The city of Jerusalem was built on a high valley and was surrounded by several layers of walls boasting iron-like defenses.
It was a natural fortress that would not budge even after defending against ordinary enemies for years.
The problem was that Rome was not such an ordinary enemy.
Pompeius camped north of Jerusalem and calmly prepared for the siege.
There was no need to rush.
This is because the Jerusalem soldier bought by Marcus vividly conveyed the internal situation.
Currently, in Jerusalem, the high priest Hyrcanus II gathered supporters and caused internal strife.
Relatively correct in judging the situation, he knew well that they would only destroy him if he faced Rome.
Pompeius continued to undermine the enemy's morale with overwhelming force demonstrations rather than bloody siege.
In the end, the people of Jerusalem, who couldn't stand it more, drove out of the main faction and opened the gate on their own.
The main faction supporting Aristobulus fled to the valley where the temple was located.
They even cut off the bridge over the valley, and they strengthened their will to fight until the end.
The mountain fortress where the temple was located was also quite rugged, but it didn't matter to the Roman army.
Marcus was well aware that Jews avoided fighting on the Sabbath.
Taking his advice, Pompeius used the Sabbath to build a massive earthen wall enclosing the valley.
The Jews who followed the law did not respond when they saw the earthen wall rising before their eyes.
Eventually, Jerusalem and the temple fell into the hands of Rome in just three months.
It was long, but it was not appropriate to say that he showed off his iron defense.
Angry at Israel's arrogant attitude, the Roman army asked for permission to loot.
Pompeius granted limited permission.
It was based on the judgment that it was good to show at least once due to Israel's tendency.
"Leave Hyrcanus' supporters who opened the gates. We will allow the plunder of Aristobulus' supporters and those who do not recognize Rome to the end."
In the meantime, Pompeius gave a strict order not to touch the temple.
He was strongly impressed by the faith of Jewish priests who offered sacrifices calmly during the war.
Curious about the Jewish temple, Pompeius took Marcus up the mountain to see the sanctuary.
"I didn't understand what god they believed in. Why don't they say the name of god themself when they say something about the Creator?"
"Jews consider god's name sacred and can only be written."
"How can you tell the difference without saying god's name...…. Oh, you said there is only one god of Judaism, so it doesn't matter."
"Yes, the god they believe in is very different from the gods that Rome believes in."
"There's only one god. What a strange religion."
Pompeius didn't even know what sanctuary meant to them because he knew nothing about the doctrines of Judaism.
Inside the Jewish sanctuary is the Holy of Holies, which only the high priest can enter once a year.
Of course, Pompeius, who could not know that, left the weapon to Marcus at the entrance.
"Why don't you come with me and take a look?"
"It won't be much if you go inside anyway. I'll wait here."
"Really? Then I'll go and see the statue of god they believe in."
As Pompeius entered the sanctuary, Marcus slowly looked outside the sanctuary.
Even in modern times, he is not a person who believes in any particular religion, but seeing the holy place of Jerusalem with his own eyes gave him a different feeling.
It is a sacred place for three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, but the latter two have not yet been created.
Now Jerusalem was just a Jewish holy place.
However, it was strange to think that in the future, Judaism would be nothing more than a sidekick and become an arena of competition between Christianity and Islam.
How much blood and useless hatred will fill this land by then?
Recalling the historical facts that will happen in the future, one side of his heart felt cold.
'Come to think of it, Christianity...… I heard that it is widely believed that Jesus definitely existed.'
Aside from whether he was the son of God, as Christians believed, or just a false prophet, as Judaism says, it is clear that he was a real person like Sakyamuni.
The exact year of birth is estimated to be from 4 BC to 3 B.C., so it was still a long way off.
Still, if Marcus lives a long life, he may be able to see his face in person.
In ancient times, it would be difficult to live longer than 80 years old, but Augustus also lived to be 75.
Marcus couldn't say that it was unconditionally impossible.
'Yes, since you were born in a similar era, you should see it at least once.'
In fact, seeing it won't change much, but he was genuinely curious.
While lost in thought for a moment, Pompeius, who had entered the sanctuary, came out again.
He looked around the sanctuary with a sour look on his face.
"What a strange temple. There was nothing inside."
"So I told you there wouldn't be anything worth seeing."
"No, no matter how hard it is, there isn't even one common statue or portrait...."
"It is said that Judaism does not tolerate such things."
Originally, the sanctuary in Jerusalem was full of things to see.
Inside the Holy of Holies, the Ark of the Covenant, considered sacred by the Jews, had to be placed. However, even that had already been lost a long time ago, so there really was nothing in the Holy of Holies.
Pompeius, accustomed to the splendid Roman and Greek temples, even felt disappointed.
Still, as a Roman, he did his utmost courtesy when entering a temple in a foreign country.
The proof was that he put down his weapon and took off his helmet before entering the temple.
But the Jews even took it as the worst blasphemy to insult them.
Pompeius couldn't understand and didn't want to understand such Jewish logic.
The cultural barriers between Rome and the Jews were as thick and high.
It was inevitable that Israel would become a Roman province.
This is why a country with such different values cannot maintain a good relationship as a friend of Rome.
As Pompeius declared, the Hasmonean dynasty of Israel was erased from history.
They returned all the territories conquered by the Hasmoneans to their original inhabitants.
Jerusalem was reduced to being organized as a subordinate province, falling under the jurisdiction of the province of Syria.
Historically, Jerusalem will not have an independent state until the 20th century.
Aristobulus and all his family members were taken prisoner and taken to Rome.
At least Hyrcanus II was able to retain his position as high priest in exchange for Pompeius.
The previous high priest's mighty power was gone, but they preserved only the honor.
Actual power was taken by Herod Antipater I (the Idumean), who acted as Pompeius's faithful pawn.
As soon as Jerusalem fell, the only remaining Nabatean sent an envoy to establish friendly relations.
Now, even in southern Asia Minor, there was no country that did not recognize Roman hegemony.
Asia recognized by the Romans at the time included only Asia Minor and the Orient.
In other words, Pompeius conquered all of Asia in just three years after being appointed imperator.
Pompeius, who had a lot of vanities, thoroughly investigated his achievements and recorded them in numbers.
I. Establishing Roman supremacy throughout Asia and achieving Pax Romana.
II. More than 1,500 cities and more than 12 million population newly recognized Roman supremacy.
III. Paying more than 200 million Sestertius to the Roman treasury as compensation for the war.
In addition, the additional reward per soldier of Pompeius's legions amounted to 500 Sestertius.
At that time, the annual salary of Roman legion soldiers was around 800 Sestertius.
This is an additional payment of more than 60% of the annual salary.
In addition, Pompeius promised his men the distribution of land.
His men chanted 'Imperator' day after day and placed Pompeius's order above the Senate's order.
Around that time, another good news flew in.
It was the news that Mithridates had killed himself on a sit-in in the Caucasus Mountains.
He failed to accept the reality that neighboring countries rejected him and were even chased by his son.
Pharnaces personally sent the remains of the late king to Pompeius.
The shabby end of the monarch who once commanded the Black Sea coast gave Pompeius a glimpse.
"Tell them to be buried in the Sinope, where the kings of Pontus are resting. Still, since he was the king of a country, he should be treated with minimal courtesy."
It quickly knew Mithridates' death in Rome as well.
It is the death of the leader of an enemy country who has fought against Rome for 20 years.
Of course, there was a huge backlash.
Rumors spread that a person who couldn't finish either Sulla or Lucullus was caught in Pompeius's hands, and he ended his life by suicide in three years.
The Roman Senate also officially recognized that Pharnaces II was the king of Pontus.
Pompeius's support continued to rise at an inexplicable rate.
Still, he did not return to Rome immediately.
This was because there was a desire to completely reorganize and return the area that became a new province of Rome.
Marcus had no intention of waiting leisurely for such a series of processes.
63 B.C. was the year of a storm in Rome.
He needed to get back in time somehow.
Marcus asked Pompeius for discharge.
"You want to be discharged? Why now? Wouldn't it be better to go back to Rome with me in a year?"
"I'd like to, too, but something has happened to my family, so I think I'll have to go there urgently."
"Really? Then there's nothing I can do. Still, if you were there for the reorganization of the provinces, it would be of great help, but I can't help but feel regretful."
"I have already asked the equites to cooperate with Pompeius as much as possible. You won't feel uncomfortable without me."
This is what Pompeius wanted to hear the most. The reorganization of provinces and financial problems were inseparable from each other.
The cooperation of the local equites is essential, but so far, this has been easily solved thanks to Marcus.
Pompeius was greatly satisfied with the consideration that he had already taken care of all the necessary parts before applying for discharge.
"You always understand my heart in advance. Even if you are in Rome early, make sure to participate in the triumphus. You have also made considerable contributions in this war."
"Thank you for your consideration."
"What consideration? Now that there are no pirates, the sea route will be safe, but go safely."
"Yes. I hope Pompeius comes back safely, too."
Marcus was about to turn away but decided to give one last piece of advice.
"By the way, you'd better get a minimum promise from the Senate before you return to Rome."
"Promise? Is there a need to ask for that? I think the shape will just come off for no reason."
"Even if the shape is missing, it's better to make sure you take the benefits you can take. The Senate will only be thinking about how to damage Pompeius's face now."
In fact, even in the original history, Pompeius will slowly walk downhill after the end of the pacification of the East.
To be honest, it didn't matter to Marcus whether he did it or not.
He took all the gains he had to take in the East and quietly expanded his base.
Since he had gained experience in commanding legions, he had nothing more to learn from Pompeius.
Still, since he received a lot, he felt like he had to repay him accordingly because of his morality.
Of course, it was for Marcus himself.
Now Pompeius had fallen out with the Senate even worse than history.
If the Senate decides to bury Pompeius, serious problems arise in future plans.
It was necessary to leave enough room for Pompeius not to fall.
The problem was that the party was completely unaware of his current situation.
There's no way I don't know that when the old men of the Senate try to cut my face, they only lose themselves. Neglecting a hero who brought enormous profits to Rome? It is obvious that they will be beaten by public opinion, but would they be willing to take such a risk?"
"When there is a really urgent situation, the senate will bring down the other party even if it means disgrace to them. So, I think it would be a good idea to get prior approval even for Pompeius's reorganized provincial plan."
"Well..., you definitely have a point, but wouldn't it look like I'm pressing the Senate with 10 legions on my back? I'm already in a position that no one can overcome, and if I do that, I think I might lose the support of the people."
Pompeius was intoxicated with his achievements.
It wasn't unreasonable.
He made an achievement that he could be proud of, and it was okay to be proud.
However, competent politicians should also consider the fact that they can check them for this.
Pompeius lacked that.
On the contrary, he was confident that others would be able to check himself who had made such a great achievement.
Putting honor before power, he did not understand how persistent the person who was obsessed with power was.
Rather, he was more afraid of losing his prestige because he looked like such a person.
That's why he didn't follow the advice to put pressure on the Senate.
He did so when he ran for the first consular office, but now he believes that the situation is different from then.
Pompeius judged that it was time to show the value of gravitas, which the Roman aristocrats especially liked.
It was just frustrating for Marcus.
"Didn't Pompeius already swear in the name of the gods to disband the legions? Then there is a fear that the senators will come out infinitely uncooperative. We should get a promise of minimum cooperation before disbanding the military."
"I'm not saying you're wrong. It must be a reasonable and correct judgment. But wouldn't they recognize me as a real threat if I pressed the Senate like that again this time? So it's better to go out boldly from my side first."
"It would be nice if they recognized Pompeius's good intentions, but in politics, good intentions are bound to be betrayed."
"Haha, isn't that what prevents you from even having that kind of heart? You're all good, but there are times when you're too careful. Everything will work out, so don't worry too much and go back."
Speaking like this, Marcus had nothing more to say.
Unfortunately, it is time to reconsider the reason why Pompeius is not the master of the times.
'There's nothing I can do. I have no choice but to go to Rome in advance and do the least.'
If necessary, it would be enough to induce the Senate not to make a life-and-death decision with Pompeius, at least by moving Crassus.
He had a lot of things to deal with, but Pompeius didn't listen, so he had a slight headache.
It was even more so because Pompeius had never not listened to his advice.
There are things that he can't help because everything doesn't roll at will.
Marcus sighed softly and left the commander-in-chief's barracks.
As he came out, he raised his eyes and stared at the western sky.
It's in the direction of Rome.
Rome, which will return after three years, will be much different from before.
Not because Rome is different.
It is because Marcus has changed.
His background and influence were much greater than three years ago.
Now that Pompeius has lowered the Senate's age limit, he only has to wait two more years.
Marcus' gaze back to Rome seemed to be looking somewhere further away, not just at the western sky where Rome was located.
A turbulent 63 B.C. awaited his return.