The nobility or aristocracy of ancient Rome, as opposed to the populares.
Source: Webster's dictionaryDecius despises Pompey as a glory-seeker and credit-grabber, while acknowledging that he is a political dunce who was eventually swept up into the optimates feud with Caesar. Source: Internet
Senate career When civil war broke out in 49 BC between Pompey and Caesar, Brutus followed his old enemy and present leader of the Optimates, Pompey. Source: Internet
Caesar's rapid advance surprised Pompey, who, along with the other chief members of the Optimates, fled Italy for Greece. Source: Internet
With the war over, Antony was sent back to Rome to act as Caesar's protector against Pompey and the other Optimates. Source: Internet
Many historians have suggested Pompey was, in spite of everything, politically unaware of the fact that the optimates, including Cato, were merely using him against Caesar so that, with Caesar destroyed, they could then dispose of him. Source: Internet