Map Description

Historical Map of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa


Illustrating:

Caesar's Movements During the Roman Civil War, 49-45 BC

Please note:

The legend has its labels inverted (provinces vs. client kingdoms) and there are inaccuracies (e.g. the classification of Achaea and its separation, at this date, from Macedonia).

Thanks, John P. for pointing this out!

:: In a Nutshell ::

The Roman Civil War (49–45 BC), often referred to as "Caesar's Civil War," was a major conflict within the Roman Republic between Julius Caesar and the Populares faction (reformist politicians) against Pompey the Great and the Optimates (conservative senators).

The roots of the conflict lay in the growing divide between the Senate and ambitious military leaders. Caesar’s increasing political influence and popularity, especially among the lower classes and indebted citizens, threatened the authority of the Senate. The demand for Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome without military command was met with defiance.

(See also: Caesar and his Veterans)

In 49 BC, he crossed the Rubicon River with his legion, openly disobeing the Senate and triggering civil war.

Caesar swiftly seized control of Italy, forcing Pompey to retreat to Greece. The decisive Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC saw Caesar’s forces emerge victorious, compelling Pompey to flee to Egypt, where he was assassinated.

Over the next years, Caesar pursued and defeated Pompey’s remaining allies across the Mediterranean, consolidating his power and establishing himself as the unchallenged ruler of Rome.

The Roman Civil War had profound and lasting effects, marking the end of the Republic and the beginning of the Empire.


Further illustrated on the map:

1. January 49 BC
   
   Caesar crossed the Rubicon River on January 10, 49 BC, defying the Roman Senate's orders and effectively starting the civil war. This bold move led to a swift march towards Rome, forcing Pompey and his supporters to flee.
   
   
2. June 49 BC
   
   Caesar moved to secure Hispania, a stronghold for Pompey, by besieging Massilia (modern Marseille) and engaging in the Battle of Ilerda. The siege involved naval engagements, and the battles in Hispania concluded with the surrender of Pompey's forces.
   
   
3. January to August 48 BC
   
   Caesar pursued Pompey to Greece. The decisive Battle of Pharsalus occurred on August 9, 48 BC, where Caesar emerged victorious despite being outnumbered. This battle marked a turning point in the civil war.
   
   
4. August 47 BC
   
   After securing Egypt, Caesar moved to Syria to confront Pharnaces II of Pontus. The quick victory at the Battle of Zela led to Caesar's famous phrase "Veni, Vidi, Vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered).
   
   
5. January 46 BC
   
   Caesar crossed from Sicily to North Africa to confront the remaining Pompeian forces. The Battle of Thapsus took place on April 6, 46 BC, resulting in a decisive victory for Caesar and the end of resistance in Africa.
   
   
6. October 46 BC
   
   Caesar spent time in Alexandria, dealing with the complex political situation involving Cleopatra and the Ptolemaic dynasty. His influence in Egypt was solidified during this period.
   
   
7. September 45 BC
   
   The final battle of the civil war occurred at Munda in southern Hispania on March 17, 45 BC, where Caesar defeated the last of Pompey's supporters. This victory secured his power over Rome.
   
   

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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