On This Day In History: Julius Caesar Defeated “Pompey The Great” At Pharsalus – On August 9, 48 BC

AncientPages.com - On 9 August 48 BC, the Battle of Pharsalus was fought between Julius Caesar and Pompeius Magnus ("Pompey the Great"), who fled to Egypt.

In this decisive battle of Caesar's Civil War, on this day, Gaius Julius Caesar and his allies formed up opposite the republic's army under the command of Pompey. Pompey had the backing of most of the senators, many of whom were optimates, and his army significantly outnumbered the veteran Caesarian legions.

It happened at Pharsalus in central Greece. Caesar had approximately 22,000 men; Pompey possibly had as many as 45,000.

Pompey concentrated the main force of his cavalry on his left infantry wing, hoping to outflank and overpower Caesar's right wing, which was made up of both cavalry and infantry. Caesar, however, foresaw his right wing's defeat and had stationed about 2,000 of his best soldiers behind it.

The attack was unusual and confusing. Pompey's cavalry drove back Caesar's cavalry in the resulting battle, only to find itself faced by the advancing corps of select men using stabbing spears rather than javelin weapons. Pompey's cavalry turned and fled.

The victorious legionnaires began to outflank the left wing of Pompey's infantry; at the same time, Caesar's third division, which had been held in reserve, was ordered to attack. Pompey's legions broke, and he fled to Larissa.

About 24,000 of Pompey's troops surrendered; the rest were dead or deserted, while Caesar's, whose casualties were less than 250.

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