Caesar's civil war

Quick Facts: Who was Caesar's civil war?

Subject:

Caesar's civil war

Known for:

The devastating conflict (49–45 BC) that ended the Roman Republic and paved the way for Empire.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Caesar's civil war (49–45 BC) occurred during the late Roman Republic between two factions led by Julius Caesar and Pompey. The main cause of the war was political tensions relating to Caesar's place in the Republic on his expected return to Rome on the expiration of his governorship in Gaul. Before the war, Caesar had led an invasion of Gaul for almost ten years. A build-up of tensions starting in late 50 BC, with both Caesar and Pompey refusing to back down, led to the outbreak of civil war. Pompey and his allies induced the Senate to demand Caesar give up his provinces and armies in the opening days of 49 BC.

Career & Major Achievements

Caesar refused and instead marched on Rome. The war was fought in Italy, Illyria, Greece, Egypt, Africa, and Hispania. The decisive events occurred in 48 BC: Pompey defeated Caesar at the Battle of Dyrrhachium in modern Albania, but the subsequent larger Battle of Pharsalus in Greece was won by Caesar, and Pompey's army disintegrated. Many prominent supporters of Pompey (termed Pompeians) surrendered after the battle, such as Marcus Junius Brutus and Cicero. Others fought on, including Cato the Younger and Metellus Scipio.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Pompey fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated upon arrival. Caesar led a military expedition to Asia Minor before attacking North Africa, where he defeated Metellus Scipio in 46 BC at the Battle of Thapsus. Cato the Younger and Metellus Scipio committed suicide shortly after Caesar's victory. In the following year, Caesar defeated the last of the Pompeians, in the Battle of Munda in Spain, who were led by his former lieutenant Titus Labienus. Caesar was then made dictator perpetuo ("dictator in perpetuity" or "dictator for life") by the Senate in 44 BC.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Caesar's civil war

True or False: “Caesar was immediately declared dictator perpetuo upon winning the Battle of Pharsalus in Greece.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Caesar won at Pharsalus, he was later made dictator perpetuo by the Senate in 44 BC.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Caesarea Maritima — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Ancient Mediterranean port city, capital of Roman Judaea; site of major historical development.
• Caesarius of Arles — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Leading Merovingian monk, archbishop, and influential ecclesiastic of Gaul.
• Caetano Veloso — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering Brazilian singer-songwriter, key figure in Tropicália and global music.
• Cafu — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Legendary Brazilian right-back, celebrated for pace and attacking prowess.
• Cahokia — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Major Mississippian culture center; largest pre-Columbian earthen city north of Mexico.
• Cai Chusheng — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering Chinese film director of the pre-Communist era, known for international success.

Frequently Asked Questions about Caesar's civil war