First Triumvirate facts for kids

The First Triumvirate was a secret agreement between three powerful Roman leaders. These leaders were Julius Caesar, Marcus Licinius Crassus, and Pompey. They formed this alliance in 60 BC. Their goal was to help each other gain more power and influence in Ancient Rome.

Who Was in the First Triumvirate?

The three men in this powerful group were:

• Julius Caesar: A brilliant general and politician.
• Marcus Licinius Crassus: One of the richest men in Rome.
• Pompey: A famous military general, also known as Pompey the Great.

Why Did They Join Forces?

Each man had something to gain from this alliance:

• Caesar needed money for his big building projects in Rome. Crassus, being very rich, helped him with this. Caesar also needed military support, which he got from Pompey's loyal soldiers.
• Crassus was wealthy but not always popular. He gained support and popularity from both Pompey and Caesar. Caesar was especially popular with the common people of Rome.
• Pompey had many soldiers returning from wars. He wanted the Roman Senate to give them land. Caesar spoke up for Pompey in the Senate, helping him get what he wanted.

Pompey and Crassus had been enemies for a long time. However, they realized that working together would benefit them all. To make the alliance stronger, Crassus even promised to pay Caesar's debts if Caesar couldn't. Also, Pompey married Julia, who was Caesar's only child.

How Did the Triumvirate End?

The First Triumvirate lasted for several years. It ended when Crassus died in 53 BC during a battle called the Battle of Carrhae.

After Crassus's death, Caesar and Pompey became rivals. They eventually fought a civil war. Caesar won a major battle against Pompey at the Battle of Pharsalus. Caesar then became the most powerful leader in Rome. He was made dictator in 44 BC.

Related pages

• Second Triumvirate

Images for kids

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  From left to right: Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey

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  A Roman bust of Marcus Tullius Cicero, a famous Roman speaker and politician.

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  A Roman bust of Pompey the Great from the time of Emperor Augustus.

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  A Roman bust of Lucius Cornelius Sulla.

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  The Tusculum portrait, a bust of Julius Caesar.

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  A Roman bust believed to be Crassus.

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  A family tree showing the relationships between the members of the First Triumvirate and other important Romans.

See also

In Spanish: Primer Triunvirato (Antigua Roma) para niños