Generals

Great Emperors of Rome - Jacob Laurel Rome was a civilization built on war, and because of the constant wars, great generals arose to lead the people to victory. Three of the most famous are: Sulla, Pompey, and Julius Caesar



Sulla was one of the earlier generals and later emperor of Ancient Rome because he was born in 138 B.C. He lived in poverty during his early life but finally became wealthy enough to run for office upon receiving two family inheritances. While in office he was appointed quaestor to Gaius Marius. He finally rose to a lieutenant after several years, but one of his greatest accomplishments was obtaining the surrender of Jugurtha King of Numidia. Due to this military success, Sulla came back to Rome and eventually was elected Consul. Sulla seized power and created many corrupt reforms to execute enemies even Gaius Marius, who he formerly served. Sulla finally retired as dictator in 81 B.C. and died three years later.

Pompey was born September 29, 106 B.C. in Picenum, Italy to a very wealthy family. His father, Pompey Strabo fought alongside Gaius Marius but then alongside Sulla when Sulla became dictator. When Pompey Strabo died, young Pompey had to take over everything including his father’s troops. Sulla ordered him to capture Sicily and then later go fight in Africa. Due to his victories Sulla awarded him the triumph which was implausible because he hadn’t yet served on the senate, yet in a scheme to humiliate Pompey, Sulla gave him a triumph. Pompey eventually went back to Rome after military campaigns against pirates and the Jews in Jerusalem. When he returned he became part of the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Marcus Crassus. However Pompey eventually drifted from the triumvirate and became enemies with Caesar when civil war erupted. After losing the Battle of Pharsalus, Pompey was assassinated on September 28, 48 B.C.

Julius Caesar was probably the most well known General to ever lead Rome. He was born July 12, 100 B.C. to a patrician family. He embarked on a political career after the death of his father and made several political connections, but unfortunately with the unfavored people. Because of this he was arrested by Sulla and left Rome to join the army. He first was an assistant in Cilicia and after he proved himself, he was assigned to a different army to crush Spartacus’ slave rebellion. After Sulla resigned, Caesar went back to Rome and became a politician. He took bribes, held shows, gave free food away, and even went on military campaigns to attain popularity. In the end this all worked and he created the First Triumvirate. Yet the triumvirate ultimately broke up and civil war erupted. Caesar defeated his former allies and assumed the role of dictator. After he became dictator he planned to travel to Parthia for a military campaign. However he was assassinated by a group of enemy senators lead by Marcus Junius Brutus on March 15, 44 B.C. To this day, Julius Caesar remains one of the smartest military strategists to ever walk the Earth.

Works Cited
 * Anthony, Marks, and Graham Tingay. __Romans__. London: Scholastic INC., 2003
 * Chuck, Ayoub. "Julius Caesar Biography". December 3, 2008 .
 * Julius Caesar". Illustrated History of the Roman Empire. December 3, 2008 .
 * Suzanne, Cross. "Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus ". December 3, 2008 .
 * The Medical Dictionary. December 3, 2008 http://the-medical-dictionary.com/pics/Sulla_1.jpg.