Betraying Pompey
A series of political and military conflicts led to the Great Roman Civil War of 49-45 BC. The war was between Pompey and Julius Caesar including their separate followers. Caesar's side was winning the war and forced Pompey to retreat. Pompey had been good allies of the Egyptians and, in an attempt to recieve help, he looked for refuge in Egypt. Pothinus, knowing that Caesar would win, convinced Ptolemy XIII that it would be in his best intrest to have Pompey beheaded. Pompey had his head decapitated in front of his wife. Pothinus saved the head of Pompey to show to Caesar. Caesar arrived in Egypt and was housed in the palace where Pothinus presented Caesar with the head of Caesar's former friend, Pompey.