Chapter 54: The Ruler of the East (3)
Jerusalem, situated on a high valley, was renowned for its formidable defenses, featuring multiple layers of walls. It was a fortress that could endure a siege for years against a typical enemy. However, Rome was no ordinary adversary.
Pompey established his camp to the north of Jerusalem and took a measured approach to the siege. He was in no rush, relying on a soldier bribed by Marcus to provide detailed reports from within the city.
Inside Jerusalem, chaos reigned as Hyrcanus II, the high priest, rallied his supporters, causing internal strife. Despite his clear judgment that confronting Rome was futile, he struggled to maintain control.
Pompey opted to undermine the enemy's morale with an overwhelming display of power rather than engaging in a bloody siege. Eventually, the citizens of Jerusalem, unable to endure the pressure, ousted the hardliners and opened the city gates.
The hardliners who supported Aristobulus retreated to the valley where the temple was located. They cut off the bridge across the valley and vowed to resist to the end. While the temple fortress was steep, it presented no real obstacle to the Roman army.
Marcus, aware that the Jews refrained from fighting on the Sabbath, suggested Pompey use this day to build a massive earthwork around the valley. The Jews, adhering to their laws, did not challenge the construction, even as the earthwork rose before them.
Within just three months, Jerusalem and the temple fell to Rome. Despite the prolonged siege, it did not live up to its reputation for impregnable defense.
Angered by Israel's arrogance, the Roman army sought permission to plunder. Pompey granted limited authorization, deciding it was necessary to teach them a lesson.
"Spare Hyrcanus's supporters who opened the gates. Allow plundering only for Aristobulus's supporters and those who refuse to recognize Rome."
Pompey also decreed that the temple should not be touched. He was moved by the Jewish priests' dedication, who continued their sacrifices even amid the conflict. Curious about the Jewish temple, Pompey, accompanied by Marcus, climbed the mountain to view the sanctuary.
"What kind of god do they worship that they act this way? They mention a creator, but why don't they name their god directly?"
"The Jews consider God's name too sacred to be spoken aloud. They only write it."
"How can they distinguish their god without mentioning the name? Ah, I suppose it doesn't matter since they believe in only one god."
"Yes. Their god is quite different from ours."
"One god... That's an unusual religion."
Pompey, unfamiliar with the doctrines of Judaism, was perplexed by the significance of the sanctuary to them.
Inside the sanctuary of the temple was the Holy of Holies, a space where only the high priest could enter once a year. However, this sacred space had long been lost, and there was nothing of significance left inside the sanctuary.
Pompey, accustomed to the grandeur of Roman and Greek temples, felt disappointed by the modesty of the Jewish sanctuary. Nonetheless, he showed respect by removing his weapons and helmet before entering, a gesture meant to honor the temple.
Despite his efforts to show courtesy, the Jews perceived his actions as an insult and an act of blasphemy against their god. Pompey struggled to understand their logic and felt no sympathy for their reaction. The cultural divide between Rome and the Jews was immense, making it clear that Israel could not maintain a friendly relationship with Rome.
Pompey proceeded to fulfill his declaration by erasing the Hasmonean dynasty from history. The territories once under Hasmonean control were returned to their original inhabitants. Jerusalem was demoted to a lower status under Syria's jurisdiction and fell into decline. The city would not regain independence until the twentieth century.
Aristobulus and his family were captured and sent to Rome as prisoners. Thanks to Pompey's alliance, Hyrcanus II retained his position as high priest, though he lost most of his former power. The real authority was assumed by Herod Antipater, Pompey's loyal subordinate.
With the Jewish issue resolved, Pompey was finally able to relax. The only remaining kingdom in southern Anatolia that did not acknowledge Roman supremacy, Nabataea, sent an envoy to Pompey shortly after the fall of Jerusalem, seeking to establish friendly relations.
By this time, no nation in Asia resisted Roman hegemony. For the Romans, Asia included Anatolia and the Orient. In just three years as commander, Pompey had effectively pacified the entire region.
Pompey, proud of his accomplishments, meticulously documented his achievements. Under his command, Roman supremacy and Pax Romana were established across Asia. More than 1,500 cities and 12 million people acknowledged Roman dominance anew. Pompey also paid over 200 million sesterces in war reparations to the Roman treasury and awarded each of his legionnaires an extra 500 sesterces.
The annual salary of a Roman legionnaire at the time was about 800 sesterces. Pompey's reward of 500 sesterces to each legionnaire was more than 60% of their annual salary.
Pompey also promised to distribute land to his subordinates. As a result, his subordinates praised him daily, placing his orders above those of the Senate.
During this period, Pompey received more good news: Mithridates, who had been besieged in the Caucasus Mountains, had taken his own life. Unable to accept rejection by his allies and being pursued by his own son, Mithridates ended his life in despair. His son Pharnaces sent his father's remains directly to Pompey.
Pompey felt a tinge of sympathy for the fallen king who had once dominated the Black Sea coast. "Bury him in the royal tomb of Sinope where the kings of Pontus are interred. He was a king, after all. He deserves some respect."
News of Mithridates' death spread quickly to Rome. His death, after more than 20 years of fighting against Rome, caused a sensation. The rumor circulated that while Sulla and Lucullus had failed to defeat him, Pompey had achieved this in just three years of war.
The Roman Senate officially recognized Pharnaces II as the new king of Pontus. Pompey's popularity soared as a result.
However, Pompey did not return to Rome immediately. He was determined to reorganize the newly annexed regions thoroughly before heading back.
Marcus, on the other hand, lacked the patience for such a lengthy process. In 63 BC, Rome faced another storm of political unrest, and Marcus needed to return promptly.
He requested his discharge from Pompey. "You want to be discharged? Why now? Wouldn't it be better to return to Rome with me next year?"
"I would, but I have urgent family matters that require my attention."
"Really? Well, I can't insist then. But your presence would be very helpful for the reorganization of the provinces. I'm sorry to see you go."
"I've arranged for the knights to assist you as much as possible. You won't face any difficulties without me."
Pompey was reassured by Marcus's response. The reorganization of the provinces and financial matters were intertwined, and the cooperation of the knights stationed in the local areas was crucial.
So far, Marcus had efficiently handled this part of the task, and Pompey was very satisfied with his attention to detail before requesting his discharge.
"You always anticipate my needs. Even if you return to Rome early, make sure to participate in the triumphal ceremony. You've made significant contributions to this war."
"Thank you for your kindness."
"Kindness? What are you talking about? The sea route is safe now that there are no pirates, but still, be careful."
"Yes. I hope you return safely as well."
As Marcus was about to leave, he decided to offer one final piece of advice.
"By the way, it would be wise to secure some promises from the Senate before you return to Rome."
"Promises? Do I really need to ask for that? It might hurt my reputation."
"It's better to secure the benefits you're entitled to, even if it affects your reputation. The Senate is probably already plotting to undermine your dignity."
In fact, Pompey's downfall in history began after his success in the East. Marcus, however, was more concerned with ensuring Pompey's future stability than with his own gains. He had already obtained all the benefits he could from the East, expanded his own base, and gained experience commanding a legion. He felt a sense of obligation to Pompey, who had given him much.
Pompey was in a worse situation with the Senate than in history. If the Senate decided to bring him down, it could severely impact Pompey's future plans. Marcus wanted to prevent this by ensuring Pompey's position was secure.
Pompey, however, was unaware of the gravity of his situation.
"The Senate must know that tarnishing my reputation would only harm themselves. To disregard a hero who has brought immense benefits to Rome? They would face public outrage. Do they dare to take such a risk?"
"If a truly urgent situation arises, the Senate won't hesitate to sacrifice their own reputation to bring down an opponent. It would be wise to secure prior approval for the legions you've reorganized, Pompey."
"Well… I see your point, but wouldn't that make me appear to be pressuring the Senate with my ten legions? I'm already in a powerful position, and such a move might erode public support."
Pompey was understandably proud of his achievements, but a skilled politician should also consider how those achievements might constrain him.
Pompey lacked this aspect of political foresight. He believed that his great deeds had placed him beyond challenge. He valued honor more than power and struggled to grasp the relentless nature of the pursuit of power. His main concern was preserving his prestige and avoiding any actions that might tarnish his reputation.
This was why he chose not to follow Marcus's advice to pressure the Senate. He had employed such tactics when running for his first consulship, but he felt the situation was different now. Pompey decided it was time to demonstrate the gravitas that Roman nobles particularly admired.
Marcus felt frustrated.
"Didn't you swear by the gods that you would disband your army, Pompey? The senators might be very uncooperative as a result. You should at least secure some cooperation before disbanding your army."
"You're not wrong. It's certainly a reasonable and correct judgment. But if I press the Senate again, they might see me as a real threat. I think it's better to take the initiative and show generosity."
"It would be nice if they appreciated your goodwill, but in politics, goodwill alone often leads to betrayal."
"Haha, isn't that what defines a great leader? You're skilled at many things, but sometimes you're overly cautious. Don't worry too much; everything will work out. Go back now."
With that, Marcus had nothing more to say. It was disappointing but served as a reminder of why Pompey could never become the master of his era.
'I have no choice but to return to Rome and prepare in advance.'
If necessary, he might even enlist Crassus to ensure the Senate did not sever ties with Pompey.
Marcus had many tasks awaiting him, and Pompey's reluctance to heed his advice added to his stress.
Marcus sighed softly and left the commander's tent. As he emerged, he gazed at the western sky, toward Rome. The Rome he would return to after three years would be very different—not because Rome had changed, but because he had. His background and influence had grown significantly. He had supported Pompey and helped lower the Senate's age limit, so he only needed to wait two more years.
Marcus's gaze toward Rome wasn't just directed at the western sky; it seemed to reach far beyond.
The year of turmoil, 63 BC, awaited his return.
The territory that Pompey subdued in less than four years roughly forms a black triangle on the map. This illustrates just how remarkable his achievement was.
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