Sons of Republic,Sons of Pompeius

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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I'm more amazed about how Parthia was basically destroyed in the span of a paragraph myself. I don't know if that's a record for the quickest Persia-screw ever or not yet.
 
I'm more amazed about how Parthia was basically destroyed in the span of a paragraph myself. I don't know if that's a record for the quickest Persia-screw ever or not yet.

Pericles

That would probably be the biggest factor. Until Carrhae [OTL] the Parthians were seriously concerned by Rome and fearful of its actions. I could see a well-led Roman army overrunning Mesopotamia as they did in later years and possibly even making much of that part of the empire. Especially since with markedly shorter civil wars Rome has more resources. However, while this might mean the eclipse of the still fairly new Parthian empire due to some rebellion say by native Persians I can't really see Rome controlling the Iranian plateaux region.

Also Pompey was historically a conservative and supporter of the Optimates, as shown by his support for Sulla. This might change with Caesar's early death as Pompey will clash with the senators for power given his control of the army. However its still a big leap.

The other point might be that Gnaeus was rather a failure, although given the fairly early POD this could change.

The 1st point is the most important one I think. Occupying Mesopotamia, possibly as far south as the gulf, would be the most I would think the empire could achieve at this point. Its still too new and insecure in many areas and the ruler can't afford to be so far away from Rome and possible centres of rebellion for so long unless he has subordinates he can really, really trust.

Other than that its a reasonable 1st chapter, especially for you're 1st attempt, and would like to see where you take it from here. Can't remember a TL with this POD before and it definitely raises interesting questions. There are a number of people a lot more knowledgeable than me of the period and hopefully a couple more chapters will prompt more comments.:)

Steve
 
Pericles

That would probably be the biggest factor. Until Carrhae [OTL] the Parthians were seriously concerned by Rome and fearful of its actions. I could see a well-led Roman army overrunning Mesopotamia as they did in later years and possibly even making much of that part of the empire. Especially since with markedly shorter civil wars Rome has more resources. However, while this might mean the eclipse of the still fairly new Parthian empire due to some rebellion say by native Persians I can't really see Rome controlling the Iranian plateaux region.

Also Pompey was historically a conservative and supporter of the Optimates, as shown by his support for Sulla. This might change with Caesar's early death as Pompey will clash with the senators for power given his control of the army. However its still a big leap.

The other point might be that Gnaeus was rather a failure, although given the fairly early POD this could change.

The 1st point is the most important one I think. Occupying Mesopotamia, possibly as far south as the gulf, would be the most I would think the empire could achieve at this point. Its still too new and insecure in many areas and the ruler can't afford to be so far away from Rome and possible centres of rebellion for so long unless he has subordinates he can really, really trust.

Other than that its a reasonable 1st chapter, especially for you're 1st attempt, and would like to see where you take it from here. Can't remember a TL with this POD before and it definitely raises interesting questions. There are a number of people a lot more knowledgeable than me of the period and hopefully a couple more chapters will prompt more comments.:)

Steve

About Parthia I may have overestimated Pompey's capabilities. Also I tried a TL on no Alexander but have not updated it for a few weeks.
 
I'm not an expert on Roman history but don't you think this timeline has a clear lack of butterflies and is ASB.

I'm not a believer in completely and utterly massive butterflies just for the sake of it, with the only explanation for subsequent events being"Oh, butterflies." Though in my alt history creative writing I sometimes make that mistake...
 
You guys have provided good feedback. What is your advice for the next part of my TL. I intend to have Cleopatra making more moves to expand her power in the East and trying to manipulate future Roman rulers and trying to get into Parthia. Persian rebellions/revolts are to be expected. What s your advice?
 
About Parthia I may have overestimated Pompey's capabilities. Also I tried a TL on no Alexander but have not updated it for a few weeks.

I think you also might have overestimated his ability to secure Rome too. He did just install himself as dictator when he went on the Parthia campaign. By this point Pompey would've had a big list of enemies, since he basically flip flopped to the other side, all while having a lot of popularity and power. He's essentially a threat to the senate's power. While he has defanged the dangerous ones, that doesn't mean he'd in the clear, especially once he's off gallivanting in the east.

As for advice, Persia shouldn't even be a province of Rome. Sure, the King of Kings was captured, but that doesn't stop any of his sons or generals from deciding to ignore that or fight back should Rome make an attempt. Hell, his own son, Phraates IV, killed him and his thirty brothers for the throne later on anyway. I say Pacorus, who would be the heir at this time, ignores that point of the treaty his father made with Rome and temporarily gives Rome control of Mesopotamia.

That reminds me, if Orodes II was in the Parthian army that fought Pompey, does that mean Surena was not? I'm asking since Surena happened to be Parthia's premier general at the time, and was responsible for wiping out the Roman expedition OTL. If he wasn't at TTL's Carrhae, then this just got more interesting.
 
I think you also might have overestimated his ability to secure Rome too. He did just install himself as dictator when he went on the Parthia campaign. By this point Pompey would've had a big list of enemies, since he basically flip flopped to the other side, all while having a lot of popularity and power. He's essentially a threat to the senate's power. While he has defanged the dangerous ones, that doesn't mean he'd in the clear, especially once he's off gallivanting in the east.

As for advice, Persia shouldn't even be a province of Rome. Sure, the King of Kings was captured, but that doesn't stop any of his sons or generals from deciding to ignore that or fight back should Rome make an attempt. Hell, his own son, Phraates IV, killed him and his thirty brothers for the throne later on anyway. I say Pacorus, who would be the heir at this time, ignores that point of the treaty his father made with Rome and temporarily gives Rome control of Mesopotamia.

That reminds me, if Orodes II was in the Parthian army that fought Pompey, does that mean Surena was not? I'm asking since Surena happened to be Parthia's premier general at the time, and was responsible for wiping out the Roman expedition OTL. If he wasn't at TTL's Carrhae, then this just got more interesting.

We'll be seeing Pacorus, definetly.
 
Gnaeus’ reign was going from bad to worse. The republicans fled to Asia Minor, led by Mettelus Scipio. There they continued their rebellion against Gnaeus.The Parthians revolted, led by their former Crown-Prince, Pacorus. Gnaeus was unpopular in Rome and the Romans resented his relationship with Cleopatra. In 35 BC, Gnaeus sent his general, Marcus Brutus, against Pacorus. Brutus marched into Parthia and Pacorus fled further north, into Hycarnia. Brutus and Pacorus met for a climatic battle and Pacorus’ horsemen charged. Brutus was slain and the Romans suffered a crushing defeat.


All Persia was in revolt now and Pacorus marched on Ctesiphon. There, the Persians proclaimed him King of Kings. The Roman governor of Mesopotamia was flayed alive.
In Rome, in 32 BC, Gnaeus was died suddenly and his brother Sextus was made dictator. Republican sentiment flared up in Rome and Senator Cassius Longinus declared Sextus’ dictatorship was illegitimate. Sextus soon secured control and Cassius was strangled. Sextus landed in Greece and sailed to Asia Minor. There, he confronted Scipio at the Miletus. If Sextus was defeated, Scipio could restore the dream of the Republic. If Sextus won, the last hope of democracy would be crushed. The two sides readied for battle.
 
How's things going on the Celtic front? I'm just wondering since Caesar's disappearance would likely have effects on the tribes there, such as not being conquered. Plus the Helvetii were planning to migrate down into southern Gaul during the 50's BC. I'm guessing the Celtic Triumvirate failed to form though, since that would've unified the Celts and thus make them scarier.

As for what happened in the current entry, It'd be interesting if the Republic forces won, but then the TL name "Sons of Pompey" would not truly stick. I can also see Cleopatra do some meddling in this civil war, much like how she joined up with Anthony IOTL.

I can also see the Parthians make an attempt to get Syria during the hubbub too, since that was Pacorus' goal IOTL. Whether or not he's successful is a different story, but a an unstable Rome gives him options.
 
Most of the Pompeians stayed on the north of the River Miletus while Sextus sneaked north. The Roman dictator crossed the river and attacked the republicans in the rear. The Pompeians crossed the river and Scipio called a retreat. On a hill, Scipio fired javelins at the Pompeians. Scipio then charged at the Pompeians. Sextus held the line and decimated the republicans. Scipio fled from Miletus to Syria, where loyal garrisons remained.

Cleopatra had not interfered in Roman affairs since Gnaeus’ untimely death. She had married her baby brother, Ptolemy XIV but he mysteriously died, leaving Cleopatra free to rule on her own. Sextus demanded that Cleopatra send him a fleet so he could capture Cyprus from Scipio.Cleopatra sent no response before Miletus, as she feared that Scipio could win. Still after Miletus, she did not respond. Cleopatra was clearly unwilling to be Sextus’ pawn. However, Scipio plotted with Cleopatra’s rival sister, Arsinoe, to take Egypt. Cleopatra finally sent a fleet to Sextus. Cyprus soon fell and Sextus now came with an army to Syria.

Sextus invaded Syria now but was confronted by Scipio at Barbalissus. Scipio outnumbered Sextus and charged. Sextus again attacked Scipio’s rear and routed the republicans. Scipio fled to Parthia, where he received a warm welcome by the King of Kings.

Pacorus was in Ctesiphon, raising an army to invade Syria. Sextus too was raising an army, to invade Parthia. First, he went and visited Cleopatra. Syria and Cyprus came back under her rule. As for Arsinoe, she was killed. Sextus then left Cleopatra and invaded Parthia, crossing the Euphrates.

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Feel free to give me your thoughts.
 
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I think you also might have overestimated his ability to secure Rome too. He did just install himself as dictator when he went on the Parthia campaign. By this point Pompey would've had a big list of enemies, since he basically flip flopped to the other side, all while having a lot of popularity and power. He's essentially a threat to the senate's power. While he has defanged the dangerous ones, that doesn't mean he'd in the clear, especially once he's off gallivanting in the east.

As for advice, Persia shouldn't even be a province of Rome. Sure, the King of Kings was captured, but that doesn't stop any of his sons or generals from deciding to ignore that or fight back should Rome make an attempt. Hell, his own son, Phraates IV, killed him and his thirty brothers for the throne later on anyway. I say Pacorus, who would be the heir at this time, ignores that point of the treaty his father made with Rome and temporarily gives Rome control of Mesopotamia.

That reminds me, if Orodes II was in the Parthian army that fought Pompey, does that mean Surena was not? I'm asking since Surena happened to be Parthia's premier general at the time, and was responsible for wiping out the Roman expedition OTL. If he wasn't at TTL's Carrhae, then this just got more interesting.

Tthanks for your thoughts. Now continue watching the show. I've got another update coming.
 
How's things going on the Celtic front? I'm just wondering since Caesar's disappearance would likely have effects on the tribes there, such as not being conquered. Plus the Helvetii were planning to migrate down into southern Gaul during the 50's BC. I'm guessing the Celtic Triumvirate failed to form though, since that would've unified the Celts and thus make them scarier.

As for what happened in the current entry, It'd be interesting if the Republic forces won, but then the TL name "Sons of Pompey" would not truly stick. I can also see Cleopatra do some meddling in this civil war, much like how she joined up with Anthony IOTL.

I can also see the Parthians make an attempt to get Syria during the hubbub too, since that was Pacorus' goal IOTL. Whether or not he's successful is a different story, but a an unstable Rome gives him options.

We'll get to Cleopatra and the Celts soon.
 
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