The Battle of Pharsalus: Caesar’s reserve and Pompey’s defeat
Caesar defeated Pompey at Pharsalus in Thessaly in 48 BC by countering a major cavalry attack and then striking the exposed flank of Pompey’s infantry.
0:40 · Episode film
AI-generated historical dramatization.
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How Caesar won at Pharsalus in 48 BC: Pompey’s cavalry plan, the fourth infantry line, battle sequence, casualties, and the flight to Egypt.
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Thessaly, 48 BC. Caesar and Pompey bring rival Roman armies to battle at Pharsalus. Pompey's powerful cavalry threatens to sweep around Caesar's flank. Caesar has held infantry in reserve for this moment. They drive the horsemen back, then turn against the exposed side of Pompey's line. A fresh Roman reserve presses the attack, and Pompey's army breaks. Pompey escapes to Egypt, where he is murdered on arrival. Caesar has won a decisive victory over his great rival, but other opponents still command armies. The civil war continues beyond Pharsalus.
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