Pompeia was a granddaughter of Sulla; Caesar married Pompeia for her dowry and the political connections Caesar would gain from her family. Although quite pretty, Pompeia was hardly a serious companion for Caesar. During the Bon Dea festival, the sacred ceremony for women only, Pompeia allowed her “friend” Clodius to enter the festivities in the guise of a woman. Thinking Clodius’ presence would be great fun, Pompeia seriously miscalculated the uproar when Aurelia learned of a man’s presence at the Bon Dea. Caesar divorced Pompeia with the explanation: “Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.”
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