposition (20:10).
Gaius Julius Caesar
- Early Career and Alliances: At the time of the Triumvirate's formation, Caesar was not yet the famed leader known from history. Coming from the Marian faction due to his familial ties, Caesar sought to rebuild his reputation and political influence.
- Strategic Maneuvers: Caesar's election as Pontifex Maximus in 63 BC, achieved through significant personal debt and political maneuvering, enhanced his religious and political influence. His subsequent military governorship in Hispania Ulterior provided him with the necessary leverage to form alliances and ascend the political hierarchy (30:55).

Formation of the First Triumvirate

In 60 BC, recognizing the limitations imposed by the Senate's optimates and seeking mutual benefits, Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus forged an alliance. This coalition was driven by each man's ambition:

Caesar aimed to secure the consulship and further his political reforms.
Pompey sought land reforms for his veterans and recognition of his military achievements.
Crassus desired military glory and legislative success.

A critical element of their alliance was the marriage between Pompey and Caesar’s daughter, Julia, which not only solidified political bonds but also fostered genuine affection between the two leaders. Gary Arndt notes, “The odd thing about the marriage of Pompey and Julia is that the two of them, by all accounts, actually seemed to love each other, which was very rare in a Roman marriage” (35:20).

This bond ensured a unified front against Senate opposition, particularly the optimates, allowing the triumvirate to wield substantial influence over Roman politics and legislation.

Achievements and Influence

The First Triumvirate effectively manipulated Senate proceedings to pass favorable legislation. Caesar, leveraging his position as consul, facilitated Pompey's land grants and Crassus’s legislative initiatives. This control over legislative processes enabled them to dominate Roman politics, marginalizing opposition and setting precedents for future power alliances.

Gary Arndt states, “Between the three of them, they could pretty much control the majority of the votes in the Senate and get at least one of their choices for consul elected every year going forward” (45:10).

Additionally, Caesar's governorship in Gaul during the triumvirate’s peak period allowed him to build a formidable military reputation, which would later prove instrumental in his rise to power.

The Downfall of the Triumvirate

Two pivotal events led to the dissolution of the First Triumvirate:

Death of Julia (September 54 BC): Julia’s death severed the marital and familial ties between Caesar and Pompey. Without this personal bond, the political alliance began to fray, leading to increased tensions and eventual conflict. Arndt mused, “World history would have been profoundly different if Julia and her daughter had lived” (55:00).
Death of Crassus (Battle of Carrhae, May 53 BC): Crassus’s ambition to achieve military glory led him to confront the Parthian Empire. Instead of securing a victory, Crassus was defeated and killed, reportedly at the hands of Parthians who poured molten gold down his throat as a taunt to his avarice.

With both Julia and Crassus removed from the equation, the balance within the triumvirate collapsed, setting Caesar and Pompey on a collision course that culminated in civil war. Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC and Pompey’s defeat and death in Egypt in 30 BC marked the definitive end of their power struggle and the First Triumvirate.

Gary Arndt concludes, “The Triumvirate was not a union of three men with common political views for the future of Rome. This was a coming together so each man could achieve their personal ambitions” (1:15:30).

Legacy and Conclusion

The First Triumvirate is often viewed by historians, including Livy, as a conspiracy against the Roman state by its leading citizens, paving the way for the end of the Republic. This alliance demonstrated the fragility of Roman political structures and the potent force of personal ambition in shaping history. The eventual rise of the Second Triumvirate a decade later underscores the enduring impact of these early power blocs in Rome’s transition from Republic to Empire.

Gary Arndt hints at the continuation of such power plays with the formation of the Second Triumvirate, involving Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Lepidus, setting the stage for further episodes exploring Rome’s tumultuous political landscape.

Production Credits

Executive Producer: Charles Daniel
Associate Producers: Benji Long and Cameron Keever

Engagement and Support

Gary extends gratitude to the Patreon supporters and invites listeners to join the Everything Everywhere Daily Facebook group or Discord server for community interactions. Merchandising and exclusive content are available through Patreon, supporting the daily production of the podcast.

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the First Triumvirate, highlighting the intricate balance of power, personal ambition, and political strategy that defined this critical period in Roman history. Gary Arndt masterfully unpacks the complexities of each leader, their motivations, and the ultimate consequences of their alliance, offering listeners deep insights into the forces that shaped the ancient world.

Loading summary

Transcript1 lines

[00:00]
Gary
Hey everyone, this is Gary. I'm going to be gone the next few days because I have the privilege of inducting my friend Chris Christensen into the Podcasting hall of Fame. Chris is the host of the Amateur Traveler Podcast on which I've appeared as a guest over 20 times. So until I come back, please enjoy these encore episodes. In the year 60 BC, a very unlikely alliance was formed between three of Rome's most powerful men. Gaius Julius Caesar, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus and Marcus Licinius Crassus agreed to put aside their differences for mutual gain. For many years their alliance worked and the three men were able to run the Roman Republic until it eventually all fell apart. Learn more about the first Triumvirate on this episode of Everything Everywhere. D this episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile. One of the things I've noticed traveling around the world is how much more expensive American mobile phone plans are. In most countries I've visited, data and phone plans were very affordable. In the US they tend to be really expensive. Mint Mobile has solved that problem by offering some of the most affordable mobile plans that you can find. All Mint Mobile wireless plans are $15 a month when you purchase a three month plan. Mint Mobile's secret is that they sell wireless services online. They don't have retail stores or salespeople. Moving to Mint Mobile is super easy. They use the same cell towers and networks as major carriers and you can use your current phone and phone number. To get this new customer offer and your new 3 month unlimited wireless plan for just $15 a month. Go to mintmobile.comed that's mintmobile.comeed cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.comed $45 upfront payment required, equivalent to $15 a month new customers on first 3 month plan only speed slower above 40 gigabit on unlimited plan. Additional tax fees and restrictions apply. See Mint Mobile for details. This episode is sponsored by Quints. I speak from first hand experience when I tell you that dressing properly is the key to surviving winter. For the ultimate cold weather necessities made from premium materials, you've got to check out Quince. I literally write almost every episode of this podcast when I'm sitting on the couch covered in my Quince fisherman's blanket. It's incredibly warm, it's heavy and it looks great. It is the best blanket that I've ever owned and I love it. By partnering directly with top factories and cutting out the cost of the middleman, Quince passes the savings on to you. Quint only works with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing practices. They use premium fabrics and finishes for that luxury Feel in every piece. Luxuriate in coziness without the luxury price tag. Go to quince.com daily for 365 day returns plus free shipping on your order. That's Q U-N-E.com daily to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com daily in the early first century BC, the Roman Republic was a mess. From 83 to 81 BC, the generals Marius and Sulla fought a civil war that devastated the Roman aristocracy. In 71 BC, a slave revolt led by the gladiator Spartacus erupted in Italy until Crassus and Pompey put it down in 63 BC. Rome survived the Catiline conspiracy, which threatened to put a small group in control of Rome. I've touched on or have devoted entire episodes to each of those items which shaped this period of the Roman Republic. And in those episodes I've mentioned the actors who will be central to this episode. At this point in Roman history, aristocratic Roman men of senatorial rank would constantly vie for power and prestige. There was a set of political offices known as the cursus honorum that you could hold cumulating in the position of consul. These were all elected positions, and to get elected you needed to do several things. First, you needed what was called auctoritas. Auctoritas was a Latin term that encompassed the ideas of clout, influence and prestige. You could gain auctoritas in different ways, including being elected to lower offices and hosting games for the public. However, the best way to gain auctoritas was probably to have some sort of military accomplishment that you could point to. Some sort of military glory was important, but not absolutely necessary if you wanted to climb the cursus honorum. Second, you needed money. There were a lot of problems to Greece, and campaigning cost cash, especially as you worked your way up the ranks. You needed money to pay for food and games for the plebeians. Finally, you needed a strong network of patrons and clients. The Roman patronage system was an informal system where people with high wealth and status would serve as patrons to those who were lower in status or wealth, or perhaps just starting out. Each side of the relationship would provide services to the other. A patron might extend a loan to allow a client to run for office, and a client might support the political measures of their patron. One person's client might be someone else's patron. This system was highly informal, but everyone knew who was whose patron Having said that, let's now look at the three men who made up the triumvirate. The first person and the oldest of the group was Marcus Licinius Crassus. Crassus was rich. He was widely believed to be the richest person during the entire republican period of Rome. He amassed his fortune engaging in real estate speculation. During the dictatorship of Sulla, under whom he served as an officer, he supposedly created the first fire brigade in Rome. He employed over 500 men who would rush to buildings that were on fire. When they arrived, they would do nothing and Crassus would offer to buy the burning building for a pittance. If the owner agreed to sell, Crassus firemen would put out the fire, and if they didn't agree to sell, they would let it burn to the ground. While Crassus was rich, he didn't have much to show in the way of military accomplishments. When the Spartacus slave revolt erupted, Crassus made sure that he was appointed as the commander to crush the revolt. While it did probably boost his auctoritas, it was sort of a no win situation. If you put down a slave revolt, no one would be really impressed beating a bunch of slaves. If he lost, he would be the guy who lost to an army of slaves. In the year 70 BC, Crassus won election as consul and his co consul for the year was his main rival, Pompeius Magnus. Gnaeus. Pompeius Magnus came to govern with Crassus via a very different path. Whereas Crassus had money, Pompey had earned his position via military victories. He was appointed general at a very young age, serving under Sulla during the civil war. He went to Sicily and North Africa, where he put down resistance to Sulla and also easily defeated the king of Numidia in battle. Sulla was so impressed that he gave him the cognomen Magnus, which means the great in Latin. During the Spartacus revolt, the Senate sent Pompey to help Crassus, which angered Crassus to no end because he didn't want to share the glory. It was Pompey who was sent to crush piracy in the Mediterranean, which he did with ruthless efficiency. When Rome was having issues with King Mithridates of Pontus. They sent Pompey to fix the problem, which he did, growing the empire and also establishing Armenia as a client kingdom of Rome. Despite all his military success, Pompey was still considered an outsider by the optimates in the Senate. The optimates were the established senators from ancient families. This became an issue when he came back to Rome in 61 BC to a triumph, and then tried to get legislation passed to distribute farmland to his veterans. The people went nuts for Pompey, but the Senate killed his proposal and the head of the opposition was Crassus. The final member of this group was Julius Caesar. However, at this time, he still wasn't the Julius Caesar that everybody knows. Caesar at this time was a client of Crassus. Unlike Crassus and Pompey, Caesar's family was on the Marian side of the civil war. In fact, he was the nephew of Marius and had to flee Rome so he wouldn't get executed. Caesar also had won the grass crown, the highest military award in Rome, at a very young age. It was basically the equivalent of the Congressional Medal of Honor. And I've covered this in a previous episode. In 63 BC, he decided to run for Pontifeus Maximus, which was the head priest in Rome. It was an elected position and outside of the normal cursus honorum, but it was a lifetime position. So Caesar put himself heavily into debt to win the election, which he did easily. In his role as Pontifeus Maximus, he could interpret auspices that could determine when the Senate could sit and when specific actions could be taken. Crassus agreed to pay for much of Caesar's debts in exchange for political support to oppose Pompey's agenda. Caesar, being a Marian, was popular with the populares, the common people, and supported land and social reform legislation. He won election as praetor and was appointed the governor of Hispania Ulterior with pro consular powers, which made him immune to prosecution, which was a big deal considering his debts. In 60 BC, Caesar came back to Rome from Hispania before his term of office was done, so he could run for consul in 59 BC. The problem was that he was entitled to a military triumph for his success in Hispania. However, he couldn't enter Rome before the triumph. But if he wanted to run for consul, he had to do so in person inside of Rome. Everybody thought this would prevent him from running for consul because nobody in their right mind would pass up a triumph. However, that is exactly what Caesar did as part of his campaign for consul. He managed to get the support of both Crassus and Pompey. All three of them had problems with the optimates faction in the Senate. Caesar managed to convince both men to put aside their differences to work together. Everyone would get something out of this arrangement. Caesar would become consul. As consul, Caesar would then arrange to get Pompey's land grant for his veterans passed, Crassus would get his pet legislation passed and an opportunity to finally get the military glory that he always wanted. Between the three of them, they could pretty much control the majority of the votes in the Senate and get at least one of their choices for consul elected every year going forward. Part of the deal included Pompey marrying Julia, the daughter of Caesar. This established a family bond between the two men to ensure that neither would turn on the other. The odd thing about the marriage of Pompey and Julia is that the two of them, by all accounts, actually seemed to love each other, which was very rare in a Roman marriage. They actually showed affection in public, which most Romans considered to be very tacky. The Triumvirate was not a union of three men with common political views for the future of Rome. This was a coming together so each man could achieve their personal ambitions. I should note that supposedly they tried to get Cicero on board, but he had too much respect for the law and declined. So Caesar ends up winning the consulship and his co consul for the year is a guy by the name of Marcus Calpurnius Biblius, who was supported by the optimates. Biblius tried to block Caesar and Pompey's legislation, but he was pretty much forced to retreat to his house by an angry mob and he was ineffectual for for the rest of the year. This allowed the Triumvirate to push through much of the legislation that they wanted to pass. One of the things that Caesar got out of this was that after his tenure as consul, he received a five year appointment as the governor of Cis and Transalpine Gaul, which was then later extended by another five years. Caesar didn't return to Rome for a decade and spent those 10 years becoming the Julius Caesar that everyone is familiar with. Two things caused the downfall of the Triumvirate. The first occurred in September of 54 BC when Julia died in childbirth. She gave birth to a daughter who died two days later. With the death of Julia, the ties between Caesar and Pompey were gone and it resulted in a downward spiral which later resulted in another civil war. World history would have been profoundly different if Julia and her daughter had lived. The other thing which killed the Triumvirate was the death of Crassus. Crassus was appointed as the governor of Syria and it was there that he would finally get his military glory in the biggest way possible. He was going to defeat the Parthian Empire, the one enemy that Rome was never able to conquer. However, that didn't happen instead. At the Battle of Carrhae In May of 53 BC, he and most of his troops were killed. According to legend, he was killed when the Parthians poured molten gold down his throat to mock his wealth. If you ever wondered where the inspiration for that scene in season one of Game of Thrones came from, it was Crassus. The endings for Pompey and Caesar weren't much better. Caesar, as most of you know, was assassinated on the floor of The Senate, stabbed 23 times, and Pompey was beheaded in Egypt after the Battle of Pharsalus when he lost to Caesar in the civil war. Proving once and for all who the better general really was, the Roman historian Livy noted that the Triumvirate was a conspiracy against the state by its three leading citizens. Livy was right. The first Triumvirate was just one more step along the path towards the end of the Roman Republic. And it would only be 10 years after the fall of the first triumvirate that three more men would once again come together to form another Triumvirate. Caesar's adopted son Octavian, Caesar's right hand man, Mark Anthony, and some other guy by the name of Marcus Lepidus. They would divide up the Republic in an attempt to control it. However, that is a story for another episode the executive producer of Everything Everywhere Daily is Charles Daniel. The associate producers are Benji Long and Cameron Keever. I want to give a big shout out to everyone who supports the show over on Patreon, including the show's producers. Your support helps me put out a show every single day and also Patreon is currently the only place where Everything Everywhere Daily merchandise is available to the top tier of supporters. If you'd like to talk to other listeners of the show and members of the Completionist Club, you can join the Everything Everywhere Daily Facebook group or Discord server. Links to Everything are in the show Notes.