Rome: The first triumvirate

Chaos erupts in the streets of Rome. The poor people are rioting. Why? War, civil war, and pirate raids cause food shortages. This is the last century BCE and it's a troubled time.

During this century, the Republic comes to an end and becomes an Empire. This wouldn't happen if it wasn't for these three men who wish to reestablish order in the Roman world. This is Gaius Julius Caesar - or Caesar as we call him today - ... a skilled military leader and politician who wants to improve conditions for the plebeians and the poor in Rome. He does this, not just because he is kind.

He also wants the plebeians to vote for him in the people's assembly. Thus he will gain influence in the senate. The politicians, like Caesar, who work for "the people" are known as 'Populares'. The opponents of the Populares are the politicians who represent the rich people. They are called 'Optimates'.

Caesar was a popular 'Populare'. Marcus Licinius Crassus is the wealthiest man in Rome. He has gained his wealth largely by buying property. His trick is to go to properties that have caught fire and offer to buy them. When Crassus has bought the house cheaply - but not until then - he uses his private fire brigade - the only one in the city - to put out the fire.

He then rebuilds the house and sells it for a profit. Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, 'Pompey', is the most skilful -- and powerful -- military leader in the Roman world. These three men get together in secret to cooperate. Some trio, eh? The foremost politician, the foremost general, and the wealthiest man in Rome!

This union is called: The First Triumvirate. They don't get along very well in pairs, but as long as they are three, and one of them can mediate between the others, it works fine. Together they are supported by so many that they are able to get their propositions accepted in the senate. They each have one private goal. Pompey wants to see himself and his troops rewarded for all the battles they've won.

Perhaps with a nice little province somewhere. And Caesar wants to become a consul. Why? Well, it's not only that the consul is the highest leader of the military and Rome's political world. At the end of your year as consul you get to be a military leader and governor in a Roman province for a year.

This is Caesar's goal. He wants to be a governor in Gallia. Crassus wants an army of his own to build a reputation as a military hero. Caesar does, in fact, become consul for a year... and after that, governor over one part of Gallia that is Roman.

But he is not satisfied with that, he fights the Gauls to conquer all of Gallia. He describes how the war proceeds in stories that he sends home to Rome. The stories make him very popular back home. Pompey also reaches his goal, he becomes a governor of Spain. Crassus is appointed general, but dies in battle before becoming the hero he was hoping to be.

Now there is only Caesar and Pompey left. Without Crassus they are no longer able to get along. They become rivals. Caesar is finished fighting the Gauls in the year 49 BCE. He has also had time to invade the British Islands and won victories in Egypt.

Now Caesar marches toward Rome. He wants to become Consul once again. It's against the law to bring soldiers into Italy. Anyone doing that without special permission becomes an outcast and is sentenced to death. The same goes for the soldiers.

The Senate and Pompey refuse to grant Caesar special permission: they want him to arrive alone. Caesar and his legions stop by the border river Rubicon. This is an important moment. He hesitates... and then crosses the river.