Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus

Who is Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus?

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus was a noble Roman that lived during the 1st century; he is not to be confused with his namesake Pompey the Great. Pompeius was one among the sons of the consul of the year 27, Marcus Licinius Crassus Frugi and Scribonia.

According to Suetonius, Pompeius was a nobleman of the highest ancient birth. Pompeius’ birth name is unknown, however by birth and adoption through his father, Pompeius was of the gens Licinia. During the Roman Empire, it was common for Roman nobles to drop their paternal names and assume the names of their maternal ancestors. Roman nobles did this to either honor the memory of their ancestors or for adoption purposes.

Pompeius’ maternal grandparents were both direct descendants of Pompeia, the daughter of triumvir Pompey from his third marriage to Mucia Tertia. His paternal grandfather was consul and governor Marcus Licinius Crassus Dives. Crassus was the adoptive son of consul and general Marcus Licinius Crassus, who was the grandson of triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus. He was the last known direct descendant of the triumvir and was the last known direct descendant of the triumvir who bore his name.