Map Description

Historical Map of Northern Greece, 48 B.C.—The Roman Civil War

Caesar's Civil War — Caesar Versus Pompey


Illustrating

Movements and Counter During April 48 B.C.

Pompey's Movements:

Pompey first moved to Asparagium as part of his defensive strategy against Caesar. He then retreated to Petra, and eventually to Durazzo (Dyrrhachium), where he prepared to defend his supplies that were stored there.


Caesar's Movements:

Caesar also moved to Asparagium, shadowing Pompey's movements, then made a strategic loop, so that he could position his forces between Pompey's fortifications at Dyrrhachium and the sea. This move effectively cut off Pompey's direct access to maritime supplies, putting additional pressure on Pompey's position, while Pompey was obliged to defend his supplies.


Scipio's Movements:

Scipio turned at Mt. Olympus and then moved north towards the Via Egnatia because he had learned that Calvinus was pursuing him. Rather than risk being caught in unfavorable terrain near Mount Olympus, Scipio opted for a more secure approach, even though it meant a significant course correction. Furthermore, strategically, the northern route provided safer passage to eventually join Pompey's main army.

Scipio and Calvinus did meet along the Via Egnatia, but neither side engaged in a full-scale battle, and they eventually separated without a decisive engagement.


Longinus's Movements:

Lucius Cassius Longinus, appointed by Julius Caesar as proconsul of Thessaly, was forced to retreat when Metellus Scipio advanced against him.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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