The First Triumvirate

The First Triumvirate was a political alliance between Gaius Julius Caesar, Marcus Lisinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. It has no official status in the senate but had a large amount of control over what took place in the Senate. The triumvirate started when Julius Caesar decided to reconcile both Crassus and Pompey who had been greatly opposed to one another. The alliance combined Caesar's popularity, Crassus's wealth and Pompeys military skill. Caesar and Crassus were already friends prior to the alliance and Caesar solidified is friendship with Pompey by giving him his daughter Julia in marriage. Caesar was eventually elected consul with the help of his new allies and he conquered Gaul. He then helped to get both Crassus and Pompey the consulship which allowed him control of Gaul for an extended period of time. It also gave Crassus the opportunity to fight the Parthians and for Pompey to control Spain. The alliance ended when Crassus died at the hands of the Parthians and Julia died giving birth to Pompeys child. Whilst Caesar was in Gaul Pompey had the time to take full control over the city of Rome. This led to Caesar leading an army across the Rubicon to take Rome for his own. Caesar eventually defeated Pompey and took control of Rome and her lands. He was eventually assassinated by his friend Brutus leaving all of his wealth, land and assets to his nephew Octavian. After Caesars death many people spent time mourning him, such as his niece Atia. However, his lieutenant Marc Antony and his nephew Octavian ended up in a power struggle which led to a second civil war which is talked about in the post titled the Second Triumvirate.







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video of Ju