The Civil War between Gnaeus Marius and Lucius Sulla was a major factor that effected his political situation.

             Pompey was a young, confident man who had a habit to boast of the magnitude of his clientela, to advertise monarchs and nations bound to his personal allegiance. (Ad fam. 9, 9, 2: 'regum ac nationum clientelis quas oestentare crebro solebat). Pompey had from Thrance to the Causasus and down to Egypt acknowledging his predominance. The worship of power, paid homage to Pompey as a god, a saviour and a benefactor, devising before long a novel title, 'the warden of earth and sea". (ILS 9459 (miletopolis)). Although Pompey was credited with vast military success, and hailed as Imperator several times, there is evidence to suggest that Pompey was not actually as skilled as he first appears. Pompey often avoided binding agreements, which could see him locked into losing a position. He frequently switched sides from the Optimates (in the senate), to the Populares (in the triumvirate) whenever he saw advantage. Therefore, Pompey was an opportunist.

             Pompey"s military commands were mostly not his own work, He usually was appointed towards the end of a campaign largely completed by other people. This shows the weakness of the senate. Pompey almost always received complete credit for the successful conclusion of the war. Indeed, it is likely that Pompey only entered into military engagements if it either provided him with political power or influence over people, which could translate into political power.

             Pompey was insatiably covetous, which was a great cause of people"s hatred for him. But many loved Pompey; his temperance, his skill and exercise in war, his eloquence of speech, integrity of mind, and affability in conversation and address. No men ever asked a favour of Pompey with less offence, or conferred one with a better grace. When he gave, it was without assumption, when received; it was dignity and honour.