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Why did Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus form the First Triumvirate?
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Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar, bronze sculpture in Rome.
The First Triumvirate was an extralegal, informal compact formed in 60 BCE by Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Marcus Licinius Crassus to overcome political opposition and secure their individual ambitions.12
The alliance was driven by the following motivations:
- Overcoming Opposition: The three leaders faced significant resistance from the Optimates (the conservative faction in the Senate). By pooling their influence, they aimed to secure the consulship for Caesar and advance their collective political goals.2
- Securing Commands: Caesar sought a long-term military command to gain power and wealth. Pompey and Crassus also desired five-year provincial commands, which they eventually secured through the alliance.2
- Mutual Benefit: The partnership served as a necessary instrument for each member. Pompey, who married Caesarās daughter Julia, relied on Caesar to help provide for his discharged troops, while Caesar utilized the political and financial weight of his partners to bypass the gridlock of the Roman government.2
This cooperation was maintained through strategic conferences, such as the meeting at Luca in 56 BCE, but it ultimately dissolved following the death of Julia and the demise of Crassus.2