September 28, 48 BCE
On this day in history, we revisit the grim events that unfolded in 44 BCE—the assassination of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, otherwise known as Pompey the Great. The political landscape of the Roman Republic was thrown into chaos as Pompey met his end in the portico of the Ptolemaic palace in Alexandria, Egypt. This event, rather than being memorialized, serves as a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of ancient Roman politics and the ruthless pursuit of power.
Fleeing to Egypt after his defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus, Pompey’s aspirations for refuge were met with betrayal. His assassination has been clouded in historical ambiguity over time. The void left by Pompey’s demise became a catalyst for further political unrest, exacerbating the already precarious situation in the Roman Republic.
As we acknowledge this anniversary, it is crucial to avoid romanticizing Pompey’s fate. Instead, we are prompted to confront the darker realities of political machinations and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The assassination of Pompey stands as a cautionary tale, underscoring the fragility of political alliances and the ruthless competition for supremacy within the walls of ancient Rome.
