Pompey

Also known as: Pompey the Great · Family: Roman · Role: Roman commander · First appears: Book I, Chapter 6

In Book I, Chapter 6, Hyrcanus and Antipater appealed to Pompey for Roman assistance, and he marched against Aristobulus with Roman and Syrian forces: “so he took not only his Roman forces, but many of his Syrian auxiliaries, and marched against Aristobulus.” He fought Tigranes, employed Scaurus in Syria, and ordered Aristobulus to surrender his fortified places. Although Aristobulus complied, he returned to Jerusalem and prepared to fight, so Pompey took him into custody.

In Chapter 7, Pompey’s forces defeated Aristobulus’s faction and entered the city, while Faustus Cornelius was first over the temple wall during the siege. Pompey rewarded Faustus Cornelius and his companions with glorious presents, appointed Hyrcanus high priest, imposed tribute on the country and Jerusalem, and made Scaurus governor over Syria, Judea, and neighboring lands. He took Aristobulus and his children captive; Alexander (son of Aristobulus) escaped, while Antigonus (son of Aristobulus) and his sisters were carried to Rome.

In the following chapters, Alexander (son of Aristobulus) remained connected with Pompey as the son who had fled from him, and was later beheaded by Scipio at Pompey’s command. Pompey was a rival of Caesar, while Cecilius Bassus treacherously killed Sextus Caesar and seized his forces out of goodwill toward Pompey. Antigonus (son of Aristobulus) was his enemy, while Hyrcanus and Antipater were associated with Pompey in friendship.