Map Description

Three History Maps of Northern Greece, 48 B.C.—The Roman Civil War

Caesar's Civil War — Caesar Versus Pompey


Illustrating


The Battle of Pharsalus, fought on August 9, 48 BC in Thessaly, Greece

(This is the map for the entire battle in a nutshell.)

Caesar commanded approximately 22,000 men against Pompey's 45,000 troops.

Caesar's army formed the traditional three lines, with his most experienced Tenth Legion on his right wing. Notably, Caesar created a fourth line of cohorts—about 2,000 men — hidden behind his cavalry on the right flank.

Pompey's strategy relied on his superior cavalry (about 7,000 riders versus Caesar's 1,000) to outflank Caesar's right wing. His infantry formed deeper, less experienced ranks.

When battle commenced, Pompey's cavalry initially succeeded in pushing back Caesar's horsemen. However, when they pursued, Caesar's concealed fourth line suddenly revealed itself, using their pila (javelins) as thrusting spears against the cavalry. This unexpected tactic threw Pompey's cavalry into disorder, forcing them to flee.

Caesar's fourth line then wheeled and attacked Pompey's left flank, while the Tenth Legion pushed forward. This combined pressure collapsed Pompey's left wing, allowing Caesar to concentrate forces against the remaining troops.

Pompey fled to his camp when his lines broke, and Caesar pursued the retreating army to their camp. However, Pompey managed to escape and eventually made his way to Egypt, seeking refuge. Upon his arrival in Egypt, he was assassinated by the courtiers of Ptolemy XIII, as they hoped to curry favor with Caesar.

Modern historians estimate casualties of the Battle of Pharsalus at approximately 6,000-15,000 for Pompey's forces, with much lower losses (around 1,200) for Caesar. The victory was decisive — most of Pompey's troops surrendered.



Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.



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Related Links

About Julius Caesar

About Pompey the Great

About Mark Antony

About the Roman Republic

About the Roman Empire

About Ancient Rome


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Map of the Battle of Pharsalus 48 BC
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Map of the Battle of Pharsalus 48 BC


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