Sons Of Republic, Sons Of Pompeius
An Alternate History Timeline
Once there was a charismatic Roman lawyer. He sailed to Rhodes and was killed by pirates. His name was Gaius Julius Caesar.
Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus
At the time, the Mediterranean was ruled by the city of Rome. Rome was a demo0cratic republic but had fallen on unstable times. In 133 BC, a populist politician called Tiberius Gracchus was assassinated for proposing radical land reforms, and so was his brother Gaius. Populists rose in revenge and a general called Gaius Marius, hero of the war against the Numidian warlord Jugurtha, took over Rome and became consul. Rome was divided between the conservatives, who wanted to preserve the old order and the populists who wanted more land. Marius died and his fellow consul, Cinna was murdered. Marius’ enemy, Cornelius Sulla, who was stripped off his command took back his command and defeated Mithridates, King of Pontus. Sulla then returned and marched on Rome, declaring himself dictator. He embarked on a reign of terror and reversed Marius’ populist reforms. With his work done, Sulla retired and died
After Sulla, the Senate, led by the conservative Optimate party, dominated the Republic.
In all this, Pompeius grew up. He was the son of Pompey Strabo. Pompeius first made his mark on Rome when he joined Sulla against his enemies. This earned him the nickname ‘The Teenage Butcher’.Pompeius served in Rome’s wars. He helped crush the slaves in the Third Serville War, led by the gladiator Spartacus. Pompeius won victories in Spain and defeated Mithridates once in for all. The Pontic King was forced to kill himself in his Crimean strongholds by his son Pharnaces. Pompey destroyed the Seleucids and drove pirates out of the Mediterranean. Then, he became the most powerful man in Rome, rivals with the general and businessman, Marcus Licinius Crassus. Pompey was once allies with the Optimates but now he was harassed by them.
Political tensions built in Rome.. In 55 BC, Crassus was hacked to death by gladiators outside the Senate.
Pompeius was blamed and the orator Cicero spoke tpo the Senate against him.He was stripped off his command and the Senate ordered for him to lretire. Pompeius refused and staged a coup. Cato, the Optimate leader, was executed. Cicero fled Rome and went to Sicily. Pompeius led his army into Sicily and Cicero, realising he was beaten, fled to Africa. At the battle of Laptis, the Optimates were crushed. Cicero slit his own throat and Pompeius returned to Rome in triumph, albeit tainted by the death of the popular Cicero.
The Senate was forced to declare Pompeius as dictator. Pompeius made several reforms and brought in a reformed Gracchi land bill to the Senate. The bill was passed and Pompeius said” For Rome, who has gifted me so much, this is my gift to you.”Pompeius then went on a campaign against the Parthians. It could be considered as his greatest success. After winning the Battle of Carrhae(OOC: Irony!)and then capturing the Parthian King Orodes, Parthia merely became another province of the bourgeoning Roman Empire..
Pompeius resigned the dictatorship after 10 years to his son, Gnaeus Pompeius. Gnaeus faced another republican rebelliuon, led by the man called Titus Labienus. Labienus from Africa invaded Italy but his army was crushed. Labienus fled back to Africa and then left for Egypt.
Egypt
In Egypt, Pharoah Ptolemy Auletes(also known insultingly as Nothos)died, leaving his son Ptolemy XIII and his daughter Cleopatra VII to take the throne of Egypt. Cleopatra was an adult and Ptolemy XIII was a child, so there was obviously an age difference. They married however, despite the fact they despised each other(as in OTL).
Cleopatra outwitted Ptolemy XIII and his regent, Pothinus, for power. Pothinus took Alexandria and attempted to despose Cleopatra. That bid would be his last. Cleopatra struck back and Pothinus was killed. She reigned supreme over Egypt and then Ptolemy XIII mysteriously died. When Labienus arrived, Cleopatra arrested this unwanted guest it. Then Gnaeus came and he received Labienus. Gnaeus strangled Labienus, he was like his father in many ways.As for the rebel leaders, they were executed. Proscription lists went up across Rome and hundreds were killed.
Cleopatra and Gnaeus fell in love and soon after, Gnaeus left Egypt. Cleopatra was Queen of Egypt, now she wanted to be Queen of Rome.
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