Gnaeus Strabo
ItalyQuintus Pompeius Strabo
Early CareerQuintus Pompeius Strabo, a Roman statesman and military commander, was born as the son of Sextus Pompeius. In 103 BCE, he served as a quaestor in Sardinia, and in 94 BCE, he became a praetor.
Leadership in the Social War
During the outbreak of the Social War in 90 BCE, Strabo became a legate under consul Publius Rutilius Lupus. He suffered a defeat at Mount Falernus but later regrouped and besieged Ausculum, which he successfully captured. Strabo's victories earned him the consulship in 89 BCE.
Consulship and Triumph
As consul, Strabo led Roman forces against the Italic rebels, crushing their march northward and securing the loyalty of northern Italy. He also established control over the Marrucini and Vestini and defeated the Mars, the most formidable opponents of Rome. Strabo's military successes culminated in his triumph on December 25, 89 BCE.
Political Divide and Death
In 88 BCE, Strabo stationed his army at Capua, remaining neutral in the conflict between Sulla and Cinna. However, his troops were later requested by Sulla's opponent Quintus Pompeius Rufus. The circumstances surrounding the death of Rufus remain unclear, but Strabo remained at Capua.
When Sulla departed for the Mithridatic War, and Cinna rebelled and was stripped of his consulship, Strabo was summoned to aid the Republic by consul Gnaeus Octavius and consul-suffectus Lucius Cornelius Merula. He camped his troops outside the Colline Gate in Rome with his son at his side.
The rebel forces under Marius and Cinna besieged Rome, cutting off its food supply. Despite repelling the rebels, Strabo suddenly and mysteriously died.
