Koval A. Military, political and social activity of Cn. Pompey the Great

Military and political career of Pompey is considered in the thesis. It is based on a wide range of the ancient written and archaeological evidence as well as the vast complex of research literature. Many problems of the history of the Late Republic are revised: the part of Pompey in Sulla's Civil war; early military campaigns of Pompey; his first extraordinary magistracies; the first triumvirate; the sole consulship of Pompey the Great; the causes of Caesar's Civil war etc. Pompey's military career started in a time of civil wars under command of his own father Pompey Strabo, who was a skillful Roman general during the Social war. After Strabo's death Pompey was forced to declare his loyalty to the new regime of Cinna. Pompey's survival was a result of his ability to make alliances with different sides of conflict. Because of this he easily turned from collaboration with Cinnans to Sullan party. During several decades Pompey had been fighting against the remnants of Sulla's enemies, conducting military campaigns on Sicily, in Northern Africa and Spain. But for him it was just a way to build his political career. He had never been true-hearted Sullan and his first consulship, which was achieved due to blackmail and insubordination, proved that. As consul, Pompey abolished some critical elements of the constitution of Sulla and restored the authority of the plebeian tribunes. After the 70 B.C. Pompey became an independent participant of Rome's political life. His successful military campaigns against the pirates and Mithradates made him the most popular and hopeful Roman general of 60s B.C.