|
Pompey
[b. 106 bc] was one of Rome's greatest generals. After conquering much of Asia
Minor, he joined Caesar and Crassus in the first Triumvirate, then opposed Caesar in the
Civil War and was defeated at Pharsalus. He fled to Egypt where he was assassinated in 48
bc.
Relatives depicted on
coins:
Gnaeus Pompey jr. - son
Sextus Pompey - son |
Caesar
[b. 100 bc] joined Crassus and Pompey in the first Triumvirate, then
conquered Gaul in a series of brilliant campaigns. He next brought his army into Italy [49 b.c.], starting a civil war from
which he emerged master of the Roman world. He was assassinated on the Ides of March,
44 bc |
Brutus [b.
85 bc], a wealthy aristocrat,
supported Pompey but was pardoned by
Caesar. Despite this he led the plot to assassinate Caesar. He joined Cassius in
command of the Republican forces, and was defeated by Antony
and Octavian at Philippi, after which he
took his own life [42 bc] |
Antony
[b. 83 bc]was Caesar's trusted subordinate and ally. After
the
assassination he joined Octavian and Lepidus, winning the battle of
Philippi. He and Octavian divided the Roman world until
they fought and Antony lost at Actium. He fled to Egypt,
taking own life in 30 bc.
Relatives
depicted on coins:
Caius Antonius,
Lucius Antonius -
brothers
Octavia - wife
Mark Antony Jr. - son
Cleopatra - paramour |
Caesar's
great-nephew, Octavian [b. 63 bc] gained
control of the Caesarian faction in Rome
after Caesar's assassination, then allied himself with Antony and Lepidus.
After the battle of Philippi, he and Antony divided the Roman world, then came into collision.
Octavian's forces defeated Antony at Actium [31 bc]. A grateful Senate awarded him the honorific
'Augustus' in 27 bc, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire. |
