Pompey

Born Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus in Picenum, central Italy. Son of a powerful but unpopular general. At 17 he raises three legions from his father's veterans and tenants. He's never held political office. He doesn't need one.

Defeats the Marian forces in Sicily and Africa for the dictator Sulla. He's 25. Sulla, impressed and slightly unnerved, grants him a triumph and the surname Magnus (the Great). Pompey hasn't been asked for the title. He's claimed it.

Given extraordinary command to clear the Mediterranean of pirates. He's assigned 500 ships and 120,000 troops. He sweeps the sea in 40 days. Grain prices in Rome drop overnight. The Senate has never given anyone this much power.

Celebrates his third triumph in Rome for victories over Mithridates and the reorganization of the East. The procession lasts two days. Banners list 15 conquered nations. He's annexed Syria and doubled Rome's annual revenue.

Forms the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Marcus Crassus. Three men divide Roman power among themselves. Pompey marries Caesar's daughter Julia to seal the deal. When she dies in childbirth four years later, the alliance begins to crack.

Crushed by Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus in Greece despite outnumbering him nearly two to one. His infantry breaks. His cavalry flees. He watches from a hilltop, then rides to the coast without a word.

Arrives in Egypt seeking refuge and is murdered as he steps from his boat. Ptolemy XIII's advisors stab him on the beach at Pelusium. He's 58. When Caesar arrives days later and is presented with Pompey's head, he reportedly weeps.