The Battle of Pharsalus (48 BC): Caesar, Pompey and their Final Clash in the Third Roman Civil War

Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great fought the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC in Greece. Caesar had defeated Pompey at Dyrrhachium, forcing him to retreat. The battle was crucial for the future of the Roman Republic, and both commanders believed they had the solution to restoring Republican government. The author analyzes the campaigns leading up to the battle, the roles of regional powers, and the strengths and weaknesses of both armies. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for Caesar, who later murdered Pompey in Egypt.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In August 48 BC, following the earlier battle at Dyrrhachium, the two greatest Roman commanders of their generation met in battle again at Pharsalus in Greece. Julius Caesar, conqueror of Gaul, had been defeated at Dyrrhachium and forced to retreat, but now stood at bay to face Pompey the Great, conqueror of the East. At stake lay the future of the ailing Roman Republic, each man believing he alone had the solution to restoring Republican government.

Gareth Sampson examines the campaigns that led up to the battle as well as the role played by the various regional powers that got drawn into the Roman Civil War. The Battle of Pharsalus itself is analyzed in detail to determine the strengths and weaknesses of both armies and their various commanders, as well as the organization, equipment, and tactics of the forces involved in the battle that culminated in a decisive victory for Caesar. The author concludes with consideration of the aftermath of the battle, which saw Pompey murdered in Egypt and Caesar distracted by the affairs of the East.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526793621