Map Description

Historical Map of Northern Greece, 48 B.C.—The Roman Civil War

Caesar's Civil War — Caesar Versus Pompey


Illustrating

:: Caesar Secures Allies and Scipio Arrives From Asia ::


Caesar's Allies:

The Greek city of Apollonia provided Caesar with a crucial base of operations. The city's leadership chose to support Caesar rather than Pompey, giving Caesar control of this strategically valuable coastal position.

Quintus Cornificius served as quaestor pro praetore for Illyricum in 48 BC, and contributed to Caesar's military efforts in the region.


Scipio's Arrival:

Scipio (Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio, Pompey's father-in-law) and Favonius arrive at Thessalonica, a Pompeian stronghold in Macedonia. Scipio commanded approximately 2 legions (roughly 8,000-10,000 men) and Favonius led a smaller force of approximately 3,000-4,000 men.

Scipio and Favonius cross the Haliacmon (Aliakmon) River. Favonius then proceeds westward to secure strategic positions while Scipio moves south to coordinate with Pompey's main forces.


Caesar's counter-movements:

Caesar dispatches Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus with 2 legions (approximately 8,000 men) along the Via Egnatia toward Thessalonica. Longinus separates from Calvinus with approximately 1 legion (4,000 men) and moves south. Sabinus later detaches from Longinus with a cohort of approximately 500 men and proceeds southwest.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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About Mark Antony

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