Roman Empire During the Triumvirate 59–53 BCE

The years 59–53 BCE were defined by the political dominance of Julius Caesar, Pompey and Crassus under an unofficial alliance known as the First Triumvirate. Caesar was instrumental in bringing about the alliance in his attempt to increase his political power following his successful governance in Hispania. Pompey aimed to acquire land for his soldiers and Crassus, one of the richest men in Rome, was seeking military success. Temporarily united by their ambitions, they managed to oppose the strength of the conservative senate after Caesar was elected consul in 59 BCE. The Triumvirate began to falter in 56 BCE when Pompey and Crassus became envious of Caesar’s astounding successes in Gallia, and it was agreed that they would run for the two consul positions that year. Hispania was subsequently allocated to Pompey, Syria to Crassus and Caesar kept his position in Gallia. The alliance collapsed following Crassus’s death in battle in 53 BCE.