Pompey the Great was a prominent Roman general and statesman born in 106 BC. He played a crucial role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Known for his military successes, he expanded Rome's territories in Asia Minor, Syria, and Judea. In 60 BC, Pompey formed the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Crassus, a political alliance that helped him gain power. However, tensions grew between him and Caesar, leading to a civil war. Pompey was ultimately defeated and fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated in 48 BC.