Bithynicus

a cognomen of the Pompeii. We do not know which of the Pompeii first bore this cognomen; but, whatever was its origin, it was handed down in the family.

1. Q. Pompeius Bithynicus, the son of Aulus, was about two years older than Cicero, with whom he was very intimate. He prosecuted his studies together with Cicero, who describes him as a man of great learning and industry, and no mean orator, but his speeches were not well delivered. (Cic. Brut. 68, 90, comp. ad Fam. 6.17.) On the breaking out of the civil war in 49, Bithynicus espoused the party of his great namesake, and, after the battle of Pharsalia, accompanied him in his flight to Egypt, where he was killed together with the other attendants of Pompeius Magnus. (Oros. 6.15.)

2. A. Pompeius Bithynicus, son of the preceding, was praetor of Sicily at the time of Caesar's death, B. C. 44, and seems apparently to have been in fear of the reigning party at Rome, as he wrote a letter to Cicero soliciting his protection, which Cicero promised in his reply. (Cic. Fam. 6.16, 17, comp. 16.23.) Bithynicus repulsed Sex. Pompeius in his attempt to gain possession of Messana, but he afterwards allowed Sextus to obtain it, on the condition that he and Sextus should have the government of the island between them. Bithynicus, however, was, after a little while, put to death by Sextus. (D. C. 48.17, 19; Liv. Epit. 123; Appian, App. BC 4.84, 5.70.)

Bithynicus also occurs as the cognomen of a Clodius, who was put to death by Octavianus, on the taking of Perusia, B. C. 40. (Appian, App. BC 5.49.)