Pompeius Strabo, Gnaeus (c. 130–87 BC)

Roman general, father of Pompey the Great. In the Social War 91–87 BC between Rome and its Italian allies, he was a successful commander in the north. He was elected consul for 89 BC and carried a law that extended Roman citizenship to the Latin communities north of the River Po, and Latin rights to the non-Latin communities.

Pompeius Strabo also gave Roman citizenship to some Spanish cavalry serving under him. In the civil war between Marius and Sulla, he did not take sides and was able to remain independent until he died.

Pompeius Strabo is an important figure in Roman history because he established the power base, especially in Picenum, that helped his son to enter public life at the top, bypassing the normal step-by-step career.