SEXTUS POMPEY Meaning and
Definition
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Sextus Pompey was a prominent figure in ancient Roman history. He was the second son of the legendary Roman general and statesman Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, also known as Pompey the Great. Sextus Pompey lived during the late Roman Republic era, from 67 BCE to 35 BCE.
As a member of the prominent Pompeian family, Sextus Pompey inherited considerable political influence and military prowess. He played a significant role during the Roman civil war between his father and Julius Caesar, which resulted in the defeat and death of Pompey the Great in 48 BCE.
After the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, Sextus Pompey emerged as one of the key figures in the power struggle that followed. He established himself as a powerful naval commander and controlled various territories, particularly in Sicily and Sardinia.
Sextus Pompey was known for his resistance against the subsequent Triumvirate, a ruling alliance composed of Octavian (later known as Augustus), Mark Antony, and Lepidus. He led several successful naval campaigns against the Triumvirs, disrupting their efforts to secure complete control over the Roman Republic.
However, Sextus Pompey's fortunes reversed in 36 BCE when his fleet suffered significant losses in the Battle of Naulochus against Octavian. He eventually found himself isolated and was eventually captured and executed the following year. His downfall marked the decline of Pompeian power in Rome and solidified Octavian's path towards becoming the first Roman Emperor.
Etymology of SEXTUS POMPEY
The term "Sextus Pompey" does not have an etymology itself but is a combination of two separate terms.
1. "Sextus" is a Latin given name that means "sixth" in English. It comes from the Latin word "sextus", which is derived from the ordinal number "sex" meaning "six".
2. "Pompey" refers to the Roman general and statesman Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, commonly known as Pompey the Great. His cognomen "Pompeius" is derived from the Latin word "pompa", meaning "procession" or "parade" because his ancestors were associated with ceremonial processions.
Therefore, "Sextus Pompey" is a combination of the name "Sextus" with the cognomen of the famous Roman general Pompey the Great.
