Revenge on the Pirates: From Miletus to Pergamon

On a map of the eastern Mediterranean: how a freed captive went back for his kidnappers.

Transcript

The eastern Mediterranean belongs to the pirates. Their bases lie in Cilicia.

After thirty-eight days, the ransom is paid. The pirates put Caesar ashore at Miletus. He is free.

Not this time. Caesar does not forget a promise.

That is what Caesar did.

Not this time. Caesar does not wait for the Senate.

With the ships from Miletus he returns to Pharmacusa and catches the pirates at anchor. Most are taken prisoner.

He takes the captives to Pergamon. The governor of the province delays the sentence. Caesar does not wait.

So he carries out the sentence himself, as he promised. A private citizen has led a military expedition of his own.