Map Description

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

Caesar's Civil War — Caesar Versus Pompey


Illustrating

The Moves to Pharsalus 48 BC


First Phase: Initial Movements After Dyrrachium

After the Battle of Dyrrachium, it was Pompey who left the area first. He moved his forces towards Thessaly, aiming to regroup and consolidate his position before Caesar could recover from the setback at Dyrrachium. Caesar followed later, pursuing Pompey into Greece.

Scipio moved south, while Calvinius moved west onto the Via Egnatia, presumably to maintain a strategic advantage along this key route.


Second Phase: Convergence Toward Thessaly

Pompey left the Via Egnatia, turning south toward Larissa, moved to join forces with Scipio and access the resource-rich Thessalian plain while avoiding direct confrontation until combined with reinforcements.

Caesar and Calvinius met at Aeginium to consolidate forces before engaging the combined Pompeian army.


Third Phase: The March to Pharsalus

Caesar and Calvinius proceeded from Aeginium through Gomphi (which Caesar sacked after resistance) and Metropolis (which he secured peacefully) to Pharsalus.

Caesar arrived at Pharsalus first, set up camp, and positioned his forces strategically.

Pompey and Scipio arrived later from Larissa, choosing to engage Caesar at this location, despite Pompey's initial reluctance to commit to a direct battle


Thus, Caesar was the aggressor who maneuvered Pompey into a position where battle became unavoidable. Pompey offered battle but reluctantly.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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About Pompey the Great

About Mark Antony

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