Background Behind the Battle
This battle was a very significant one that occurred during the Caesarian Civil War, also known as the “Civil War between Caesar and Pompey”. The Civil War took place from 49-45 BCE.
Before and during this war was the period of Roman history considered the Crisis of the Roman Republic. From approximately 134 to 44 BCE, this crisis ensued due to many escalating events caused by a multitude of people in politics. However, the main issue was the instability of the Roman Republic that led to the creation of the Roman Empire (approximately 27 BCE).
Although the major issue being discussed is the Caesarian civil war, the contributing events (of the Crisis) must also be examined in brief.
The Crisis began with the Gracchi brothers after the acquisition of land in Spain, Africa, and Asia Minor. With such an expansion in land, many of the wealthy Romans acquired it and created large plantations. With such little land for the ‘common man’, the Gracchi brothers pushed land reform in Rome (first Tiberius then Gaius). The wealthy interests of the Roman Senate along with wealthy citizens, who owned land, would not allow such reform. In the end, the above parties murdered both brothers. Though both were sacrosanct Tribunes of the plebeians when murdered, a capital crime, no punishment was served to those responsible. Their murders were the spark to the immense fire of the Republic’s decline.
Now enter the protagonists, or antagonists depending on the point of view, of the Battle of Pharsalus. Around 67 BCE, Pompey proved his military prowess by defeating the pirates of the Mediterranean. He gained fame for his military achievements, and eventually attained political power as a supporter of the optimates. The optimate party composed a good amount of the senate; they were the traditional, conservative politicians. On the other hand, Caesar supported the populares, who were liberal and represented the non-aristocratic classes. Caesar gained political popularity around the same time. Even after being in a triumvirate, Caesar and Pompey became enemies. After trying to be removed by his enemies, Caesar conquered the Gaul territory, from 58 to 52 BCE, with little prior military knowledge. This led to the turning point of Roman power between Caesar and Pompey.
In 49 BCE, Caesar crossed the Rubicon river back into Italy, signifying his coup d’état against the Roman Republic and senate. The senate’s lack of popularity among most Roman citizens rendered the Senate unable to raise an army against Caesar. The Senate and Pompey’s only logical option to escape persecution was to flee, which they did. While Pompey fled to Greece, Caesar easily kept and gained support in Italy. Pompey organized his armies and regained his transport ships Brundisium. Caesar defeated the Pompeian legions in Spain who had no Pompey to command them.
Caesar now resigned dictatorship and sought to face the Republic forces directly. He traveled to Brundisium for further travel to Greece. After crossing the Adriatic sea during winter, Caesar arrived in Greece with only seven tired legions. His lowly army tried to incite battle with the Pompeian army, but Pompey avoided it. Being low on supplies, Caesar retreated to Thessaly. Eventually, Marcus Antonius crossed the Adriatic, avoiding the Republic fleet, and regrouped with Caesar.
What followed next were the historical battles between Pompey and Casear that led to the formation of the Roman Empire. These battles include the Battle of Pharsalus.
Before and during this war was the period of Roman history considered the Crisis of the Roman Republic. From approximately 134 to 44 BCE, this crisis ensued due to many escalating events caused by a multitude of people in politics. However, the main issue was the instability of the Roman Republic that led to the creation of the Roman Empire (approximately 27 BCE).
Although the major issue being discussed is the Caesarian civil war, the contributing events (of the Crisis) must also be examined in brief.
The Crisis began with the Gracchi brothers after the acquisition of land in Spain, Africa, and Asia Minor. With such an expansion in land, many of the wealthy Romans acquired it and created large plantations. With such little land for the ‘common man’, the Gracchi brothers pushed land reform in Rome (first Tiberius then Gaius). The wealthy interests of the Roman Senate along with wealthy citizens, who owned land, would not allow such reform. In the end, the above parties murdered both brothers. Though both were sacrosanct Tribunes of the plebeians when murdered, a capital crime, no punishment was served to those responsible. Their murders were the spark to the immense fire of the Republic’s decline.
Now enter the protagonists, or antagonists depending on the point of view, of the Battle of Pharsalus. Around 67 BCE, Pompey proved his military prowess by defeating the pirates of the Mediterranean. He gained fame for his military achievements, and eventually attained political power as a supporter of the optimates. The optimate party composed a good amount of the senate; they were the traditional, conservative politicians. On the other hand, Caesar supported the populares, who were liberal and represented the non-aristocratic classes. Caesar gained political popularity around the same time. Even after being in a triumvirate, Caesar and Pompey became enemies. After trying to be removed by his enemies, Caesar conquered the Gaul territory, from 58 to 52 BCE, with little prior military knowledge. This led to the turning point of Roman power between Caesar and Pompey.
In 49 BCE, Caesar crossed the Rubicon river back into Italy, signifying his coup d’état against the Roman Republic and senate. The senate’s lack of popularity among most Roman citizens rendered the Senate unable to raise an army against Caesar. The Senate and Pompey’s only logical option to escape persecution was to flee, which they did. While Pompey fled to Greece, Caesar easily kept and gained support in Italy. Pompey organized his armies and regained his transport ships Brundisium. Caesar defeated the Pompeian legions in Spain who had no Pompey to command them.
Caesar now resigned dictatorship and sought to face the Republic forces directly. He traveled to Brundisium for further travel to Greece. After crossing the Adriatic sea during winter, Caesar arrived in Greece with only seven tired legions. His lowly army tried to incite battle with the Pompeian army, but Pompey avoided it. Being low on supplies, Caesar retreated to Thessaly. Eventually, Marcus Antonius crossed the Adriatic, avoiding the Republic fleet, and regrouped with Caesar.
What followed next were the historical battles between Pompey and Casear that led to the formation of the Roman Empire. These battles include the Battle of Pharsalus.