#the return of pompey
Chapter 14: Honors and Pronouncements (Pt 1)
As Crassus finished crucifying his captives along the Appian Way to the south, Pompey the Great approached Rome from the opposite direction, leading an army of ten legions. While he could not enter Rome’s pomerium lest he lose his imperium and disqualify himself from honors, Pompey sent word of his intention to camp on the Field of Mars – plans that prompted the senate to quickly gather to determine honors for both of its returning generals.
Cicero, of course, voted with the majority of his colleagues to deny Crassus a triumph. Instead, he would have to settle for an ovation. Instead of entering Rome in a golden chariot pulled by four white horses wearing a wreath of laurel, he would enter on foot with a wreath of myrtle on his head.
Pompey’s honors, however, were more elaborate. And, since he had already returned to Rome, the House immediately deputed its consuls to appear before the general personally to offer the honor.
Cicero, along with a string of other senators, followed the consuls and senior senators out of the city gates to the Field of Mars, where Pompey had taken up residence in the Villa Publica, which had, in recent years, become the official guest house of Rome’s senate.
Ringed with soldiers, the villa bustled with activity, and the consuls and senior officials were ushered inside. Once they had entered, however, the guards stepped in to prevent any others from entering.
Annoyed, Cicero slowed. As one of Pompey’s supporters, he had been certain of an audience – and a place of honor in the general’s councils.
“Cicero!” a voice called. It was Palicanus, who whispered to the guards to let my master and I pass.
“Cicero, my friend,” he said. “The consuls are with the general now. Please make yourself comfortable here in the atrium.”
Once inside, Cicero sat down on a bench and stewed. He had expected more for his efforts on Pompey’s behalf. Indeed, he had angered the richest man in Rome – Crassus – because he had already chosen a side. Perhaps his decision had been too hasty.
“I should be in there,” Cicero said, growing angry. “But no, I’m stuck out here while inside, Rome is being sliced up like a cooked chicken! Catulus, Scaurus, Hortensius – even Crassus, who is Pompey’s sworn enemy, mind you – all have seats at the table!”
Finally, as the afternoon was waning, Cicero’s brother, Quintus, arrived.
“What is happening, brother?” Quintus asked. “I have heard many things on the forum.”
“Indeed?” Cicero asked. “I have heard nothing, being ignored as I have. What is the news?”
“All bad, I’m afraid,” Quintus replied. “If the magistrates on the forum are to be believed, it will be Pompey for consul, and the powers and rights of the Tribunate of the Plebs are to be restored!”
“Ah,” Cicero said. “So much for the mystery behind Palicanus settling for tribunician rank. He will be powerful, indeed! But how did Pompey manage such a feat – especially with the aristocrats in the room?”
“Apparently, they put up no resistance once Pompey agreed to Hortensius and Quintus Metellus for consul next year, and Lucius Metellus to take Sicily once Verres returns to Rome. Even Crassus is pleased – he is to be Pompey’s junior consul, from what I hear.”
“Carve up Rome they did!” Cicero said, furiously. “Mark my words, Quintus, we are witnessing the beginning of the end of the republic!”
While I admired my master greatly, I could only wonder if he would have felt this way had he been inside, and allowed a share of the honors and powers being bestowed. Who knows?
