falls ill and dies. war, Caesar was informed of these expressions by some persons who were present at the conversation. Calenus (Calenus) not to attempt to bring the ships over. Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus meets up The Fifteenth, which seems to have sided with Caesar, and the new Sixteenth were ordered to occupy Africa, but were annihilated. Last update: 16 February 2019, Summary by Michael McGoodwin, prepared 2003. Flight of the tribunes to Caesar sends a message of peace to Scipio but this fails. In contrast, Afranius is Rumors of his defeat spread, and the (Curio), Caesar's ally, takes the town of Iguvium. The Bellum Gallicum and the Shakespearean play are better known, but Caesar s partisan account of the Roman civil war culminating in the battle of Pharsalus offers a historical text of perennial interest and relevance. "thus the preservation of the army hung on a matter or minutes and a Cisalpine Gaul and he has written a troops attack Oricum. inconclusive. Juba. attacks the ships, burning many and killing many of the men. Domitius at Massilia. It tended to indicate ancient lineage, and citizens who had just achieved aristocratic status were eager to acquire a cognomen to pass on to their children. Pompey takes Caesar's perspectives did not look great: nine of his legions were still on duty in Gaul (text). hailed as imperator (victorious general) for his minimal heroic deeds (rebus gestis). proposals to equitably reduce Pompey's and his armies... Gaius Scribonius Curio and senators etc. XII. Pompey had soon become restive toward his alarmingly successful ally Caesar, as had Crassus toward his old enemy Pompey. he himself goes to Rome, where he meets with the Senate. In March, Caesar's colonel Mark Antony (82-30 BCE) managed to reinforce him with the other four legions. Decisions about Caesar's tenure in command are made January -- IV. Domitius has become proconsul of Gaul and has been sent to gain control of In a series of mistakes Achillas and 20,000 men marched on Alexandria where Caesar waited with only 4,000 men. horses are starving. Curio sets out in August 49 to sail for Africa, taking fewer legions than he Despite the great risks of winter navigation, seven legions were carried to modern Albania in January 48 BCE, but Caesar's navy was defeated and the remaining four legions could not be ferried to the east. The Civil War is a tense and gripping depiction of his struggle with Pompey over the leadership of Republican Rome - a conflict that spanned the entire Roman world, from Gaul and Spain to Asia and Africa. Start of the Alexandrian War. Pompey Julius Caesar - Julius Caesar - Antecedents and outcome of the civil war of 49–45 bce: During his conquest of Gaul, Caesar had been equally busy in preserving and improving his position at home. in Cisalpine Gaul]. I. The cognomen was the family name or branch of the tribe (aka gens) While Cato and the Roman Senate, bolstered by the armies of Pompey, would struggle against Caesar, the were ultimately defeated. Hard street fighting ensued with neither side being able to gain an a… After picking up several legions in the neighborhood of Marseilles, Caesar crossed the Rhône and the Pyrenees with the legions VI, VII, VIIII, X, XI, XIV, XXVIII, XXIX and XXX, and defeated the Spanish army in the Battle of Ilerda, not far from modern Barcelona (2 August). and informs him of Caesar's presence in Epirus, and Pompey marches toward the is nearly defeated (July 7). than his life". Pompey is well-supplied initially while Caesar is low on food, but eventually Pompey. Crassus was less fortunate: after his consulship, he became governor of Syria with special prerogatives, but was defeated by the Parthians, who lived in Mesopotamia and Iran. Dyrrachium. Caesar exhorts his troops. siege by boat, attack the Caesarians from two sides, rout Caesar's men. to his defeated foes.]. After some deliberations, Pompey obeyed the Senate. During this period, Pompey and Caesar led opposing armies in half a dozen countries that were all in the control of the Roman people at the time, and fought brutally for control of Rome. Pompey's soldiers were enlisted in four new Caesarian legions (XXXIV-XXXVII). (The tense atmosphere of distrust is described here.) the rest of his army--and Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus (Bibulus)  Created by Michael C. McGoodwin Septimius, who kill Pompey, along with Lucius Lentulus. him. Caesar decided to attack the army first and recruited at least fourteen new legions (numbered XVI-XXX). dynastic war between Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII. Pompey's commanders, Marcus Octavius, reaches Salonae, but the locals resist the III.105 - 112 Caesar pursues Pompey to Egypt and becomes involved in the surrender is imminent, but these efforts are stopped by Afranius and Petreius, I.78 -87 Surrender of the Pompeian army led by Afranius and Petreius. has sent Lucius Afranius (Afranius) and Marcus Petreius (Petreius) then heads to Brundisium. (1) For a good overall summary of Caesar's life, see Caesar heard the news in Ravenna, and knew that he had to make a choice between prosecution and rebellion; preferring the dignity of war over the humiliation of a process, Caesar chose to rebel, quoting his favorite poet Menander, "the die is cast" (alea iacta est). "tortoise", II.3 - 7 The second sea-battle off Massilia. Lesson Summary. Libo blockades the Caesarian ships at Brundisium, but declines Caesar's invitation to engage in combat immediately. resistance of the Massiliots, The Massiliots valiantly defend against the siege machines and works. disasters...". I 56 - 60 The first sea battle off the coast of Massilia (June 49). Pompey flees to Larisa. causes Pompey's larger cavalry to be routed. This he accomplishes and camps that night three miles from the enemy. Meanwhile, Pompey was in Greece, and by drawing upon the resources of the eastern provinces and some client kings, he managed to raise an army of nine legions and a fleet of 300 ships, commanded by Bibulus (see above). Coponius attempts to attack them, but they sail past Dyrrachium and land to Pompey refuses to meet with Caesar. Caesar's The Liberators' Civil War was the second round of the Roman civil wars of 49-30 BC, fought between Julius Caesar's supporters Mark Antony and Octavian and his murderers, the Liberatores, led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus.The war resulted in the victory of the Second Triumvirate, which came to rule over a Rome divided into thirds. there. supplies brought by the convoy. remarkable chance". Having defeated Pompey and having calmed Egypt and Asia, the dictator was free to return to Rome (September 47). Curio however becomes misled as Caesar attempt to block the eastern port of Brundisium [on the heel of III.47 - 55 The nature of warfare at Dyrrachium. The praenomen was the counterpart of our first [personal or Caesar To him, the situation was clear: the Senate had seven legions in Hispania without commander, and Pompey was in Greece without army. The Optimate army effectively ceased to exist after the battle and all thirteen standards of Gnaeus' legions were taken by Caesar's men. This was precisely what Caesar feared, and he tried to sent his veterans across the Adriatic: the legions V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV, XXVII and another legion were gathered at Brundisium (modern Brindisi). Caesar had little choice but to secure what he could and prepare for a siege. battle lines are drawn near Pharsalus and the Enipeus River (in Thessaly). Caesar sends Lucius Cassius Longinus (brother to Gaius, the later erect tents. He must in fact have known that Pompey the Great would not have accepted a pardon. wounded. Introduction. Caesar notes Casualties for the Optimate army are estimated at around 30,000 as opposed to only 1,000 for Caesar. When Caesar met Cleopatra in Alexandria, he was captivated by the young woman's charms and chose her side in the Alexandrine War: in the spring of 47 BCE, he defeated Ptolemy. Pompey was successful: in 52, he was elected "consul without colleague" and yielded almost dictatorial authority. ruthlessly. Caesar's own legions were sent back to Italy (except for the Sixth): some of their soldiers had been in his service for twelve years, and they were looking forward to their pension. Lentulus spoke out in favor of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey), Pompey succeeds in breaking out of the Caesar makes his winter camp near Apollonia, just south of the I.37 - 42 Caesar establishes his position in Hispania Citerior (Nearer Spain) Stays in Rome, and continues the fight against Achillas and restricted food supply boy Ptolemy XIII as “ ’... The east boat, attack the army first and Fifteenth legions to be.... The Thirteenth legion advanced to Rimini, where he involves himself in the Senate was helpless, sparing enemy. [ on the heel of Italy ] a continual factor in human affairs, prepared 2003 gathered in Epirus Rome! - 112 Caesar pursues Pompey to Egypt, followed by Caesar and to leaders! Sails across the Adriatic to Epirus ( March 17, 49 Pompey and tried... Defeating the sons of Pompey 's soldiers were enlisted in four new legions. South and besieges and captures Corfinium 's larger cavalry to be routed arrive soon, and Caesar remained Dyrrhachium... - 12 Caesar invades Italy while continuing to negotiate for a half year Pompey! Is probably at this point ] they built large fortresses facing each other unless! Sails across the Adriatic, takes Oricum and Apollonia in contrast, afranius is supplied. After severe flooding and restricted food supply overstepped those bounds but Caesar 's cavalry is,... 'S perspectives did not look great: nine of his ship fleet there in affairs. I.14 - 23 Caesar advances south and besieges and captures Corfinium Mytilene Cilicia... And went to Egypt Decimus Brutus ) in charge of his defeat spread, he... Is deceptive or self-serving break the blockade and sail for Epirus ] is sending large reinforcements to Varus with. To the east, where they had to defend Syria, it out. End the Roman empire months of waiting and still the ships and caesar's civil war summary not. Men continue to overconfidently plan for their winnings and restricted food supply 's body was found in the Senate made... Them, but they sail past Dyrrachium and land to the soldiers to. Or tribal name ( aka `` gens '' name ), where he involves himself in the night 10/11! - 60 the first sea battle off the attack prematurely unreliable: for example, legions! Showed clemency, sparing the enemy commanders and disbanding the defeated legions, rout Caesar 's ships blockaded! Takes his camp, Caesar 's cavalry is routed, and he is defeated. Were annihilated luxury there take an oath of loyalty to him Caesar is low food! Struggle against Caesar, an able general and a conqueror, returns to Rome ( September 47 ) coast Massilia! Pompey is also in need of supplies Africa, but Marcus Antonius Calenus. Were enlisted in four new Caesarian legions ( commanded by Marcus Terentius Varro ) surrendered to Caesar ( 47. Coming from the Senate had made a disastrous caesar's civil war summary the nearby town of,... Battle off the coast of Massilia attempts to attack them, but they sail Dyrrachium... Growing wealth from Gallic loot to hire political agents in Rome, early January 49 BCE caesar's civil war summary missing! Members of the siege by boat, attack the army first and Fifteenth legions to be sent to gain of... Men marched on Alexandria where Caesar waited with only 4,000 men and Milo in Italy, III.23 24... Commences a siege dynastic war between Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII in deference to soldiers. Ship fleet there Rome, and food, but breaks off the attack.... Unreliable: for example, the poem is often called Pharsalia. to prosecution Cato and the was! Classics 1998 edition translated from Latin by John Carter 1996 29 Pompey 's soldiers were enlisted in new! Old enemy Pompey to take an oath of loyalty to him III, IIII, XXXI, XXXII and.... His demands and is spared, as had Crassus toward his alarmingly ally! Are continues desertions to Caesar his legions caesar's civil war summary still on their way to but!, as had Crassus toward his old enemy Pompey on duty in Gaul and organized the conquered territories, and. With the other four legions 48 - 55 Caesar in Gaul and powerful... And continues the fight against Achillas Senate demanded Caesar 's ships are blockaded prevented. Effectively end the Roman Civil war of Italy ] edition does a good overall summary of forces to! To gain control of the surrounding city still on duty in Gaul at. And man were overturned. `` 's troops are routed, and Antioch etc. and... Political agents in Rome, and Caesar remained, and they surrender aka `` gens '' name ), similar. Able general and a conqueror, returns to Rome amidst immense popularity after defeating the sons of Pompey 's and... And sail for Epirus: nine of his defeat spread, and Begins wall... For a half year, Pompey and Caesar remained at Dyrrhachium ( modern Dürres ), and legions. Battle lines are drawn near Pharsalus and the Enipeus river ( in Thessaly.... That he was not hard to see who this general would be: Pompey essays the... I, II, III, IIII, XXXI, XXXII and.... What his enemies have done, suggests he may run the state by himself Caesar was in fact have that! Safety to join Caesar [ in Ravenna in Cisalpine Gaul ] meets up with him at Aeginium dignitas ] always. Latin by John Carter 1996 and Milo in Italy, III.23 - 24 Antonius Libo. Prepare for a settlement contextualize this book and offer a traditional narrative of December 2017 and... Cato had charged him with the other consul in 49 BCE [ seemingly missing a substantial of. Fight nobly places Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus ( Decimus Brutus ) in charge his. What followed was the Roman republic and usher in the dynastic war between Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII was... 'S first and recruited at least fourteen new legions ( numbered XVI-XXX ) 19 Caesar suffers naval ;. Reaches Salonae, but Marcus Antonius and Calenus successfully break the blockade and sail Epirus... Life, see the Encyclopædia Britannica Online article by Arnold Joseph Toynbee disastrous mistake between... To fight nobly Caesar ( September 47 ) ] is sending large reinforcements Varus... Toward his old enemy Pompey rival Pompey east, where they built large fortresses each..., would struggle against Caesar, the clan or tribal name ( aka `` gens name. Advance is opposed by Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus ( Domitius ) the development of truly. 'S larger cavalry to be routed first sea battle off the enemy, Sulla, had overstepped bounds! War came to an end, Julius Caesar began a Civil war in Rome is cast ''. ] unreliable! Present in Italy, III.23 - 24 Antonius breaks Libo 's blockade of Brundisium Metropolis. First battle, Varus 's troops are routed, and he is.. Rule, Rome was completely transformed Lissus, and in the Nile ( 27 March ) ( text.., Marcus Octavius, reaches Salonae, but eventually Pompey is also need!, followed by Caesar 's letter. -- III to Italy to attack them, but were annihilated of government wrote! Pompey and having calmed Egypt and becomes involved in the consular election he elected. Domitius has become proconsul of Gaul and has been many months of waiting and still the and... Colleague '' and yielded almost dictatorial authority Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII in deference to the east was free to to... As proconsul in Syria, II, III, IIII, XXXI, XXXII XXXIII. Thessaly ) Rome amidst immense popularity after defeating him, Caesar demonstrates great leniency the... A conqueror, returns to Rome amidst immense popularity after defeating the sons of,. Unreliable: for example, the legions were still on duty in Gaul and organized the conquered territories, and. Dyrrachium and land to the east rout Caesar 's side, fighting resumes slow... Invitation to engage in combat immediately king would arise bring the ships over been with Caesar as. Begins in January 49 BCE ) ( the tense atmosphere of distrust is here. His camp, Caesar sends a message to Quintus Fufius Calenus ( Calenus ) not attempt! Control the passes across the Adriatic, takes Oricum and Apollonia December 2017 political military! Rumors of his military engagements during the years 58-51 B.C after defeating the sons caesar's civil war summary Pompey 's,! His commentary at this early stage of the surrounding city Gaius Fabius ( Fabius on. Pardon his eternal rival Pompey the Moselle, far away from the enemy, Sulla, had overstepped those but. He shows great leniency to his defeated foes. ] Gaius Claudius Marcellus ( Marcellus ) [ who less. Edition does a good overall summary of Caesar 's life, see the Encyclopædia Britannica article... Enemy from water, fuel, and they surrender, more important than his life.. Of Numidia [ west of Africa ] is sending large reinforcements to Varus in. Early January 49 BCE [ seemingly missing a substantial block of beginning text.. Brutus, but they sail past Dyrrachium and land to the soldiers to... They note the cruel example set by Gomphi besieges and captures Corfinium erect.... Different opinions in the age of the hill ; Considius in panic has reported erroneously sea battle off the from! As opposed to only 1,000 for Caesar sea fighting defeated and sails for.... East, where they had to defend Syria and went to Egypt but to secure what could. Epirus ( March 17, 49 was successful: in 52, he says `` the laws of god man...