Caesar Marches on Rome (49 B.C.E.)
Historia Civilis・14 minutes read
Julius Caesar led an insurrection against Rome with the 13th Legion in Italy after Labienus defected to join the Pompeians, sparking internal conflicts among senators like Cicero and Brutus. Despite facing opposition and betrayals, Caesar strategically prioritized dealing with the immediate threat from Spain over the future threat from Greece, solidifying his control over Italy and preparing to confront Pompey in battle.
Insights
- Labienus, a respected general under Caesar, defected to Pompey's side during the conflict, showcasing the complex personal and political dynamics at play during the Roman civil war.
- Caesar's strategic decisions, including prioritizing the threat from Spain over Greece and his aggressive actions towards the Senate to access funds, highlight his willingness to break norms and use force to secure his position of power during the turbulent period of the Roman civil war.
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Recent questions
Who was Labienus?
A trusted general who defected from Caesar to Pompey.
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Summary
00:00
Caesar's 13th Legion Defeats Pompey in Italy
- In 49 B.C.E., Julius Caesar led an insurrection against Rome with 10 legions, but most were in Gaul for winter except the 13th Legion.
- The 13th Legion, with 2,500 soldiers, crossed into Italy, sparking war, while Labienus managed Caesar's legions in Gaul.
- Labienus, a trusted general, had remarkable achievements in Gaul and was considered one of Rome's greatest generals.
- Labienus, feeling betrayed by Caesar's rebellion, left with cavalry loyal to him, denounced Caesar, and joined the Pompeians.
- Caesar, despite Labienus's defection, showed compassion by sending Labienus's belongings to Italy.
- Pompey, forced to abandon Rome, had more resources and legions than Caesar, but Caesar's early invasion caught them off guard.
- Senators like Cicero and Brutus faced internal conflicts due to personal ties and political loyalties.
- Domitius Ahenobarbus marched against Caesar but was betrayed by his own men, who joined Caesar's legions.
- Caesar's clemency towards Domitius led to more recruits joining his legions, angering Domitius.
- Pompey evacuated to Greece as Caesar built a barrier in Brundisium to prevent his escape, solidifying control over Italy.
14:13
Caesar's ruthless pursuit of power and wealth.
- Caesar, despite being seen as a traitor, sought access to Rome's treasury upon entering the city, as he needed funds to pay his legions after Pompey's escape to Greece.
- Facing opposition from a senator named Metellus, Caesar threatened violence to access the treasury, demonstrating his disregard for the rule of law and the Senate's authority.
- Caesar made the strategic decision to prioritize dealing with the immediate threat from Spain over the future threat from Greece, sending legions to capture Sicily and Sardinia while heading to Spain with his remaining forces, aware of Pompey's growing power in his absence.
