Pompey was a partisan and protégé of Sulla, the Roman general and dictator who restored the power of the Senate.
Pompey was first an ally and then an enemy of Caesar, the ambitious and popular general who challenged the Senate's authority.
Pompey was a rival and then a partner of Crassus, the richest man in Rome and a commander in the Third Servile War.
Pompey was supported by Cicero, a famous orator and statesman, who praised his achievements and helped him secure the grain supply.
Pompey replaced Lucullus, a successful general in the Third Mithridatic War, who resented him for taking over his command and settlements.