Pompey's Rise To Power

Pompey was crucial and significant during the period of the rise and fall of Rome, steadily yet surely he increased ranks within the Roman politics order via Military and Political events. Despite coming form a Cinna family (enemy of Sulla) Pompey became a strong leader along side Sulla. Only to derail from Sulla’s beliefs and order that he so idolised, to grow and lead on his own.

Pompey’s rise to political power (which was the strongest of powers in Rome) was highly based on his military techniques and endeavours. The revolt of Lepidus in 77BC began ironically by Lepidus agreeing to an oath to not fight between consuls, but the Populares still arrived only years later with an army to rebel against Sulla’s reforms and Cursus Honorum.
These actions were unheard of as Pompey firstly had no political power and was far below the requisite age. This was against Sulla’s own reforms during his own time under his own observation. This occasion was the start of Pompey as a powerful politically strong Roman with the help of Sulla and the senates need and lengths they would go to remain in power.
After Pompey had been successful against the Marians, Sulla stated him as ‘Magnus’ (great), Pompey began to grow, not only in power but in self belief and strength, demanding a triumph for his efforts. Pompey states ‘that more people worship the rising than the setting sun’ implying that he, who is growing will gain respect and power whilst the old, setting men will fall, referring to Sulla.
Sulla again disobeyed his own reforms that were based on age, experience and political power and gave in to his requests. At this time, Sulla as well as senators noticed that Pompey was beginning to rise, reputation wise and politically and his significance in Rome’s wellbeing became more and more crucial. The senate made efforts to reduce Pompey’s input into the security of Rome as the situation became more obvious. Sallust quotes Pompey towards the senate “For after having exposed me, in spite of my youth, to a cruel war, you have, so far as in you lay, destroyed me and my faithful army, the most wretched of all deaths, starvation.” [1] Yet
With the help of Roman assemblies, Pompey was allowed to rise through the ranks and show that he was able to command his army as well as be in great power and handle those who were for and against him. He grew to become a significant military and leader of his time by following and learning significant leaders, gaining trust with power and not only conquering, but commanding. His actions/events that have been shown have benefited him over the period as he rose, but was a highly significant part in the fall of The Roman