[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

The pirates in those days were based primarily in Illyria (modern Dalmatia), like Caesar's pirates, and Cilicia, in southeastern Asia Minor, famous as the pirates that Spartacus tried to hire to get the revolting slaves out of Italy. After Pompey put them down the Romans made both areas provinces of the Empire. Illyria became part of Caesar's province, along with Gaul, and Cilicia was governed by, among others, the orator Cicero, who got to lead some legions keeping the piratical homeland underneath the Roman heel.

[beebuster2000]

interesting. i guess it turned out that the senate was right about giving such absolute power to pompey.

not too soon therafter, didnt he and caesar split up the empire, and then caesar became sole ruler and god?

[colorado tanker]

I suspect the hostages and ships would be given up in short order if they saw a fleet appear and knew they faced crucifixion if they didn’t.