Prompt Cast
The Rise and Fall of the First Triumvirate in Ancient Rome
TLDR The First Triumvirate, consisting of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus, was an alliance formed to achieve personal ambitions in the Roman Republic. However, the alliance fell apart due to the deaths of Julia and Crassus, leading to the downfall of the Roman Republic.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
In 60 BC, Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus formed an alliance to run the Roman Republic, but their alliance eventually fell apart.
02:01
To climb the Cursus Honorum in the Roman Republic, one needed actoritas, money, and a strong network of patrons and clients, as exemplified by Marcus Licinius Crassus, the richest person in Rome who made his fortune through real estate speculation and allegedly created the first fire brigade.
03:45
Crassus, although rich, lacked military accomplishments, but gained some actoritas by being appointed as the commander to crush the Spartacus slave revolt, while Pompey, who had earned his position through military victories, was sent by the Senate to assist Crassus and later went on to achieve further military success.
05:30
Julius Caesar, who was a client of Crassus and a popular figure among the common people, put himself heavily into debt to win the election for Pontifus Maximus, and in exchange for political support, Crassus agreed to pay for much of Caesar's debts.
07:17
Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey formed an alliance, known as the First Triumvirate, to work together and achieve their personal ambitions, with Caesar becoming consul, Pompey receiving a land grant, and Crassus getting his pet legislation passed.
09:00
The downfall of the First Triumvirate was caused by the death of Julia and the death of Crassus, leading to a downward spiral and ultimately resulting in another civil war.
10:40
The downfall of the First Triumvirate was a conspiracy against the state and marked the beginning of the end of the Roman Republic, with another triumvirate forming just ten years later.
