Pompey the Great (106–48 BCE)

Question 1

When was Pompey the Great born?

Answer 1

106 BCE

Question 2

What was Pompey’s full name?

Answer 2

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus

Question 3

Which Roman dictator did Pompey support early in his career?

Answer 3

Sulla

Question 4

What nickname was Pompey given after his early military victories?

Answer 4

Magnus (The Great)

Question 5

Who was Pompey’s most famous spouse?

Answer 5

Julia, the daughter of Julius Caesar

Question 6

What military threat did Pompey successfully eliminate in the Mediterranean?

Answer 6

Piracy

Question 7

In what year did Pompey clear the Mediterranean of pirates?

Answer 7

67 BCE

Question 8

What informal political alliance did Pompey form with Caesar and Crassus?

Answer 8

The First Triumvirate

Question 9

Which region did Pompey conquer and turn into Roman provinces?

Answer 9

The Eastern Mediterranean

Question 10

What major civil war did Pompey fight in against Julius Caesar?

Answer 10

The Roman Civil War (49–45 BCE)

Question 11

Where was Pompey assassinated?

Answer 11

In Egypt

Question 12

What key role did Pompey play in expanding the Roman Republic?

Answer 12

He led successful military campaigns in Africa, Spain, and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Question 13

Which famous building did Pompey construct in Rome?

Answer 13

The Theater of Pompey

Question 14

How many military triumphs did Pompey celebrate?

Answer 14

Three

Question 15

Who was the king of Egypt when Pompey was assassinated?

Answer 15

Ptolemy XIII

Question 16

What major battle did Pompey lose to Julius Caesar?

Answer 16

The Battle of Pharsalus

Question 17

What was Pompey’s role in the First Triumvirate?

Answer 17

He formed a political alliance with Caesar and Crassus.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Pompey was known for quickly eliminating _____ from the Mediterranean.

Answer 18

pirates

Question 19

How is Pompey remembered today?

Answer 19

As one of Rome’s greatest military commanders and a key figure in the Republic’s transition to Empire.

Question 20

What year did Pompey die?

Answer 20

48 BCE

Question 21

Fill in the blank: The Theater of Pompey was the first permanent stone _____ in Rome.

Answer 21

theater

Question 22

Who defeated King Mithridates VI in the Eastern Mediterranean campaigns?

Answer 22

Pompey the Great

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Pompey’s most famous opponent during the Roman Civil War was _____.

Answer 23

Julius Caesar

Question 24

Why was Pompey’s marriage to Julia significant?

Answer 24

It solidified a political alliance with Julius Caesar.

Question 25

What was the outcome of the Battle of Pharsalus?

Answer 25

Pompey was defeated by Caesar.

Question 26

What was the Roman Republic like during Pompey’s lifetime?

Answer 26

It was a time of political instability, civil wars, and shifting alliances.

Question 27

How did Pompey die?

Answer 27

He was assassinated by agents of Ptolemy XIII in Egypt.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: Pompey is often remembered for his contributions to Roman military success and the _____.

Answer 28

expansion of Roman territories

Question 29

Who was Pompey’s father and what was his role?

Answer 29

Pompeius Strabo, a general in the Roman army.

Question 30

What unique ability was Pompey given to fight pirates in the Mediterranean?

Answer 30

Extraordinary powers by the Senate to command all naval forces.

Question 31

What phrase describes how fast Pompey cleared the Mediterranean of pirates?

Answer 31

Within three months, allegedly without getting his feet wet.