POMPEY THE GREAT: The Roman Alexander

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Analyzes the life of Pompey before and during his civil war with Caesar. Pompey's career in command began at a young age, taking control of his deceased father's legions in support of Sulla during the civil war with Marius. He served in the Sertorian War in Spain (recovering from an early defeat), helped crush Spartacus' revolt, then freed the Eastern Mediterranean from the depredations of Cilician pirates in a matter of weeks. He brought a victorious end to the long-running Third Mithridatic War and brought the whole of Asia Minor, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Judea under Roman influence by a mix of force and diplomacy. There is detailed analysis of the opening moves in Italy, Pompey's victory over Caesar at Dyrrhachium, and the climactic battle at Pharsalus in September 48 BC. A defeated Pompey fled and was assassinated, leaving his two sons to carry on the war.