Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus earned the title 'Magnus' (The Great) early in his career under Sulla. He was immensely popular for his quick victories against pirates and his conquests in the East, where he annexed Syria and Judea.
He formed the First Triumvirate with Caesar and Crassus, marrying Caesar's daughter Julia. However, after Julia's death and Crassus's defeat, he aligned with the Senate Optimates to oppose Caesar.
Defeated by Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus (48 BC), he fled to Egypt seeking asylum but was assassinated upon arrival by the advisors of Ptolemy XIII.