Had returned from Spain in 60BC, wanted the consulship for the following year, 59BC.
Unwanted by optimates in the Senate because of his unpopular popularis ideals.
Cato put his cousin Bibulus in the position to go against Caesar.
1 of 4
Pompey's Reasons
Pompey wanted to settle his veterans upon arriving back from his campaigns in the East (in 62)
His actions had been blocked by the senate (specifically the optimates), so he was looking for some sort of overriding power.
His veterans were seeing him as dishonourable. He feared their revolt.
Joining Triumvirate allowed him to get Caesar to push forward his proposition.
2 of 4
Crassus' Reasons
Mithridatic war had caused massive losses to farmers, who appealed to Crassus (money lender) for help.
The optimates rejected this proposal.
Also needed to push through an agreement for contracting out tax gathering in the province of Asia.
Crassus had also been socially damaged due to accusations made against him in the Bona Dea scandal (bribery).
3 of 4
Overview
Formed in 60BC
Effectively took over the Senate due to Caesar's position as consul and seized control over Rome.
Pompey starts to grow jealous of the attention that Caesar is receiving during his conquests in Gaul and acts erratically.
Tensions rising until 56 conference of Luca.
In Luca, Caesar tries to get all 3 of them to re-ally by assigning 5-year commands for each of them (to get money/power/honour) and deciding that Pompey and Crassus should be consuls for the next year.
Crassus' death in 53 leaves an imbalance between jealous Pompey and Caesar.
Initially solidified by Pompey marrying Caesar's daughter Julia. She dies in 54 and Pompey chooses to marry an optimate instead of accepting Caesar's offer of his niece. (example of amicitia)
Pompey allies with Cato, effectively breaking the Triumvirate.
Cato declares Pompey should be sole consul to sort out issues in Rome after Clodius is murdered by Milo.
Comments
No comments have yet been made