Julius Caesar: Rubicon to Rome
Syntagma・11 minutes read
Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, mobilizes his army, captures cities, and forces Pompey to flee to Greece, with little resistance encountered during the campaign.
Insights
- Julius Caesar faced opposition from Pompey Magnus and the Senate, leading to Caesar being declared a public enemy and prompting his decisive action to mobilize his troops and cross the Rubicon, initiating a civil war.
- The strategic movements and decisive victories of Julius Caesar, such as capturing Ariminum and besieging Corfinium, showcased his military prowess and ability to secure loyalty and support as he advanced southwards, ultimately forcing Pompey to retreat to Greece.
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Recent questions
Why did tensions rise between Caesar and Pompey?
Due to Senate support and loyalty concerns.
How did Caesar's actions impact Pompey's defense strategy?
Forced Pompey to abandon Rome and regroup.
How did Caesar's reinforcements affect the campaign?
Strengthened Caesar's army and increased his legions.
What prompted Pompey to retreat to Greece?
Caesar's pursuit towards Brundisium and race to the sea.
How did the surrender of cities impact the campaign?
Demonstrated Caesar's strategic dominance and control.
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Summary
00:00
Caesar's Legion Marches South, Pompey Flees
- Julius Caesar, after a successful campaign in Gaul, camps in Ravenna with his 13th Legion Gemina, while nine legions remain under his command across the Alps.
- Tensions rise between Caesar and Pompey Magnus, supported by the Senate, leading to Caesar being declared a public enemy by the Senate on January 7th.
- Pompey, with limited troops in Italy, orders fresh levies across the country, unsure of the loyalty of legions previously under Caesar.
- Caesar, faced with prosecution or rebellion, mobilizes his Legion, crosses the Rubicon on January 10th, and starts his march southwards.
- Caesar easily captures Ariminum on January 11th and divides his army to secure more territory, sending cohorts to capture various cities.
- Pompey, realizing his lack of defense in Rome, abandons the city on January 17th and heads to Capua to gather his main army from Apulia.
- Caesar receives a message from Pompey proposing negotiations, while news of support from Iguvim prompts Caesar to send cohorts to secure the city.
- Caesar recalls all cohorts to Ancona, prepares to advance southwards, and receives more reinforcements, increasing his army to almost five legions.
- Caesar besieges Corfinium, surrounded by fortifications, leading to the surrender of Pompeian legions and the capture of the city.
- Pompey retreats to Greece as Caesar marches towards Brundisium, leading to a race to the sea, with Pompey escaping to Dyrrachium on March 17th.
16:12
Swift Surrender: Cities Yield, Few Battles fought
- Cities surrendered easily to the approaching force
- Few battles occurred during the campaign
