The Roman Revolution

Civil War

Within two months, Caesar had chased his enemies from Italy. This campaign confirmed that Julius Caesar was a general of extraordinary ability. True, the Senatorial forces were ill-prepared, and Pompey soon realized he would have to abandon Italy and so did not put up a concerted defense. But the speed of Caesar's advance caught everyone by surprise. His army was able to move as fast as 100 miles in a single day, and even his normal rate of march was much faster than his enemies could manage. Moreover, he could maintain the speed and still keep his army well-supplied.

Pompey crossed the Adriatic Sea, leaving Rome to Caesar, who found a city largely empty of Senators. Little daunted, he pursued Pompey into winter quarters in Illyria, to Dyrrhachium. There he hoped to trap the great general, but for once Caesar was thwarted. Pompey was able not only to defend himself but to escape the following spring (48). Caesar pursued Pompey into Greece, catching up with him at Pharsalus.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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