====== The Civil Wars By Julius Caesar 3 ======
C. IULI CAESARIS DE BELLO CIVILS COMMENTARIUS
{{ 41556781.vatican02_filtered.jpg?400|Julius Caesar Of The Romans}}
Translated by W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn
Book III Part I of II In Audio
Book III Part II of II In Audio
alt version not a transcription and starts at Chapter 1, second part of audio starts from Chapter 55
(49-48 B.C.)
===== Chapter 1 =====
Julius Caesar, holding the election as dictator, was himself appointed
consul with Publius Servilius; for this was the year in which it was
permitted by the laws that he should be chosen consul. This business
being ended, as credit was beginning to fail in Italy, and the debts
could not be paid, he determined that arbitrators should be appointed:
and that they should make an estimate of the possessions and
properties [of the debtors], how much they were worth before the war,
and that they should be handed over in payment to the creditors. This
he thought the most likely method to remove and abate the apprehension
of an abolition of debt, the usual consequence of civil wars and
dissensions, and to support the credit of the debtors. He likewise
restored to their former condition (the praetors and tribunes, first
submitting the question to the people) some persons condemned for
bribery at the elections, by virtue of Pompey's law, at the time when
Pompey kept his legions quartered in the city (these trials were
finished in a single day, one judge hearing the merits, and another
pronouncing the sentences), because they had offered their service to
him in the beginning of the civil war, if he chose to accept them;
setting the same value on them as if he had accepted them, because
they had put themselves in his power. For he had determined that they
ought to be restored rather by the judgment of the people than appear
admitted to it by his bounty: that he might neither appear ungrateful
in repaying an obligation, nor arrogant in depriving the people of
their prerogative of exercising this bounty.
===== Chapter 2 =====
In accomplishing these things, and celebrating the Latin festival, and
holding all the elections, he spent eleven days; and having resigned
the dictatorship, set out from the city, and went to Brundusium, where
he had ordered twelve legions and all his cavalry to meet him. But he
scarcely found as many ships as would be sufficient to transport
fifteen thousand legionary soldiers and five hundred horse. This [the
scarcity of shipping] was the only thing that prevented Caesar from
putting a speedy conclusion to the war. And even these troops embarked
very short of their number, because several had fallen in so many wars
in Gaul, and the long march from Spain had lessened their number very
much, and a severe autumn in Apulia and the district about Brundusium,
after the very wholesome countries of Spain and Gaul, had impaired the
health of the whole army.
===== Chapter 3 =====
Pompey having got a year's respite to provide forces, during which he
was not engaged in war, nor employed by an enemy, had collected a
numerous fleet from Asia, and the Cyclades, from Corcyra, Athens,
Pontus, Bithynia, Syria, Cilicia, Phoenicia, and Egypt, and had given
directions that a great number should be built in every other
place. He had exacted a large sum of money from Asia, Syria, and all
the kings, dynasts, tetrarchs, and free states of Achaia; and had
obliged the corporations of those provinces, of which he himself had
the government, to count down to him a large sum.
===== Chapter 4 =====
He had made up nine legions of Roman citizens; five from Italy, which
he had brought with him; one veteran legion from Sicily, which being
composed of two he called the Gemella; one from Crete and Macedonia,
of veterans who had been discharged by their former generals and had
settled in those provinces; two from Asia, which had been levied by
the activity of Lentulus. Besides, he had distributed among his
legions a considerable number, by way of recruits, from Thessaly,
Boeotia, Achaia, and Epirus: with his legions he also intermixed the
soldiers taken from Caius Antonius. Besides these, he expected two
legions from Syria, with Scipio; from Crete, Lacedaemon, Pontus,
Syria, and other states, he got about three thousand archers, six
cohorts of slingers, two thousand mercenary soldiers, and seven
thousand horse; six hundred of which, Deiotarus had brought from Gaul;
Ariobarzanes, five hundred from Cappadocia. Cotus had given him about
the same number from Thrace, and had sent his son Sadalis with
them. From Macedonia there were two hundred, of extraordinary valor,
commanded by Rascipolis; five hundred Gauls and Germans; Gabinius's
troops from Alexandria, whom Aulus Gabinius had left with king
Ptolemy, to guard his person. Pompey, the son, had brought in his
fleet eight hundred, whom he had raised among his own and his
shepherds' slaves. Tarcundarius, Castor and Donilaus, had given three
hundred from Gallograecia: one of these came himself, the other sent
his son. Two hundred were sent from Syria by Comagenus Antiochus, whom
Pompey rewarded amply. The most of them were archers. To these were
added Dardanians and Bessians, some of them mercenaries; others
procured by power and influence: also, Macedonians, Thessalians, and
troops from other nations and states, which completed the number which
we mentioned before.
===== Chapter 5 =====
He had laid in vast quantities of corn from Thessaly, Asia, Egypt,
Crete, Cyrene, and other countries. He had resolved to fix his winter
quarters at Dyrrachium, Apollonia, and the other seaports, to hinder
Caesar from passing the sea: and for this purpose had stationed his
fleet along the sea-coast. The Egyptian fleet was commanded by Pompey,
the son: the Asiatic, by Decimus Laelius, and Caius Triarius: the
Syrian, by Caius Cassius: the Rhodian, by Caius Marcellus, in
conjunction with Caius Coponius: and the Liburnian and Achaian, by
Scribonius Libo, and Marcus Octavius. But Marcus Bibulus was appointed
commander-in-chief of the whole maritime department, and regulated
every matter. The chief direction rested upon him.
===== Chapter 6 =====
When Caesar came to Brundusium, he made a speech to the soldiers:
"That since they were now almost arrived at the termination of their
toils and dangers, they should patiently submit to leave their slaves
and baggage in Italy, and to embark without luggage, that a greater
number of men might be put on board: that they might expect every
thing from victory and his liberality." They cried out with one voice,
"he might give what orders he pleased, that they would cheerfully
fulfill them." He accordingly set sail the fourth day of January, with
seven legions on board, as already remarked. The next day he reached
land, between the Ceraunian rocks and other dangerous places; meeting
with a safe road for his shipping to ride in, and dreading all other
ports which he imagined were in possession of the enemy, he landed his
men at a place called Pharsalus, without the loss of a single vessel.
===== Chapter 7 =====
Lucretius Vespillo and Minutius Rufus were at Oricum, with eighteen
Asiatic ships, which were given into their charge by the orders of
Decimus Laelius: Marcus Bibulus at Corcyra, with a hundred and ten
ships. But they had not the confidence to dare to move out of the
harbor; though Caesar had brought only twelve ships as a convoy, only
four of which had decks; nor did Bibulus, his fleet being disordered
and his seamen dispersed, come up in time: for Caesar was seen at the
continent, before any account whatsoever of his approach had reached
those regions.
===== Chapter 8 =====
Caesar, having landed his soldiers, sent back his ships the same night
to Brundusium, to transport the rest of his legions and cavalry. The
charge of this business was committed to lieutenant Fufius Kalenus,
with orders to be expeditious in transporting the legions. But the
ships having put to sea too late, and not having taken advantage of
the night breeze, fell a sacrifice on their return. For Bibulus at
Corcyra, being informed of Caesar's approach, hoped to fall in with
some part of our ships, with their cargoes, but found them empty; and
having taken about thirty, vented on them his rage at his own
remissness, and set them all on fire: and, with the same flames, he
destroyed the mariners and masters of the vessels, hoping by the
severity of the punishment to deter the rest. Having accomplished this
affair, he filled all the harbors and shores from Salona to Oricum
with his fleets. Having disposed his guard with great care, he lay on
board himself in the depth of winter, declining no fatigue or duty,
and not waiting for reinforcements, in hopes that he might come within
Caesar's reach.
===== Chapter 9 =====
But after the departure Of the Liburnian fleet, Marcus Octavius sailed
from Illyricum with what ships he had to Salona, and having spirited
up the Dalmatians, and other barbarous nations, he drew Issa off from
its connection with Caesar; but not being able to prevail with the
council of Salona, either by promises or menaces, he resolved to storm
the town. But it was well fortified by its natural situation and a
hill. The Roman citizens built wooden towers, the better to secure it;
but when they were unable to resist, on account of the smallness of
their numbers, being weakened by several wounds, they stooped to the
last resource, and set at liberty all the slaves old enough to bear
arms; and cutting the hair off the women's heads, made ropes for their
engines. Octavius, being informed of their determination, surrounded
the town with five encampments, and began to press them at once with a
siege and storm. They were determined to endure every hardship, and
their greatest distress was the want of corn. They, therefore, sent
deputies to Caesar, and begged a supply from him; all other
inconveniences they bore by their own resources, as well as they
could: and after a long interval, when the length of the siege had
made Octavius's troops more remiss than usual, having got an
opportunity at noon, when the enemy were dispersed, they disposed
their wives and children on the walls, to keep up the appearance of
their usual attention; and forming themselves into one body, with the
slaves whom they had lately enfranchised, they made an attack on
Octavius's nearest camp, and having forced that, attacked the second
with the same fury; and then the third and the fourth, and then the
other, and beat them from them all: and having killed a great number,
obliged the rest and Octavius himself to fly for refuge to their
ships. This put an end to the blockade. Winter was now approaching,
and Octavius, despairing of capturing the town, after sustaining such
considerable losses, withdrew to Pompey, to Dyrrachium.
===== Chapter 10 =====
We have mentioned, that Vibullius Rufus, an officer of Pompey's had
fallen twice into Caesar's power; first at Corfinium, and afterward in
Spain. Caesar thought him a proper person, on account of his favors
conferred on him, to send with proposals to Pompey: and he knew that
he had an influence over Pompey. This was the substance of his
proposals: "That it was the duty of both, to put an end to their
obstinacy, and forbear hostilities, and not tempt fortune any further;
that sufficient loss had been suffered on both sides, to serve as a
lesson and instruction to them, to render them apprehensive of future
calamities, by Pompey, in having been driven out of Italy, and having
lost Sicily, Cardinia, and the two Spains, and one hundred and thirty
cohorts of Roman citizens, in Italy and Spain: by himself, in the
death of Curio, and the loss of so great an army in Africa, and the
surrender of his soldiers in Corcyra. Wherefore, they should have pity
on themselves, and the republic: for, from their own misfortunes, they
had sufficient experience of what fortune can effect in war. That this
was the only time to treat for peace; when each had confidence in his
own strength, and both seemed on an equal footing. Since, if fortune
showed ever so little favor to either, he who thought himself
superior, would not submit to terms of accommodation; nor would be
content with an equal division, when he might expect to obtain the
whole. That as they could not agree before, the terms of peace ought
to be submitted to the senate and people in Rome. That in the mean
time, it ought to content the republic and themselves, if they both
immediately took oath in a public assembly that they would disband
their forces within the three following days. That having divested
themselves of the arms and auxiliaries, on which they placed their
present confidence, they must both of necessity acquiesce in the
decision of the people and senate. To give Pompey the fuller assurance
of his intentions, he would dismiss all his forces on the land, even
his garrisons.
===== Chapter 11 =====
Vibullius, having received this commission from Caesar, thought it no
less necessary to give Pompey notice of Caesar's sudden approach, that
he might adopt such plans as the circumstance required, than to inform
him of Caesar's message; and therefore continuing his journey by night
as well as by day, and taking fresh horses for dispatch, he posted
away to Pompey, to inform him that Caesar was marching toward him with
all his forces. Pompey was at this time in Candavia, and was on his
march from Macedonia to his winter quarters in Apollonia and
Dyrrachium; but surprised at the unexpected news, he determined to go
to Apollonia by speedy marches, to prevent Caesar from becoming master
of all the maritime states. But as soon as Caesar had landed his
troops, he set off the same day for Oricum: when he arrived there,
Lucius Torquatus, who was governor of the town by Pompey's
appointment, and had a garrison of Parthinians in it, endeavored to
shut the gates and defend the town, and ordered the Greeks to man the
walls, and to take arms. But as they refused to fight against the
power of the Roman people, and as the citizens made a spontaneous
attempt to admit Caesar, despairing of any assistance, he threw open
the gates, and surrendered himself and the town to Caesar, and was
preserved safe from injury by him.
===== Chapter 12 =====
Having taken Oricum, Caesar marched without making any delay to
Apollonia. Staberius the governor, hearing of his approach, began to
bring water into the citadel, and to fortify it, and to demand
hostages of the town's people. But they refuse to give any, or to shut
their gates against the consul, or to take upon them to judge contrary
to what all Italy and the Roman people had judged. As soon as he knew
their inclinations, he made his escape privately. The inhabitants of
Apollonia sent embassadors to Caesar, and gave him admission into
their town. Their example was followed by the inhabitants of Bullis,
Amantia, and the other neighboring states, and all Epirus: and they
sent embassadors to Caesar, and promised to obey his commands.
===== Chapter 13 =====
But Pompey having received information of the transactions at Oricum
and Apollonia, began to be alarmed for Dyrrachium, and endeavored to
reach it, marching day and night. As soon as it was said that Caesar
was approaching, such a panic fell upon Pompey's army, because in his
haste he had made no distinction between night and day, and had
marched without intermission, that they almost every man deserted
their colors in Epirus and the neighboring countries; several threw
down their arms, and their march had the appearance of a flight. But
when Pompey had halted near Dyrrachium, and had given orders for
measuring out the ground for his camp, his army even yet continuing in
their fright, Labienus first stepped forward and swore that he would
never desert him, and would share whatever fate fortune should assign
to him. The other lieutenants took the same oath, and the tribunes and
centurions followed their example: and the whole army swore in like
manner. Caesar, finding the road to Dyrrachium already in the
possession of Pompey, was in no great haste, but encamped by the river
Apsus, in the territory of Apollonia, that the states which had
deserved his support might be certain of protection from his
out-guards and forts; and there he resolved to wait the arrival of his
other legions from Italy, and to winter in tents. Pompey did the same;
and pitching his camp on the other side of the river Apsus, collected
there all his troops and auxiliaries.
===== Chapter 14 =====
Kalenus, having put the legions and cavalry on board at Brundusium, as
Caesar had directed him, as far as the number of his ships allowed,
weighed anchor: and having sailed a little distance from port,
received a letter from Caesar, in which he was informed, that all the
ports and the whole shore was occupied by the enemy's fleet: on
receiving this information he returned into the harbor, and recalled
all the vessels. One of them, which continued the voyage and did not
obey Kalenus's command, because it carried no troops, but was private
property, bore away for Oricum, and was taken by Bibulus, who spared
neither slaves nor free men, nor even children; but put all to the
sword. Thus the safety of the whole army depended on a very short
space of time and a great casualty.
===== Chapter 15 =====
Bibulus, as has been observed before, lay with his fleet near Oricum,
and as he debarred Caesar of the liberty of the sea and harbors, so he
was deprived of all intercourse with the country by land; for the
whole shore was occupied by parties disposed in different places by
Caesar. And he was not allowed to get either wood or water, or even
anchor near the land. He was reduced to great difficulties, and
distressed with extreme scarcity of every necessary; insomuch that he
was obliged to bring, in transports from Corcyra, not only provisions,
but even wood and water; and it once happened that, meeting with
violent storms, they were forced to catch the dew by night which fell
on the hides that covered their decks; yet all these difficulties they
bore patiently and without repining, and thought they ought not to
leave the shores and harbors free from blockade. But when they were
suffering under the distress which I have mentioned, and Libo had
joined Bibulus, they both called from on ship-board, to Marcus Acilius
and Statius Marcus, the lieutenants, one of whom commanded the town,
the other the guards on the coast, that they wished to speak to Caesar
on affairs of importance, if permission should be granted them. They
add something further to strengthen the impression that they intended
to treat about an accommodation. In the mean time they requested a
truce, and obtained it from them; for what they proposed seemed to be
of importance, and it was well known that Caesar desired it above all
things, and it was imagined that some advantage would be derived from
Bibulus's proposals.
===== Chapter 16 =====
Caesar having set out with one legion to gain possession of the more
remote states, and to provide corn, of which he had but a small
quantity, was at this time at Buthrotum, opposite to Corcyra. There
receiving Acilius and Marcus's letters, informing him of Libo's and
Bibulus's demands, he left his legion behind him, and returned himself
to Oricum. When he arrived, they were invited to a conference. Libo
came and made an apology for Bibulus, "that he was a man of strong
passion, and had a private quarrel against Caesar, contracted when he
was aedile and praetor; that for this reason he had avoided the
conference, lest affairs of the utmost importance and advantage might
be impeded by the warmth of his temper. That it now was and ever had
been Pompey's most earnest wish, that they should be reconciled and
lay down their arms, but they were not authorized to treat on that
subject, because they resigned the whole management of the war, and
all other matters to Pompey, by order of the council. But when they
were acquainted with Caesar's demands, they would transmit them to
Pompey, who would conclude all of himself by their persuasions. In the
mean time, let the truce be continued till the messengers could return
from him; and let no injury be done on either side." To this he added
a few words of the cause for which they fought, and of his own forces
and resources.
===== Chapter 17 =====
To this, Caesar did not then think proper to make any reply, nor do we
now think it worth recording. But Caesar required "that he should be
allowed to send commissioners to Pompey, who should suffer no personal
injury; and that either they should grant it, or should take his
commissioners in charge, and convey them to Pompey. That as to the
truce, the war in its present state was so divided, that they by their
fleet deprived him of his shipping and auxiliaries; while he prevented
them from the use of the land and fresh water; and if they wished that
this restraint should be removed from them, they should relinquish
their blockade of the seas, but if they retained the one, he in like
manner would retain the other; that nevertheless, the treaty of
accommodation might still be carried on, though these points were not
conceded, and that they need not be an impediment to it." They would
neither receive Caesar's commissioners, nor guarantee their safety,
but referred the whole to Pompey. They urged and struggled eagerly to
gain the one point respecting a truce. But when Caesar perceived that
they had proposed the conference merely to avoid present danger and
distress, but that they offered no hopes or terms of peace, he applied
his thoughts to the prosecution of the war.
===== Chapter 18 =====
Bibulus, being prevented from landing for several days, and being
seized with a violent distemper from the cold and fatigue, as he could
neither be cured on board, nor was willing to desert the charge which
he had taken upon him, was unable to bear up against the violence of
the disease. On his death, the sole command devolved on no single
individual, but each admiral managed his own division separately, and
at his own discretion. Vibullius, as soon as the alarm, which Caesar's
unexpected arrival had raised, was over, began again to deliver
Caesar's message in the presence of Libo, Lucius Lucceius, and
Theophanes, to whom Pompey used to communicate his most confidential
secrets. He had scarcely entered on the subject when Pompey
interrupted him, and forbade him to proceed. "What need," says he,
"have I of life or Rome, if the world shall think I enjoy them by the
bounty of Caesar: an opinion which can never be removed while it shall
be thought that I have been brought back by him to Italy, from which I
set out." After the conclusion of the war, Caesar was informed of
these expressions by some persons who were present at the
conversation. He attempted, however, by other means to bring about a
negotiation of peace.
===== Chapter 19 =====
Between Pompey's and Caesar's camp there was only the river Apsus, and
the soldiers frequently conversed with each other; and by a private
arrangement among themselves, no weapons were thrown during their
conferences. Caesar sent Publius Vatinius, one of his lieutenants, to
the bank of the river, to make such proposals as should appear most
conducive to peace; and to cry out frequently with a loud voice
[asking], "Are citizens permitted to send deputies to citizens to
treat of peace? a concession which had been made even to fugitives on
the Pyrenean mountains, and to robbers, especially when by so doing
they would prevent citizens from fighting against citizens." Having
spoken much in humble language, as became a man pleading for his own
and the general safety and being listened to with silence by the
soldiers of both armies, he received an answer from the enemy's party
that Aulus Varro proposed coming the next day to a conference, and
that deputies from both sides might come without danger, and explain
their wishes, and accordingly a fixed time was appointed for the
interview. When the deputies met the next day, a great multitude from
both sides assembled, and the expectations of every person concerning
this subject were raised very high, and their minds seemed to be
eagerly disposed for peace. Titus Labienus walked forward from the
crowd, and in submissive terms began to speak of peace, and to argue
with Vatinius. But their conversation was suddenly interrupted by
darts thrown from all sides, from which Vatinius escaped by being
protected by the arms of the soldiers. However, several were wounded;
and among them Cornelius Balbus, Marcus Plotius, and Lucius Tiburtius,
centurions, and some privates; hereupon Labienus exclaimed, "Forbear,
then, to speak any more about an accommodation, for we can have no
peace unless we carry Caesar's head back with us."
===== Chapter 20 =====
At the same time in Rome, Marcus Caelius Rufus, one of the praetors,
having undertaken the cause of the debtors, on entering into his
office, fixed his tribunal near the bench of Caius Trebonius, the city
praetor, and promised if any person appealed to him in regard to the
valuation and payment of debts made by arbitration, as appointed by
Caesar when in Rome, that he would relieve them. But it happened, from
the justice of Trebonius's decrees and his humanity (for he thought
that in such dangerous times justice should be administered with
moderation and compassion), that not one could be found who would
offer himself the first to lodge an appeal. For to plead poverty, to
complain of his own private calamities, or the general distresses of
the times, or to assert the difficulty of setting the goods to sale,
is the behavior of a man even of a moderate temper; but to retain
their possessions entire, and at the same time acknowledge themselves
in debt, what sort of spirit, and what impudence would it not have
argued! Therefore nobody was found so unreasonable as to make such
demands. But Caelius proved more severe to those very persons for
whose advantage it had been designed; and starting from this
beginning, in order that he might not appear to have engaged in so
dishonorable an affair without effecting something, he promulgated a
law that all debts should be discharged in six equal payments, of six
months each, without interest.
===== Chapter 21 =====
When Servilius, the consul, and the other magistrates opposed him, and
he himself effected less than he expected, in order to raise the
passions of the people, he dropped it, and promulgated two others;
one, by which he remitted the annual rents of the houses to the
tenants, the other, an act of insolvency: upon which the mob made an
assault on Caius Trebonius, and having wounded several persons, drove
him from his tribunal. The consul Servilius informed the senate of his
proceedings, who passed a decree that Caelius should be removed from
the management of the republic. Upon this decree, the consul forbade
him the senate; and when he was attempting to harangue the people,
turned him out of the rostrum. Stung with the ignominy and with
resentment, he pretended in public that he would go to Caesar, but
privately sent messengers to Milo, who had murdered Clodius, and had
been condemned for it; and having invited him into Italy, because he
had engaged the remains of the gladiators to his interest, by making
them ample presents, he joined him, and sent him to Thurinum to tamper
with the shepherds. When he himself was on his road to Casilinum, at
the same time that his military standards and arms were seized at
Capua, his slaves seen at Naples, and the design of betraying the town
discovered: his plots being revealed, and Capua shut against him,
being apprehensive of danger, because the Roman citizens residing
there had armed themselves, and thought he ought to be treated as an
enemy to the state, he abandoned his first design, and changed his
route.
===== Chapter 22 =====
Milo in the mean time dispatched letters to the free towns, purporting
that he acted as he did by the orders and commands of Pompey, conveyed
to him by Bibulus: and he endeavored to engage in his interest all
persons whom he imagined were under difficulties by reason of their
debts. But not being able to prevail with them, he set at liberty some
slaves from the work-houses, and began to assault Cosa in the district
of Thurinum. There having received a blow of a stone thrown from the
wall of the town which was commanded by Quintus Pedius with one
legion, he died of it; and Caelius having set out, as he pretended for
Caesar, went to Thurii, where he was put to death as he was tampering
with some of the freemen of the town, and was offering money to
Caesar's Gallic and Spanish horse, which he had sent there to
strengthen the garrison. And thus these mighty beginnings, which had
embroiled Italy, and kept the magistrates employed, found a speedy and
happy issue.
===== Chapter 23 =====
Libo having sailed from Oricum, with a fleet of fifty ships, which he
commanded, came to Brundusium, and seized an island, which lies
opposite to the harbor; judging it better to guard that place, which
was our only pass to sea, than to keep all the shores and ports
blocked up by a fleet. By his sudden arrival, he fell in with some of
our transports, and set them on fire, and carried off one laden with
corn; he struck great terror into our men, and having in the night
landed a party of soldiers and archers, he beat our guard of horse
from their station, and gained so much by the advantage of situation,
that he dispatched letters to Pompey, and if he pleased he might order
the rest of the ships to be hauled upon shore and repaired; for that
with his own fleet he could prevent Caesar from receiving his
auxiliaries.
===== Chapter 24 =====
Antonius was at this time at Brundusium, and relying on the valor of
his troops, covered about sixty of the long-boats belonging to the
men-of-war with penthouses and bulwarks of hurdles, and put on board
them select soldiers; and disposed them separately along the shore:
and under the pretext of keeping the seamen in exercise, he ordered
two three-banked galleys, which he had built at Brundusium, to row to
the mouth of the port. When Libo saw them advancing boldly toward him,
he sent five four-banked galleys against them, in hopes of
intercepting them. When these came near our ships, our veteran
soldiers retreated within the harbor. The enemy, urged by their
eagerness to capture them, pursued them unguardedly: for instantly the
boats of Antonius, on a certain signal, rowed with great violence from
all parts against the enemy; and at the first charge took one of the
four-banked galleys, with the seamen and marines, and forced the rest
to flee disgracefully. In addition to this loss, they were prevented
from getting water by the horse which Antonius had disposed along the
sea-coast. Libo, vexed at the distress and disgrace, departed from
Brundusium, and abandoned the blockade.
===== Chapter 25 =====
Several months had now elapsed, and winter was almost gone, and
Caesar's legions and shipping were not coming to him from Brundusium,
and he imagined that some opportunities had been neglected, for the
winds had at least been often favorable, and he thought that he must
trust to them at last. And the longer it was deferred, the more eager
were those who commanded Pompey's fleet to guard the coast, and were
more confident of preventing our getting assistance: they received
frequent reproofs from Pompey by letter, that as they had not
prevented Caesar's arrival at the first, they should at least stop the
remainder of his army: and they were expecting that the season for
transporting troops, would become more unfavorable every day, as the
winds grew calmer. Caesar, feeling some trouble on this account, wrote
in severe terms to his officers at Brundusium, [and gave them orders]
that as soon as they found the wind to answer, they should not let the
opportunity of setting sail pass by, if they were even to steer their
course to the shore of Apollonia: because there they might run their
ships on ground. That these parts principally were left unguarded by
the enemy's fleet, because they dare not venture too far from the
harbor.
===== Chapter 26 =====
They [his officers], exerting boldness and courage, aided by the
instructions of Marcus Antonius, and Fusius Kalenus, and animated by
the soldiers strongly encouraging them, and declining no danger for
Caesar's safety, having got a southerly wind, weighed anchor, and the
next day were carried past Apollonia and Dyrrachium, and being seen
from the continent, Quintus Coponius, who commanded the Rhodian fleet
at Dyrrachium, put out of the port with his ships; and when they had
almost come up with us, in consequence of the breeze dying away, the
south wind sprang up afresh, and rescued us. However, he did not
desist from his attempt, but hoped by the labor and perseverance of
his seamen to be able to bear up against the violence of the storm;
and although we were carried beyond Dyrrachium, by the violence of the
wind, he nevertheless continued to chase us. Our men, taking advantage
of fortune's kindness, for they were still afraid of being attacked by
the enemy's fleet, if the wind abated, having come near a port, called
Nymphaeum, about three miles beyond Lissus, put into it (this port is
protected from a south-west wind, but is not secure against a south
wind); and thought less danger was to be apprehended from the storm
than from the enemy. But as soon as they were within the port, the
south wind, which had blown for two days, by extraordinary good luck
veered round to the south-west.
===== Chapter 27 =====
Here one might observe the sudden turns of fortune. We who, a moment
before, were alarmed for ourselves, were safely lodged in a very
secure harbor: and they who had threatened ruin to our fleet, were
forced to be uneasy on their own account: and thus, by a change of
circumstances, the storm protected our ships, and damaged the Rhodian
fleet to such a degree that all their decked ships, sixteen in number,
foundered, without exception, and were wrecked: and of the prodigious
number of seamen and soldiers, some lost their lives by being dashed
against the rocks, others were taken by our men: but Caesar sent them
all safe home.
===== Chapter 28 =====
Two of our ships, that had not kept up with the rest, being overtaken
by the night, and not knowing what port the rest had made to, came to
an anchor opposite Lissus. Otacilius Crassus, who commanded Pompey's
fleet, detached after them several barges and small craft, and
attempted to take them. At the same time, he treated with them about
capitulating, and promised them their lives if they would
surrender. One of them carried two hundred and twenty recruits, the
other was manned with somewhat less than two hundred veterans. Here it
might be seen what security men derive from a resolute spirit. For the
recruits, frightened at the number of vessels, and fatigued with the
rolling of the sea, and with sea-sickness, surrendered to Otacilius,
after having first received his oath, that the enemy would not injure
them; but as soon as they were brought before him, contrary to the
obligation of his oath, they were inhumanly put to death in his
presence. But the soldiers of the veteran legion, who had also
struggled, not only with the inclemency of the weather, but by
laboring at the pump, thought it their duty to remit nothing of their
former valor: and having protracted the beginning of the night in
settling the terms, under pretense of surrendering, they obliged the
pilot to run the ship aground: and having got a convenient place on
the shore, they spent the rest of the night there, and at day-break,
when Otacilius had sent against them a party of the horse, who guarded
that part of the coast, to the number of four hundred, beside some
armed men, who had followed them from the garrison, they made a brave
defense, and having killed some of them, retreated in safety to our
army.
===== Chapter 29 =====
After this action, the Roman citizens, who resided at Lissus, a town
which Caesar had before assigned them, and had carefully fortified,
received Antony into their town, and gave him every
assistance. Otacilius, apprehensive for his own safety, escaped out of
the town, and went to Pompey. All his forces, whose number amounted to
three veteran legions, and one of recruits, and about eight hundred
horse being landed, Antony sent most of his ships back to Italy, to
transport the remainder of the soldiers and horse. The pontons, which
are a sort of Gallic ships, he left at Lissus with this object, that
if Pompey, imagining Italy defenseless, should transport his army
thither (and this notion was spread among the common people), Caesar
might have some means of pursuing him; and he sent messengers to him
with great dispatch, to inform him in what part of the country he had
landed his army, and what number of troops he had brought over with
him.
===== Chapter 30 =====
Caesar and Pompey received this intelligence almost at the same time;
for they had seen the ships sail past Apollonia and Dyrrachium. They
directed their march after them by land; but at first they were
ignorant to what part they had been carried; but when they were
informed of it, they each adopted a different plan; Caesar, to form a
junction with Antonius as soon as possible; Pompey, to oppose
Antonius's forces on their march to Caesar, and, if possible, to fall
upon them unexpectedly from ambush. And the same day they both led out
their armies from their winter encampment along the river Apsus;
Pompey, privately by night; Caesar, openly by day. But Caesar had to
march a longer circuit up the river to find a ford. Pompey's route
being easy, because he was not obliged to cross the river, he advanced
rapidly and by forced marches against Antonius, and being informed of
his approach, chose a convenient situation, where he posted his
forces; and kept his men close within camp, and forbade fires to be
kindled, that his arrival might be the more secret. An account of this
was immediately carried to Antonius by the Greeks. He dispatched
messengers to Caesar, and confined himself in his camp for one
day. The next day Caesar, came up with him. On learning his arrival,
Pompey, to prevent his being hemmed in between two armies, quitted his
position, and went with all his forces to Asparagium, in the territory
of Dyrrachium, and there encamped in a convenient situation.
===== Chapter 31 =====
During these times, Scipio, though he had sustained some losses near
mount Amanus, had assumed to himself the title of imperator, after
which he demanded large sums of money from the states and princes. He
had also exacted from the tax-gatherers, two years' rents that they
owed; and enjoined them to lend him the amount of the next year, and
demanded a supply of horse from the whole province. When they were
collected, leaving behind him his neighboring enemies, the Parthians
(who shortly before had killed Marcus Crassus, the imperator, and had
kept Marcus Bibulus besieged), he drew his legions and cavalry out of
Syria; and when he came into the province, which was under great
anxiety and fear of the Parthian war, and heard some declarations of
the soldiers, "That they would march against an enemy, if he would
lead them on; but would never bear arms against a countryman and
consul;" he drew off his legions to winter quarters to Pergamus, and
the most wealthy cities, and made them rich presents: and in order to
attach them more firmly to his interest, permitted them to plunder the
cities.
===== Chapter 32 =====
In the mean time, the money which had been demanded from the province
at large, was most vigorously exacted. Besides, many new imposts of
different kinds were devised to gratify his avarice. A tax of so much
a head was laid on every slave and child. Columns, doors, corn,
soldiers, sailors, arms, engines, and carriages, were made subject to
a duty. Wherever a name could be found for any thing, it was deemed a
sufficient reason for levying money on it. Officers were appointed to
collect it, not only in the cities, but in almost every village and
fort: and whosoever of them acted with the greatest rigor and
inhumanity, was esteemed the best man, and best citizen. The province
was overrun with bailiffs and officers, and crowded with overseers and
tax-gatherers; who, besides the duties imposed, exacted a gratuity for
themselves; for they asserted, that being expelled from their own
homes and countries, they stood in need of every necessary;
endeavoring by a plausible pretense, to color the most infamous
conduct. To this was added the most exorbitant interest, as usually
happens in times of war; the whole sums being called in, on which
occasion, they alleged that the delay of a single day was a
donation. Therefore, in those two years, the debt of the province was
doubled: but notwithstanding, taxes were exacted, not only from the
Roman citizens, but from every corporation and every state. And they
said that these were loans, exacted by the senate's decree. The taxes
of the ensuing year were demanded beforehand as a loan from the
collectors, as on their first appointment.
===== Chapter 33 =====
Moreover, Scipio ordered the money formerly lodged in the temple of
Diana at Ephesus, to be taken out with the statues of that goddess,
which remained there. When Scipio came to the temple, letters were
delivered to him from Pompey, in the presence of several senators,
whom he had called upon to attend him; [informing him] that Caesar had
crossed the sea with his legions; that Scipio should hasten to him
with his army, and postpone all other business. As soon as he received
the letter, he dismissed his attendants, and began to prepare for his
journey to Macedonia; and a few days after set out. This circumstance
saved the money at Ephesus.
===== Chapter 34 =====
Caesar, having effected a junction with Antonius's army, and having
drawn his legion out of Oricum, which he had left there to guard the
coast, thought he ought to sound the inclination of the provinces, and
march further into the country; and when embassadors came to him from
Thessaly and Aetolia, to engage that the states in those countries
would obey his orders, if he sent a garrison to protect them, he
dispatched Lucius Cassius Longinus, with the twenty-seventh, a legion
composed of young soldiers, and two hundred horse, to Thessaly: and
Caius Calvisius Sabinus, with five cohorts, and a small party of
horse, into Aetolia. He recommended them to be especially careful to
provide corn, because those regions were nearest to him. He ordered
Cneius Domitius Calvinus to march into Macedonia with two legions, the
eleventh and twelfth, and five hundred horse; from which province,
Menedemus, the principal man of those regions, on that side which is
called the Free, having come as embassador, assured him of the most
devoted affection of all his subjects.
===== Chapter 35 =====
Of these Calvisius, on his first arrival in Aetolia, being very kindly
received, dislodged the enemy's garrisons in Calydon and Naupactus,
and made himself master of the whole country. Cassius went to Thessaly
with his legion. As there were two factions there, he, found the
citizens divided in their inclinations. Hegasaretus, a man of
established power, favored Pompey's interest. Petreius, a young man of
a most noble family, warmly supported Caesar with his own and his
friends' influence.
===== Chapter 36 =====
At the same time, Domitius arrived in Macedonia: and when numerous
embassies had begun to wait on him from many of the states, news was
brought that Scipio was approaching with his legions, which occasioned
various opinions and reports; for in strange events, rumor generally
goes before. Without making any delay in any part of Macedonia, he
marched with great haste against Domitius; and when he was come within
about twenty miles of him, wheeled on a sudden toward Cassius Longinus
in Thessaly. He effected this with such celerity, that news of his
march and arrival came together; for to render his march expeditious,
he left the baggage of his legions behind him at the river Haliacmon,
which divides Macedonia from Thessaly, under the care of Marcus
Favonius, with a guard of eight cohorts, and ordered him to build a
strong fort there. At the same time, Cotus's cavalry, which used to
infest the neighborhood of Macedonia, flew to attack Cassius's camp,
at which Cassius being alarmed, and having received information of
Scipio's approach, and seen the horse, which he imagined to be
Scipio's, he betook himself to the mountains that environ Thessaly,
and thence began to make his route toward Ambracia. But when Scipio
was hastening to pursue him, dispatches overtook him from Favonius,
that Domitius was marching against him with his legions, and that he
could not maintain the garrison over which he was appointed, without
Scipio's assistance. On receipt of these dispatches, Scipio changed
his designs and his route, desisted from his pursuit of Cassius, and
hastened to relieve Favonius. Accordingly, continuing his march day
and night, he came to him so opportunely, that the dust raised by
Domitius's army, and Scipio's advanced guard, were observed at the
same instant. Thus, the vigilance of Domitius saved Cassius, and the
expedition of Scipio, Favonius.
===== Chapter 37 =====
Scipio, having staid for two days in his camp, along the river
Haliacmon, which ran between him and Domitius's camp, on the third
day, at dawn, led his army across a ford, and having made a regular
encampment the day following, drew up his forces in front of his
camp. Domitius thought he ought not to show any reluctance, but should
draw out his forces and hazard a battle. But as there was a plain six
miles in breadth between the two camps, he posted his army before
Scipio's camp; while the latter persevered in not quitting his
intrenchment. However, Domitius with difficulty restrained his men,
and prevented their beginning a battle; the more so as a rivulet with
steep banks, joining Scipio's camp, retarded the progress of our
men. When Scipio perceived the eagerness and alacrity of our troops to
engage, suspecting that he should be obliged the next day, either to
fight, against his inclination, or to incur great disgrace by keeping
within his camp, though he had come with high expectation, yet by
advancing rashly, made a shameful end; and at night crossed the river,
without even giving the signal for breaking up the camp, and returned
to the ground from which he came, and there encamped near the river,
on an elevated situation. After a few days, he placed a party of horse
in ambush in the night, where our men had usually gone to forage for
several days before. And when Quintus Varus, commander of Domitius's
horse, came there as usual, they suddenly rushed from their
ambush. But our men bravely supported their charge, and returned
quickly every man to his own rank, and in their turn, made a general
charge on the enemy; and having killed about eighty of them, and put
the rest to flight, retreated to their camp with the loss of only two
men.
===== Chapter 38 =====
After these transactions, Domitius, hoping to allure Scipio to a
battle, pretended to be obliged to change his position through want of
corn, and having given the signal for decamping, advanced about three
miles, and posted his army and cavalry in a convenient place,
concealed from the enemy's view. Scipio being in readiness to pursue
him, detached his cavalry and a considerable number of light infantry
to explore Domitius's route. When they had marched a short way, and
their foremost troops were within reach of our ambush, their
suspicions being raised by the neighing of the horses, they began to
retreat: and the rest who followed them, observing with what speed
they retreated, made a halt. Our men, perceiving that the enemy had
discovered their plot, and thinking it in vain to wait for any more,
having got two troops in their power, intercepted them. Among them was
Marcus Opimius, general of the horse, but he made his escape: they
either killed or took prisoners all the rest of these two troops, and
brought them to Domitius.
===== Chapter 39 =====
Caesar, having drawn his garrisons out of the sea-ports, as before
mentioned, left three cohorts at Oricum to protect the town, and
committed to them the charge of his ships of war, which he had
transported from Italy. Acilius, as lieutenant-general, had the charge
of this duty and the command of the town; he drew the ships into the
inner part of the harbor, behind the town, and fastened them to the
shore, and sank a merchant-ship in the mouth of the harbor to block it
up; and near it he fixed another at anchor, on which he raised a
turret, and faced it to the entrance of the port, and filled it with
soldiers, and ordered them to keep guard against any sudden attack.
===== Chapter 40 =====
Cneius, Pompey's son, who commanded the Egyptian fleet, having got
intelligence of these things, came to Oricum, and weighed up the ship,
that had been sunk, with a windlass, and by straining at it with
several ropes, and attacked the other which had been placed by Acilius
to watch the port with several ships, on which he had raised very high
turrets, so that fighting as it were from an eminence, and sending
fresh men constantly to relieve the fatigued, and at the same time
attempting the town on all sides by land, with ladders and his fleet,
in order to divide the force of his enemies, he overpowered our men by
fatigue, and the immense number of darts, and took the ship, having
beat off the men that were put on board to defend it, who, however,
made their escape in small boats; and at the, same time he seized a
natural mole on the opposite side, which almost formed an island over
against the town. He carried over land, into the inner part of the
harbor, four galleys, by putting rollers under them, and driving them
on with levers. Then attacking on both sides the ships of war which
were moored to the shore, and were not manned, he carried off four of
them, and set the rest on fire. After dispatching this business, he
left Decimus Laelius, whom he had taken away from the command of the
Asiatic fleet, to hinder provisions from being brought into the town
from Biblis and Amantia, and went himself to Lissus, where he attacked
thirty merchantmen, left within the port by Antonius, and set them on
fire. He attempted to storm Lissus, but being delayed three days by
the vigorous defense of the Roman citizens who belonged to that
district, and of the soldiers which Caesar had sent to keep garrison
there, and having lost a few men in the assault, he returned without
effecting his object.
===== Chapter 41 =====
As soon as Caesar heard that Pompey was at Asparagium, he set out for
that place with his army, and having taken the capital of the
Parthinians on his march, where there was a garrison of Pompey's, he
reached Pompey in Macedonia, on the third day, and encamped beside
him; and the day following having drawn out all his forces before his
camp, he offered Pompey battle. But perceiving that he kept within his
trenches, he led his army back to his camp, and thought of pursuing
some other plan. Accordingly, the day following, he set out with all
his forces by a long circuit, through a difficult and narrow road to
Dyrrachium; hoping, either that Pompey would be compelled to follow
him to Dyrrachium, or that his communication with it might be cut off,
because he had deposited there all his provisions and material of
war. And so it happened; for Pompey, at first not knowing his design,
because he imagined he had taken a route in a different direction from
that country, thought that the scarcity of provisions had obliged him
to shift his quarters; but having afterward got true intelligence from
his scouts, he decamped the day following, hoping to prevent him by
taking a shorter road; which Caesar suspecting might happen,
encouraged his troops to submit cheerfully to the fatigue, and having
halted a very small part of the night, he arrived early in the morning
at Dyrrachium, when the van of Pompey's army was visible at a
distance, and there he encamped.
===== Chapter 42 =====
Pompey, being cut off from Dyrrachium, as he was unable to effect his
purpose, took a new resolution, and intrenched himself strongly on a
rising ground, which is called Petra, where ships of a small size can
come in, and be sheltered from some winds. Here he ordered a part of
his men of war to attend him, and corn and provisions to be brought
from Asia, and from all the countries of which he kept
possession. Caesar, imagining that the war would be protracted to too
great a length, and despairing of his convoys from Italy, because all
the coasts were guarded with great diligence by Pompey's adherents;
and because his own fleets, which he had built during the winter, in
Sicily, Gaul, and Italy, were detained; sent Lucius Canuleius into
Epirus to procure corn; and because these countries were too remote,
he fixed granaries in certain places, and regulated the carriage of
the corn for the neighboring states. He likewise gave directions that
search should be made for whatever corn was in Lissus, the country of
the Parthini, and all the places of strength. The quantity was very
small, both from the nature of the land (for the country is rough and
mountainous, and the people commonly import what grain they use); and
because Pompey had foreseen what would happen, and some days before
had plundered the Parthini, and having ravaged and dug up their
houses, carried off all the corn, which he collected by means of his
horse.
===== Chapter 43 =====
Caesar, on being informed of these transactions, pursued measures
suggested by the nature of the country. For round Pompey's camps there
were several high and rough hills. These he first of all occupied with
guards, and raised strong forts on them. Then drawing a fortification
from one fort to another, as the nature of each position allowed, he
began to draw a line of circumvallation round Pompey, with these
views; as he had but a small quantity of corn, and Pompey was strong
in cavalry, that he might furnish his army with corn and other
necessaries from all sides with less danger; secondly, to prevent
Pompey from foraging, and thereby render his horse ineffectual in the
operations of the war; and thirdly, to lessen his reputation, on which
he saw he depended greatly, among foreign nations, when a report
should have spread throughout the world that he was blockaded by
Caesar, and dare not hazard a battle.
===== Chapter 44 =====
Neither was Pompey willing to leave the sea and Dyrrachium, because he
had lodged his material there, his weapons, arms, and engines; and
supplied his army with corn from it by his ships; nor was he able to
put a stop to Caesar's works without hazarding a battle, which at that
time he had determined not to do. Nothing was left but to adopt the
last resource, namely, to possess himself of as many hills as he
could, and cover as great an extent of country as possible with his
troops, and divide Caesar's forces as much as possible; and so it
happened: for having raised twenty-four forts, and taken in a compass
of fifteen miles, he got forage in this space, and within this circuit
there were several fields lately sown, in which the cattle might feed
in the mean time. And as our men, who had completed their works by
drawing lines of communication from one fort to another, were afraid
that Pompey's men would sally out from some part, and attack us in the
rear; so the enemy were making a continued fortification in a circuit
within ours to prevent us from breaking in on any side, or surrounding
them on the rear. But they completed their works first; both because
they had a greater number of men, and because they had a smaller
compass to inclose. When Caesar attempted to gain any place, though
Pompey had resolved not to oppose him with his whole force, or to come
to a general engagement, yet he detached to particular places slingers
and archers, with which his army abounded, and several of our men were
wounded, and filled with great dread of the arrows; and almost all the
soldiers made coats or coverings for themselves of hair cloths,
tarpaulins, or raw hides to defend them against the weapons.
===== Chapter 45 =====
In seizing the posts, each exerted his utmost power. Caesar, to
confine Pompey within as narrow a compass as possible; Pompey, to
occupy as many hills as he could in as large a circuit as possible,
and several skirmishes were fought in consequence of it. In one of
these, when Caesar's ninth legion had gained a certain post, and had
begun to fortify it, Pompey possessed himself of a hill near to and
opposite the same place, and endeavored to annoy the men while at
work; and as the approach on one side was almost level, he first
surrounded it with archers and slingers, and afterward by detaching a
strong party of light infantry, and using his engines, he stopped our
works; and it was no easy matter for our men at once to defend
themselves, and to proceed with their fortifications. When Caesar
perceived that his troops were wounded from all sides, he determined
to retreat and give up the post; his retreat was down a precipice, on
which account they pushed on with more spirit, and would not allow us
to retire, because they imagined that we resigned the place through
fear. It is reported that Pompey said that day in triumph to his
friends about him, "That he would consent to be accounted a general of
no experience, if Caesar's legions effected a retreat without
considerable loss from that ground into which they had rashly
advanced."
===== Chapter 46 =====
Caesar, being uneasy about the retreat of his soldiers, ordered
hurdles to be carried to the further side of the hill, and to be
placed opposite to the enemy, and behind them a trench of a moderate
breadth to be sunk by his soldiers under shelter of the hurdles; and
the ground to be made as difficult as possible. He himself disposed
slingers in convenient places to cover our men in their retreat. These
things being completed, he ordered his legions to file off: Pompey's
men insultingly and boldly pursued and chased us, leveling the hurdles
that were thrown up in the front of our works, in order to pass over
the trench. Which as soon as Caesar perceived, being afraid that his
men would appear not to retreat, but to be repulsed, and that greater
loss might be sustained, when his men were almost half way down the
hill, he encouraged them by Antonius, who commanded that legion,
ordered the signal of battle to be sounded, and a charge to be made on
the enemy. The soldiers of the ninth legion suddenly closing their
files, threw their javelins, and advancing impetuously from the low
ground up the steep, drove Pompey's men precipitately before them, and
obliged them to turn their backs; but their retreat was greatly
impeded by the hurdles that lay in a long line before them, and the
palisadoes which were in their way, and the trenches that were
sunk. But our men being contented to retreat without injury, having
killed several of the enemy, and lost but five of their own, very
quietly retired, and having seized some other hills somewhat on this
side of that place, completed their fortifications.
===== Chapter 47 =====
This method of conducting a war was new and unusual, as well on
account of the number of forts, the extent and greatness of the works,
and the manner of attack and defense, as on account of other
circumstances. For all who have attempted to besiege any person, have
attacked the enemy when they were frightened or weak, or after a
defeat; or have been kept in fear of some attack, when they themselves
have had a superior force both of foot and horse. Besides, the usual
design of a siege is to cut off the enemy's supplies. On the contrary,
Caesar, with an inferior force, was inclosing troops sound and unhurt,
and who had abundance of all things. For there arrived every day a
prodigious number of ships, which brought them provisions: nor could
the wind blow from any point, that would not be favorable to some of
them. Whereas, Caesar, having consumed all the corn far and near, was
in very great distress, but his soldiers bore all with uncommon
patience. For they remembered that they lay under the same
difficulties last year in Spain, and yet by labor and patience had
concluded a dangerous war. They recollected too that they had suffered
an alarming scarcity at Alesia, and a much greater at Avaricum, and
yet had returned victorious over mighty nations. They refused neither
barley nor pulse when offered them, and they held in great esteem
cattle, of which they got great quantities from Epirus.
===== Chapter 48 =====
There was a sort of root called chara, discovered by the troops which
served under Valerius. This they mixed up with milk, and it greatly
contributed to relieve their want. They made it into a sort of
bread. They had great plenty of it; loaves made of this, when Pompey's
men upbraided ours with want, they frequently threw among them to damp
their hopes.
===== Chapter 49 =====
The corn was now beginning to ripen, and their hope supported their
want, as they were confident of having abundance in a short time. And
there were frequently heard declarations of the soldiers on guard, in
discourse with each other, that they would rather live on the bark of
the trees, than let Pompey escape from their hands. For they were
often told by deserters, that they could scarcely maintain their
horses, and that their other cattle was dead: that they themselves
were not in good health from their confinement within so narrow a
compass, from the noisome smell, the number of carcasses, and the
constant fatigue to them, being men unaccustomed to work, and laboring
under a great want of water. For Caesar had either turned the course
of all the rivers and streams which ran to the sea, or had dammed them
up with strong works. And as the country was mountainous, and the
valleys narrow at the bottom, he inclosed them with piles sunk in the
ground, and heaped up mold against them to keep in the water. They
were therefore obliged to search for low and marshy grounds, and to
sink wells, and they had this labor in addition to their daily
works. And even these springs were at a considerable distance from
some of their posts, and soon dried up with the heat. But Caesar's
army enjoyed perfect health and abundance of water, and had plenty of
all sorts of provisions except corn; and they had a prospect of better
times approaching, and saw greater hopes laid before them by the
ripening of the grain.
===== Chapter 50 =====
In this new kind of war, new methods of managing it were invented by
both generals. Pompey's men, perceiving by our fires at night, at what
part of the works our cohorts were on guard, coming silently upon them
discharged their arrows at random among the whole multitude, and
instantly retired to their camp; as a remedy against which our men
were taught by experience to light their fires in one place, and keep
guard in another. Note: The translator felt that some of the original
text was missing at this point.
===== Chapter 51 =====
In the mean time, Publius Sylla, whom Caesar at his departure had left
governor of his camp, came up with two legions to assist the cohort;
upon whose arrival Pompey's forces were easily repulsed. Nor did they
stand the sight and charge of our men, and the foremost falling, the
rest turned their backs and quitted the field. But Sylla called our
men in from the pursuit, lest their ardor should carry them too far,
but most people imagine that if he had consented to a vigorous
pursuit, the war might have been ended that day. His conduct however
does not appear to deserve censure; for the duties of a
lieutenant-general, and of a commander-in-chief, are very different;
the one is bound to act entirely according to his instructions, the
other to regulate his conduct without control, as occasion
requires. Sylla, being deputed by Caesar to take care of the camp, and
having rescued his men, was satisfied with that, and did not desire to
hazard a battle (although this circumstance might probably have had a
successful issue), that he might not be thought to have assumed the
part of the general. One circumstance laid the Pompeians under great
difficulty in making good a retreat: for they had advanced from
disadvantageous ground, and were posted on the top of a hill. If they
attempted to retire down the steep, they dreaded the pursuit of our
men from the rising ground, and there was but a short time till
sunset: for in hopes of completing the business, they had protracted
the battle almost till night. Taking therefore measures suited to
their exigency, and to the shortness of the time, Pompey possessed
himself of an eminence, at such a distance from our fort that no
weapon discharged from an engine could reach him. Here he took up a
position, and fortified it, and kept all his forces there.
===== Chapter 52 =====
At the same time, there were engagements in two other places; for
Pompey had attacked several forts at once, in order to divide our
forces; that no relief might be sent from the neighboring posts. In
one place, Volcatius Tullus sustained the charge of a legion with
three cohorts, and beat them off the field. In another, the Germans,
having sallied over our fortifications, slew several of the enemy, and
retreated safe to our camp.
===== Chapter 53 =====
Thus six engagements having happened in one day, three at Dyrrachium,
and three at the fortifications, when a computation was made of the
number of slain, we found that about two thousand fell on Pompey's
side, several of them volunteer veterans and centurions. Among them
was Valerius, the son of Lucius Flaccus, who as praetor had formerly
had the government of Asia, and six military standards were taken. Of
our men, not more than twenty were missing in all the action. But in
the fort, not a single soldier escaped without a wound; and in one
cohort, four centurions lost their eyes. And being desirous to produce
testimony of the fatigue they under went, and the danger they
sustained, they counted to Caesar about thirty thousand arrows which
had been thrown into the fort; and in the shield of the centurion
Scaeva, which was brought to him, were found two hundred and thirty
holes. In reward for this man's services, both to himself and the
public, Caesar presented to him two hundred thousand pieces of copper
money, and declared him promoted from the eighth to the first
centurion. For it appeared that the fort had been in a great measure
saved by his exertions; and he afterward very amply rewarded the
cohorts with double pay, corn, clothing, and other military honors.
===== Chapter 54 =====
Pompey, having made great additions to his works in the night, the
following days built turrets, and having carried his works fifteen
feet high, faced that part of his camp with mantelets; and after an
interval of five days, taking advantage of a second cloudy night, he
barricaded all the gates of his camp to hinder a pursuit, and about
midnight, quietly marched off his army, and retreated to his old
fortifications.
===== Chapter 55 =====
First part of audio ends and second beings here onwards
Aetolia, Acarnania, and Amphilochis, being reduced, as we have
related, by Cassius Longinus, and Calvisius Sabinus, Caesar thought he
ought to attempt the conquest of Achaia, and to advance further into
the country. Accordingly, he detached Fufius thither, and ordered
Quintus Sabinus and Cassius to join him with their cohorts. Upon
notice of their approach, Rutilius Lupus, who commanded in Achaia,
under Pompey, began to fortify the Isthmus, to prevent Fufius from
coming into Achaia. Kalenus recovered Delphi, Thebes, and Orchomenus,
by a voluntary submission of those states. Some he subdued by force,
the rest he endeavored to win over to Caesar's interest, by sending
deputies round to them. In these things, principally, Fusius was
employed.
===== Chapter 56 =====
Every day afterward, Caesar drew up his army on a level ground, and
offered Pompey battle, and led his legions almost close to Pompey's
camp; and his front line was at no greater distance from the rampart
than that no weapon from their engines could reach it. But Pompey, to
save his credit and reputation with the world, drew out his legions,
but so close to his camp, that his rear line might touch the rampart,
and that his whole army, when drawn up, might be protected by the
darts discharged from it.
===== Chapter 57 =====
While these things were going forward in Achaia and at Dyrrachium, and
when it was certainly known that Scipio was arrived in Macedonia,
Caesar, never losing sight of his first intention, sends Clodius to
him, an intimate friend to both, whom Caesar, on the introduction and
recommendation of Pompey, had admitted into the number of his
acquaintance. To this man he gave letters and instructions to Pompey,
the substance of which was as follows: "That he had made every effort
toward peace, and imputed the ill success of those efforts to the
fault of those whom he had employed to conduct those negotiations;
because they were afraid to carry his proposals to Pompey at an
improper time. That Scipio had such authority, that he could not only
freely explain what conduct met his approbation, but even in some
degree enforce his advice, and govern him [Pompey] if he persisted in
error; that he commanded an army independent of Pompey, so that
besides his authority, he had strength to compel; and if he did so,
all men would be indebted to him for the quiet of Italy, the peace of
the provinces, and the preservation of the empire." These proposals
Clodius made to him, and for some days at the first appeared to have
met with a favorable reception, but afterward was not admitted to an
audience; for Scipio being reprimanded by Favonius, as we found
afterward when the war was ended, and the negotiation having
miscarried, Clodius returned to Caesar.
===== Chapter 58 =====
Caesar, that he might the more easily keep Pompey's horse inclosed
within Dyrrachium, and prevent them from foraging, fortified the two
narrow passes already mentioned with strong works, and erected forts
at them. Pompey perceiving that he derived no advantage from his
cavalry, after a few days had them conveyed back to his camp by
sea. Fodder was so exceedingly scarce that he was obliged to feed his
horses upon leaves stripped off the trees, or the tender roots of
reeds pounded. For the corn which had been sown within the lines was
already consumed, and they would be obliged to supply themselves with
fodder from Corcyra and Acarnania, over a long tract of sea; and as
the quantity of that fell short, to increase it by mixing barley with
it, and by these methods support their cavalry. But when not only the
barley and fodder in these parts were consumed, and the herbs cut
away, when the leaves too were not to be found on the trees, the
horses being almost starved, Pompey thought he ought to make some
attempt by a sally.
===== Chapter 59 =====
In the number of Caesar's cavalry were two Allobrogians, brothers,
named Roscillus and Aegus, the sons of Abducillus, who for several
years possessed the chief power in his own state; men of singular
valor, whose gallant services Caesar had found very useful in all his
wars in Gaul. To them, for these reasons, he had committed the offices
of greatest honor in their own country, and took care to have them
chosen into the senate at an unusual age, and had bestowed on them
lands taken from the enemy, and large pecuniary rewards, and from
being needy had made them affluent. Their valor had not only procured
them Caesar's esteem, but they were beloved by the whole army. But
presuming on Caesar's friendship, and elated with the arrogance
natural to a foolish and barbarous people, they despised their
countrymen, defrauded their cavalry of their pay, and applied all the
plunder to their own use. Displeased at this conduct, their soldiers
went in a body to Caesar, and openly complained of their ill usage;
and to their other charges added, that false musters were given in to
Caesar, and the surcharged pay applied to their own use.
===== Chapter 60 =====
Caesar, not thinking it a proper time to call them to account, and
willing to pardon many faults, on account of their valor, deferred the
whole matter, and gave them a private rebuke, for having made a
traffic of their troops, and advised them to expect every thing from
his friendship, and by his past favors to measure their future
hopes. This however, gave them great offense, and made them
contemptible in the eyes of the whole army. Of this they became
sensible, as well from the reproaches of others, as from the judgment
of their own minds, and a consciousness of guilt. Prompted then by
shame, and perhaps imagining that they were not liberated from trial,
but reserved to a future day, they resolved to break off from us, to
put their fortune to a new hazard, and to make trial of new
connections. And having conferred with a few of their clients, to whom
they could venture to intrust so base an action, they first attempted
to assassinate Caius Volusenus, general of the horse (as was
discovered at the end of the war), that they might appear to have fled
to Pompey after conferring an important service on him. But when that
appeared too difficult to put in execution, and no opportunity offered
to accomplish it, they borrowed all the money they could, as if they
designed to make satisfaction and restitution for what they had
defrauded: and having purchased a great number of horses, they
deserted to Pompey along with those whom they had engaged in their
plot.
===== Chapter 61 =====
As they were persons nobly descended and of liberal education, and had
come with a great retinue, and several cattle, and were reckoned men
of courage, and had been in great esteem with Caesar, and as it was a
new and uncommon event, Pompey carried them round all his works, and
made an ostentatious show of them, for till that day, not a soldier,
either horse or foot had deserted from Caesar to Pompey, though there
were desertions almost every day from Pompey to Caesar: but more
commonly among the soldiers levied in Epirus and Aetolia, and in those
countries, which were in Caesar's possession. But the brothers, having
been acquainted with all things, either what was incomplete in our
works, or what appeared to the best judges of military matters to be
deficient, the particular times, the distance of places, and the
various attention of the guards, according to the different temper and
character of the officer who commanded the different posts, gave an
exact account of all to Pompey.
===== Chapter 62 =====
Upon receiving this intelligence, Pompey, who had already formed the
design of attempting a sally, as before mentioned, ordered the
soldiers to make ozier coverings for their helmets, and to provide
fascines. These things being prepared, he embarked on board small
boats and row galleys by night, a considerable number of light
infantry and archers, with all their fascines, and immediately after
midnight, he marched sixty cohorts drafted from the greater camp and
the outposts, to that part of our works which extended toward the sea,
and were at the furthest distance from Caesar's greater camp. To the
same place he sent the ships, which he had freighted with the fascines
and light-armed troops; and all the ships of war that lay at
Dyrrachium; and to each he gave particular instructions: at this part
of the lines Caesar had posted Lentulus Marcellinus, the quaestor,
with the ninth legion, and as he was not in a good state of health,
Fulvius Costhumus was sent to assist him in the command.
===== Chapter 63 =====
At this place, fronting the enemy, there was a ditch fifteen feet
wide, and a rampart ten feet high, and the top of the rampart was ten
feet in breadth. At an interval of six hundred feet from that there
was another rampart turned the contrary way, with the works lower. For
some days before, Caesar, apprehending that our men might be
surrounded by sea, had made a double rampart there, that if he should
be attacked on both sides, he might have the means of defending
himself. But the extent of the lines, and the incessant labor for so
many days, because he had inclosed a circuit of seventeen miles with
his works, did not allow time to finish them. Therefore the transverse
rampart which should make a communication between the other two, was
not yet completed. This circumstance was known to Pompey, being told
to him by the Allobrogian deserters, and proved of great disadvantage
to us. For when our cohorts of the ninth legion were on guard by the
sea-side, Pompey's army arrived suddenly by break of day, and their
approach was a surprise to our men, and at the same time, the soldiers
that came by sea, cast their darts on the front rampart; and the
ditches were filled with fascines: and the legionary soldiers
terrified those that defended the inner rampart, by applying the
scaling ladders, and by engines and weapons of all sorts, and a vast
multitude of archers poured round upon them from every side. Besides,
the coverings of oziers, which they had laid over their helmets, were
a great security to them against the blows of stones which were the
only weapons that our soldiers had. And therefore, when our men were
oppressed in every manner, and were scarcely able to make resistance,
the defect in our works was observed, and Pompey's soldiers, landing
between the two ramparts, where the work was unfinished, attacked our
men in the rear, and having beat them from both sides of the
fortification, obliged them to flee.
===== Chapter 64 =====
Marcellinus, being informed of this disorder, detached some cohorts to
the relief of our men, who seeing them flee from the camp, were
neither able to persuade them to rally at their approach, nor
themselves to sustain the enemy's charge. And in like manner, whatever
additional assistance was sent, was infected by the fears of the
defeated, and increased the terror and danger. For retreat was
prevented by the multitude of the fugitives. In that battle, when the
eagle-bearer was dangerously wounded, and began to grow weak, having
got sight of our horse, he said to them, "This eagle have I defended
with the greatest care for many years, at the hazard of my life, and
now in my last moments restore it to Caesar with the same fidelity. Do
not, I conjure you, suffer a dishonor to be sustained in the field,
which never before happened to Caesar's army, but deliver it safe into
his hands." By this accident the eagle was preserved, but all the
centurions of the first cohorts were killed, except the principal.
===== Chapter 65 =====
And now the Pompeians, after great havoc of our troops, were
approaching Marcellinus's camp, and had struck no small terror into
the rest of the cohorts, when Marcus Antonius, who commanded the
nearest fort, being informed of what had happened, was observed
descending from the rising ground with twelve cohorts. His arrival
checked the Pompeians, and encouraged our men to recover from their
extreme affright. And shortly after, Caesar having got notice by the
smoke of all the forts, which was the usual signal on such occasions,
drafted off some cohorts from the outposts, and went to the scene of
action. And having there learned the loss he had sustained, and
perceiving that Pompey had forced our works, and had encamped along
the coast, so that he was at liberty to forage, and had a
communication with his shipping, he altered his plan for conducting
the war, as his design had not succeeded, and ordered a strong
encampment to be made near Pompey.
===== Chapter 66 =====
When this work was finished, Caesar's scouts observed that some
cohorts, which to them appeared like a legion, were retired behind the
wood, and were on their march to the old camp. The situation of the
two camps was as follows: a few days before, when Caesar's ninth
legion had opposed a party of Pompey's troops, and were endeavoring to
inclose them, Caesar's troops formed a camp in that place. This camp
joined a certain wood, and was not above four hundred paces distant
from the sea. Afterward, changing his design for certain reasons,
Caesar removed his camp to a small distance beyond that place; and
after a few days, Pompey took possession of it, and added more
extensive works, leaving the inner rampart standing, as he intended to
keep several legions there. By this means, the lesser camp, included
within the greater, answered the purpose of a fort and citadel. He had
also carried an intrenchment from the left angle of the camp to the
river, about four hundred paces, that his soldiers might have more
liberty and less danger in fetching water. But he too, changing his
design for reasons not necessary to be mentioned, abandoned the
place. In this condition the camp remained for several days, the works
being all entire.
===== Chapter 67 =====
Caesar's scouts brought him word that the standard of a legion was
carried to this place. That the same thing was seen he was assured by
those in the higher forts. This place was a half a mile distant from
Pompey's new camp. Caesar, hoping to surprise this legion, and anxious
to repair the loss sustained that day, left two cohorts employed in
the works to make an appearance of intrenching himself, and by a
different route, as privately as he could, with his other cohorts
amounting to thirty-three, among which was the ninth legion, which had
lost so many centurions, and whose privates were greatly reduced in
number, he marched in two lines against Pompey's legion and his lesser
camp. Nor did this first opinion deceive him. For he reached the place
before Pompey could have notice of it; and though the works were
strong, yet having made the attack with the left wing which he
commanded in person, he obliged the Pompeians to quit the rampart in
disorder. A barricade had been raised before the gates, at which a
short contest was maintained, our men endeavoring to force their way
in, and the enemy to defend the camp; Titus Pulcio, by whose means we
have related that Caius Antonius's army was betrayed, defending them
with singular courage. But the valor of our men prevailed, and having
cut down the barricade, they first forced the greater camp, and after
that the fort which was inclosed within it; and as the legion on its
repulse had retired to this, they slew several defending themselves
there.
===== Chapter 68 =====
But Fortune who exerts a powerful influence as well in other matters,
as especially in war, effects great changes from trifling causes, as
happened at this time. For the cohorts on Caesar's right wing, through
ignorance of the place, followed the direction of that rampart which
ran along from the camp to the river, while they were in search of a
gate, and imagined that it belonged to the camp. But when they found
that it led to the river, and that nobody opposed them, they
immediately climbed over the rampart, and were followed by all our
cavalry.
===== Chapter 69 =====
In the mean time Pompey, by the great delay which this occasioned,
being informed of what had happened, marched with the fifth legion,
which he called away from their work to support his party; and at the
same time his cavalry were advancing up to ours, and an army in order
of battle, was seen at a distance by our men who had taken possession
of the camp, and the face of affairs was suddenly changed. For
Pompey's legion, encouraged by the hope of speedy support, attempted
to make a stand at the Decuman gate, and made a bold charge on our
men. Caesar's cavalry, who had mounted the rampart by a narrow breach,
being apprehensive of their retreat, were the first to flee. The right
wing which had been separated from the left, observing the terror of
the cavalry, to prevent their being overpowered within the lines, were
endeavoring to retreat by the same way as they burst in; and most of
them, lest they should be engaged in the narrow passes, threw
themselves down a rampart ten feet high into the trenches; and the
first being trodden to death, the rest procured their safety, and
escaped over their bodies. The soldiers of the left wing, perceiving
from the rampart that Pompey was advancing, and their own friends
fleeing, being afraid that they should be inclosed between the two
ramparts, as they had an enemy both within and without, strove to
secure their retreat the same way they came. All was disorder,
consternation, and flight; insomuch that, when Caesar laid hold of the
colors of those who were running away, and desired them to stand, some
left their horses behind, and continued to run in the same manner;
others through fear even threw away their colors. Nor did a single man
face about.
===== Chapter 70 =====
In this calamity, the following favorable circumstance occurred to
prevent the ruin of our whole army, viz., that Pompey suspecting an
ambuscade (because, as I suppose, the success had far exceeded his
hopes, as he had seen his men a moment before fleeing from the camp),
durst not for some time approach the fortification; and that his horse
were retarded from pursuing, because the passes and gates were in
possession of Caesar's soldiers. Thus a trifling circumstance proved
of great importance to each party; for the rampart drawn from the camp
to the river, interrupted the progress and certainty of Caesar's
victory, after he had forged Pompey's camp. The same thing, by
retarding the rapidity of the enemy's pursuit, preserved our army.
===== Chapter 71 =====
In the two actions of this day, Caesar lost nine hundred and sixty
rank and file, several Roman knights of distinction, Felginas
Tuticanus Gallus, a senator's son; Caius Felginas from Placentia;
Aulus Gravius from Puteoli; Marcus Sacrativir from Capua; and
thirty-two military tribunes and centurions. But the greatest part of
all these perished without a wound, being trodden to death in the
trenches, on the ramparts and banks of the river by reason of the
terror and flight of their own men. Pompey, after this battle, was
saluted Imperator; this title he retained, and allowed himself to be
addressed by it afterward. But neither in his letters to the senate,
nor in the fasces, did he use the laurel as a mark of honor. But
Labienus, having obtained his consent that the prisoners should be
delivered up to him, had them all brought out, as it appeared, to make
a show of them, and that Pompey might place a greater confidence in
him who was a deserter; and calling them fellow soldiers, and asking
them in the most insulting manner whether it was usual with veterans
to flee, ordered them to be put to death in the sight of the whole
army.
===== Chapter 72 =====
Pompey's party were so elated with confidence and spirit at this
success, that they thought no more of the method of conducting the
war, but thought that they were already conquerors. They did not
consider that the smallness of our numbers, and the disadvantage of
the place and the confined nature of the ground occasioned by their
having first possessed themselves of the camp, and the double danger
both from within and without the fortifications, and the separation of
the army into two parts, so that the one could not give relief to the
other, were the causes of our defeat. They did not consider, in
addition, that the contest was not decided by a vigorous attack, nor a
regular battle; and that our men had suffered greater loss from their
numbers and want of room, than they had sustained from the enemy. In
fine, they did not reflect on the common casualties of war; how
trifling causes, either from groundless suspicions, sudden affright,
or religious scruples, have oftentimes been productive of considerable
losses; how often an army has been unsuccessful either by the
misconduct of the general, or the oversight of a tribune; but as if
they had proved victorious by their valor, and as if no change could
ever take place, they published the success of the day throughout the
world by reports and letters.
===== Chapter 73 =====
Caesar, disappointed in his first intentions, resolved to change the
whole plan of his operations. Accordingly, he at once called in all
outposts, gave over the siege, and collecting his army into one place,
addressed his soldiers and encouraged them "not to be troubled at what
had happened, nor to be dismayed at it, but to weigh their many
successful engagements against one disappointment, and that, too, a
trifling one. That they ought to be grateful to Fortune, through whose
favor they had recovered Italy without the effusion of blood; through
whose favor they had subdued the two Spains, though protected by a
most warlike people under the command of the most skillful and
experienced generals; through whose favor they had reduced to
submission the neighboring states that abounded with corn; in fine,
that they ought to remember with what success they had been all
transported safe through blockading fleets of the enemy, which
possessed not only the ports, but even the coasts; that if all their
attempts were not crowned with success, the defects of Fortune must be
supplied by industry; and whatever loss had been sustained, ought to
be attributed rather to her caprices than to any faults in him: that
he had chosen a safe ground for the engagement, that he had possessed
himself of the enemy's camp; that he had beaten them out, and overcome
them when they offered resistance; but whether their own terror or
some mistake, or whether Fortune herself had interrupted a victory
almost secured and certain, they ought all now to use their utmost
efforts to repair by their valor the loss which had been incurred; if
they did so, their misfortunes would turn to their advantage, as it
happened at Gergovia, and those who feared to face the enemy would be
the first to offer themselves to battle.
===== Chapter 74 =====
Having concluded his speech, he disgraced some standard-bearers, and
reduced them to the ranks; for the whole army was seized with such
grief at their loss and with such an ardent desire of repairing their
disgrace, that not a man required the command of his tribune or
centurion, but they imposed each on himself severer labors than usual
as a punishment, and at the same time were so inflamed with eagerness
to meet the enemy, that the officers of the first rank, sensibly
affected at their entreaties, were of opinion that they ought to
continue in their present posts, and commit their fate to the hazard
of a battle. But, on the other hand, Caesar could not place sufficient
confidence in men so lately thrown into consternation, and thought he
ought to allow them time to recover their dejected spirits; and having
abandoned his works, he was apprehensive of being distressed for want
of corn.
===== Chapter 75 =====
Accordingly, suffering no time to intervene but what was necessary for
a proper attention to be paid to the sick and wounded, he sent on all
his baggage privately in the beginning of the night from his camp to
Apollonia, and ordered them not to halt till they had performed their
journey; and he detached one legion with them as a convoy. This affair
being concluded, having retained only two legions in his camp, he
marched the rest of his army out at three o'clock in the morning by
several gates, and sent them forward by the same route; and in a short
space after, that the military practice might be preserved, and his
march known as late as possible, he ordered the signal for decamping
to be given; and setting out immediately and following the rear of his
own army, he was soon out of sight of the camp. Nor did Pompey, as
soon as he had notice of his design, make any delay to pursue him; but
with a view to surprise them while encumbered with baggage on their
march, and not yet recovered from their fright, he led his army out of
his camp, and sent his cavalry on to retard our rear; but was not able
to come up with them, because Caesar had got far before him, and
marched without baggage. But when we reached the river Genusus, the
banks being steep, their horse overtook our rear, and detained them by
bringing them to action. To oppose whom, Caesar sent his horse, and
intermixed with them about four hundred of his advanced light troops,
who attacked their horse with such success, that having routed them
all, and killed several, they returned without any loss to the main
body.
===== Chapter 76 =====
Having performed the exact march which he had proposed that day, and
having led his army over the river Genusus, Caesar posted himself in
his old camp opposite Asparagium; and kept his soldiers close within
the intrenchments and ordered the horse, who had been sent out under
pretense of foraging, to retire immediately into the camp, through the
Decuman gate. Pompey, in like manner, having completed the same day's
march, took post in his old camp at Asparagium; and his soldiers, as
they had no work (the fortifications being entire), made long
excursions, some to collect wood and forage; others, invited by the
nearness of the former camp, laid up their arms in their tents, and
quitted the intrenchments in order to bring what they had left behind
them, because the design of marching being adopted in a hurry, they
had left a considerable part of their wagons and luggage behind. Being
thus incapable of pursuing, as Caesar had foreseen, about noon he gave
the signal for marching, led out his army, and doubling that day's
march, he advanced eight miles beyond Pompey's camp; who could not
pursue him, because his troops were dispersed.
===== Chapter 77 =====
The next day Caesar sent his baggage forward early in the night, and
marched off himself immediately after the fourth watch: that if he
should be under the necessity of risking an engagement, he might meet
a sudden attack with an army free from incumbrance. He did so for
several days successively, by which means he was enabled to effect his
march over the deepest rivers, and through the most intricate roads
without any loss. For Pompey, after the first day's delay, and the
fatigue which he endured for some days in vain, though he exerted
himself by forced marches, and was anxious to overtake us, who had got
the start of him, on the fourth day desisted from the pursuit, and
determined to follow other measures.
===== Chapter 78 =====
Caesar was obliged to go to Apollonia, to lodge his wounded, pay his
army, confirm his friends, and leave garrisons in the towns. But for
these matters, he allowed no more time than was necessary for a person
in haste. And being apprehensive for Domitius, lest he should be
surprised by Pompey's arrival, he hastened with all speed and
earnestness to join him; for he planned the operations of the whole
campaign on these principles: that if Pompey should march after him,
he would be drawn off from the sea, and from those forces which he had
provided in Dyrrachium, and separated from his corn and magazines, and
be obliged to carry on the war on equal terms; but if he crossed over
into Italy, Caesar, having effected a junction with Domitius, would
march through Illyricum to the relief of Italy; but if he endeavored
to storm Apollonia and Oricum, and exclude him from the whole coast,
he hoped, by besieging Scipio, to oblige him, of necessity, to come to
his assistance. Accordingly, Caesar dispatching couriers, writes to
Domitius, and acquaints him with his wishes on the subject: and having
stationed a garrison of four cohorts at Apollonia, one at Lissus, and
three at Oricum, besides those who were sick of their wounds, he set
forward on his march through Epirus and Acarnania. Pompey, also,
guessing at Caesar's design, determined to hasten to Scipio, that if
Caesar should march in that direction, he might be ready to relieve
him; but that if Caesar should be unwilling to quit the sea-coast and
Corcyra, because he expected legions and cavalry from Italy, he
himself might fall on Domitius with all his forces.
===== Chapter 79 =====
For these reasons, each of them studied dispatch, that he might succor
his friends, and not miss an opportunity of surprising his
enemies. But Caesar's engagements at Apollonia had carried him aside
from the direct road. Pompey had taken the short road to Macedonia,
through Candavia. To this was added another unexpected disadvantage,
that Domitius, who for several days had been encamped opposite Scipio,
had quitted that post for the sake of provisions, and had marched to
Heraclea Sentica, a city subject to Candavia; so that fortune herself
seemed to throw him in Pompey's way. Of this, Caesar was ignorant up
to this time. Letters likewise being sent by Pompey through all the
provinces and states, with an account of the action at Dyrrachium,
very much enlarged and exaggerated beyond the real facts, a rumor had
been circulated, that Caesar had been defeated and forced to flee, and
had lost almost all his forces. These reports had made the roads
dangerous, and drawn off some states from his alliance: whence it
happened, that the messengers dispatched by Caesar, by several
different roads to Domitius, and by Domitius to Caesar, were not able
by any means to accomplish their journey. But the Allobroges, who were
in the retinue of Aegus and Roscillus, and who had deserted to Pompey,
having met on the road a scouting party of Domitius; either from old
acquaintance, because they had served together in Gaul, or elated with
vain glory, gave them an account of all that had happened, and
informed them of Caesar's departure, and Pompey's arrival. Domitius,
who was scarce four hours' march distant, having got intelligence from
these, by the courtesy of the enemy, avoided the danger, and met
Caesar coming to join him at Aeginium, a town on the confines of and
opposite to Thessaly.
===== Chapter 80 =====
The two armies being united, Caesar marched to Gomphi, which is the
first town of Thessaly on the road from Epirus. Now, the Thessalians,
a few months before, had of themselves sent embassadors to Caesar,
offering him the free use of every thing in their power, and
requesting a garrison for their protection. But the report, already
spoken of, of the battle at Dyrrachium, which it had exaggerated in
many particulars, had arrived before him. In consequence of which,
Androsthenes, the praetor of Thessaly, as he preferred to be the
companion of Pompey's victory, rather than Caesar's associate in his
misfortunes, collected all the people, both slaves and freemen from
the country into the town and shut the gates, and dispatched
messengers to Scipio and Pompey "to come to his relief, that he could
depend on the strength of the town, if succor was speedily sent; but
that it could not withstand a long siege." Scipio, as soon as he
received advice of the departure of the armies from Dyrrachium, had
marched with his legions to Larissa: Pompey was not yet arrived near
Thessaly. Caesar having fortified his camp, ordered scaling-ladders
and pent-houses to be made for a sudden assault, and hurdles to be
provided. As soon as they were ready, he exhorted his soldiers, and
told them of what advantage it would be to assist them with all sorts
of necessaries, if they made themselves masters of a rich and
plentiful town: and, at the same time to strike terror into other
states by the example of this, and to effect this with speed, before
auxiliaries could arrive. Accordingly, taking advantage of the unusual
ardor of the soldiers, he began his assault on the town at a little
after three o'clock on the very day on which he arrived, and took it,
though defended with very high walls, before sunset, and gave it up to
his army to plunder, and immediately decamped from before it, and
marched to Metropolis, with such rapidity as to outstrip any messenger
or rumor of the taking of Gomphi.
===== Chapter 81 =====
The inhabitants of Metropolis, at first influenced by the same rumors,
followed the same measures, shut the gates and manned their walls. But
when they were made acquainted with the fate of the city of Gomphi by
some prisoners, whom Caesar had ordered to be brought up to the walls,
they threw open their gates. As he preserved them with the greatest
care, there was not a state in Thessaly (except Larissa, which was
awed by a strong army of Scipio's), but on comparing the fate of the
inhabitants of Metropolis with the severe treatment of Gomphi, gave
admission to Caesar, and obeyed his orders. Having chosen a position
convenient for procuring corn, which was now almost ripe on the
ground, he determined there to wait Pompey's arrival, and to make it
the center of all his warlike operations.
===== Chapter 82 =====
Pompey arrived in Thessaly a few days after, and having harangued the
combined army, returned thanks to his own men, and exhorted Scipio's
soldiers, that as the victory was now secured, they should endeavor to
merit a part of the rewards and booty. And receiving all the legions
into one camp, he shared his honors with Scipio, ordered the trumpet
to be sounded at his tent, and a pavilion to be erected for him. The
forces of Pompey being thus augmented, and two such powerful armies
united, their former expectations were confirmed, and their hopes of
victory so much increased, that whatever time intervened was
considered as so much delay to their return into Italy; and whenever
Pompey acted with slowness and caution, they used to exclaim, that it
was the business only of a single day, but that he had a passion for
power, and was delighted in having persons of consular and praetorian
rank in the number of his slaves. And they now began to dispute openly
about rewards and priesthoods, and disposed of the consulate for
several years to come. Others put in their claims for the houses and
properties of all who were in Caesar's camp, and in that council there
was a warm debate, whether Lucius Hirtius, who had been sent by Pompey
against the Parthians, should be admitted a candidate for the
praetorship in his absence at the next election; his friends imploring
Pompey's honor to fulfill the engagements which he had made to him at
his departure, that he might not seem deceived through his authority:
while others, embarked in equal labor and danger, pleaded that no
individual ought to have a preference before all the rest.
===== Chapter 83 =====
Already Domitius, Scipio, and Lentulus Spinther, in their daily
quarrels about Caesar's priesthood, openly abused each other in the
most scurrilous language. Lentulus urging the respect due to his age,
Domitius boasting his interest in the city and his dignity, and Scipio
presuming on his alliance with Pompey. Attius Rufus charged Lucius
Afranius before Pompey with betraying the army in the action that
happened in Spain, and Lucius Domitius declared in the council that it
was his wish that, when the war should be ended, three billets should
be given to all the senators, who had taken part with them in the war,
and that they should pass sentence on every single person who had
staid behind at Rome, or who had been within Pompey's garrisons and
had not contributed their assistance in the military operations; that
by the first billet they should have power to acquit, by the second to
pass sentence of death, and by the third to impose a pecuniary
fine. In short, Pompey's whole army talked of nothing but the honors
or sums of money which were to be their rewards, or of vengeance on
their enemies; and never considered how they were to defeat their
enemies, but in what manner they should use their victory.
===== Chapter 84 =====
Corn being provided, and his soldiers refreshed, and a sufficient time
having elapsed since the engagement at Dyrrachium, when Caesar thought
he had sufficiently sounded the disposition of his troops, he thought
that he ought to try whether Pompey had any intention or inclination
to come to a battle. Accordingly he led his troops out of the camp,
and ranged them in order of battle, at first on their own ground, and
at a small distance from Pompey's camp: but afterward for several days
in succession, he advanced from his own camp, and led them up to the
hills on which Pompey's troops were posted, which conduct inspired his
army every day with fresh courage. However he adhered to his former
purpose respecting his cavalry, for as he was by many degrees inferior
in number, he selected the youngest and most active of the advanced
guard, and desired them to fight intermixed with the horse, and they
by constant practice acquired experience in this kind of battle. By
these means it was brought to pass that a thousand of his horse would
dare even on open ground, to stand against seven thousand of Pompey's,
if occasion required, and would not be much terrified by their
number. For even on one of those days he was successful in a cavalry
action, and killed one of the two Allobrogians, who had deserted to
Pompey, as we before observed, and several others.
===== Chapter 85 =====
Pompey, because he was encamped on a hill, drew up his army at the
very foot of it, ever in expectation, as may be conjectured, that
Caesar would expose himself to this disadvantageous situation. Caesar,
seeing no likelihood of being able to bring Pompey to an action,
judged it the most expedient method of conducting the war, to decamp
from that post and to be always in motion: with this hope, that by
shifting his camp and removing from place to place, he might be more
conveniently supplied with corn, and also, that by being in motion he
might get some opportunity of forcing them to battle, and might by
constant marches harass Pompey's army, which was not accustomed to
fatigue. These matters being settled, when the signal for marching was
given, and the tents struck, it was observed that shortly before,
contrary to his daily practice, Pompey's army had advanced further
than usual from his intrenchments, so that it appeared possible to
come to an action on equal ground. Then Caesar addressed himself to
his soldiers, when they were at the gates of the camp, ready to march
out. " We must defer," says he, "our march at present, and set our
thoughts on battle, which has been our constant wish; let us then meet
the foe with resolute souls. We shall not hereafter easily find such
an opportunity." He immediately marched out at the head of his troops.
===== Chapter 86 =====
Pompey also, as was afterward known, at the unanimous solicitation of
his friends, had determined to try the fate of a battle. For he had
even declared in council a few days before that, before the battalions
came to battle, Caesar's army would be put to the rout. When most
people expressed their surprise at it, "I know," says he, "that I
promise a thing almost incredible; but hear the plan on which I
proceed, that you may march to battle with more confidence and
resolution. I have persuaded our cavalry, and they have engaged to
execute it, as soon as the two armies have met, to attack Caesar's
right wing on the flank, and inclosing their army on the rear, throw
them into disorder, and put them to the rout, before we shall throw a
weapon against the enemy. By this means we shall put an end to the
war, without endangering the legions, and almost without a blow. Nor
is this a difficult matter, as we far outnumber them in cavalry." At
the same time he gave them notice to be ready for battle on the day
following, and since the opportunity which they had so often wished
for was now arrived, not to disappoint the opinion generally
entertained of their experience and valor.
===== Chapter 87 =====
After him Labienus spoke, as well to express his contempt of Caesar's
forces, as to extol Pompey's scheme with the highest encomiums. "Think
not, Pompey," says he, "that this is the army which conquered Gaul and
Germany; I was present at all those battles, and do not speak at
random on a subject to which I am a stranger: a very small part of
that army now remains, great numbers lost their lives, as must
necessarily happen in so many battles, many fell victims to the
autumnal pestilence in Italy, many returned home, and many were left
behind on the continent. Have you not heard that the cohorts at
Brundusium are composed of invalids? The forces which you now behold,
have been recruited by levies lately made in Hither Spain, and the
greater part from the colonies beyond the Po; moreover, the flower of
the forces perished in the two engagements at Dyrrachium." Having so
said, he took an oath, never to return to his camp unless victorious;
and he encouraged the rest to do the like. Pompey applauded his
proposal, and took the same oath; nor did any person present hesitate
to take it. After this had passed in the council they broke up full of
hopes and joy, and in imagination anticipated victory; because they
thought that in a matter of such importance, no groundless assertion
could be made by a general of such experience.
===== Chapter 88 =====
When Caesar had approached near Pompey's camp, he observed that his
army was drawn up in the following manner: On the left wing were the
two legions, delivered over by Caesar at the beginning of the disputes
in compliance with the senate's decree, one of which was called the
first, the other the third. Here Pompey commanded in person. Scipio
with the Syrian legions commanded the center. The Cilician legion in
conjunction with the Spanish cohorts, which we said were brought over
by Afranius, were disposed on the right wing. These Pompey considered
his steadiest troops. The rest he had interspersed between the center
and the wing, and he had a hundred and ten complete cohorts; these
amounted to forty-five thousand men. He had besides two cohorts of
volunteers, who having received favors from him in former wars,
flocked to his standard: these were dispersed through his whole
army. The seven remaining cohorts he had disposed to protect his camp,
and the neighboring forts. His right wing was secured by a river with
steep banks; for which reason he placed all his cavalry, archers, and
slingers, on his left wing.
===== Chapter 89 =====
Caesar, observing his former custom, had placed the tenth legion on
the right, the ninth on the left, although it was very much weakened
by the battles at Dyrrachium. He placed the eighth legion so close to
the ninth, as to almost make one of the two, and ordered them to
support one another. He drew up on the field eighty cohorts, making a
total of twenty-two thousand men. He left two cohorts to guard the
camp. He gave the command of the left wing to Antonius, of the right
to P. Sulla, and of the center to Cn. Domitius: he himself took his
post opposite Pompey. At the same time, fearing, from the disposition
of the enemy which we have previously mentioned, lest his right wing
might be surrounded by their numerous cavalry, he rapidly drafted a
single cohort from each of the legions composing the third line,
formed of them a fourth line, and opposed them to Pompey's cavalry,
and, acquainting them with his wishes, admonished them that the
success of that day depended on their courage. At the same time he
ordered the third line, and the entire army not to charge without his
command: that he would give the signal whenever he wished them to do
so.
===== Chapter 90 =====
When he was exhorting his army to battle, according to the military
custom, and spoke to them of the favors that they had constantly
received from him, he took especial care to remind them "that he could
call his soldiers to witness the earnestness with which he had sought
peace, the efforts that he had made by Vatinius to gain a conference
[with Labienus], and likewise by Claudius to treat with Scipio, in
what manner he had exerted himself at Oricum, to gain permission from
Libo to send embassadors; that he had been always reluctant to shed
the blood of his soldiers, and did not wish to deprive the republic of
one or other of her armies." After delivering this speech, he gave by
a trumpet the signal to his soldiers, who were eagerly demanding it,
and were very impatient for the onset.
===== Chapter 91 =====
There was in Caesar's army, a volunteer of the name of Crastinus, who
the year before had been first centurion of the tenth legion, a man of
pre-eminent bravery. He, when the signal was given, says, "Follow me,
my old comrades, and display such exertions in behalf of your general
as you have determined to do: this is our last battle, and when it
shall be won, he will recover his dignity, and we our liberty." At the
same time he looked back to Caesar, and said, "General, I will act in
such a manner to-day, that you will feel grateful to me living or
dead." After uttering these words he charged first on the right wing,
and about one hundred and twenty chosen volunteers of the same century
followed.
===== Chapter 92 =====
There was so much space left between the two lines, as sufficed for
the onset of the hostile armies: but Pompey had ordered his soldiers
to await Caesar's attack, and not to advance from their position, or
suffer their line to be put into disorder. And he is said to have done
this by the advice of Caius Triarius, that the impetuosity of the
charge of Caesar's soldiers might be checked, and their line broken,
and that Pompey's troops remaining in their ranks, might attack them
while in disorder; and he thought that the javelins would fall with
less force if the soldiers were kept in their ground, than if they met
them in their course; at the same time he trusted that Caesar's
soldiers, after running over double the usual ground, would become
weary and exhausted by the fatigue. But to me Pompey seems to have
acted without sufficient reason: for there is a certain impetuosity of
spirit and an alacrity implanted by nature in the hearts of all men,
which is inflamed by a desire to meet the foe. This a general should
endeavor not to repress, but to increase; nor was it a vain
institution of our ancestors, that the trumpets should sound on all
sides, and a general shout be raised; by which they imagined that the
enemy were struck with terror, and their own army inspired with
courage.
===== Chapter 93 =====
But our men, when the signal was given, rushed forward with their
javelins ready to be launched, but perceiving that Pompey's men did
not run to meet their charge, having acquired experience by custom,
and being practiced in former battles, they of their own accord
repressed their speed, and halted almost midway; that they might not
come up with the enemy when their strength was exhausted, and after a
short respite they again renewed their course, and threw their
javelins, and instantly drew their swords, as Caesar had ordered
them. Nor did Pompey's men fail in this crisis, for they received our
javelins, stood our charge, and maintained their ranks; and having
launched their javelins, had recourse to their swords. At the same
time Pompey's horse, according to their orders, rushed out at once
from his left wing, and his whole host of archers poured after
them. Our cavalry did not withstand their charge: but gave ground a
little, upon which Pompey's horse pressed them more vigorously, and
began to file off in troops, and flank our army. When Caesar perceived
this, he gave the signal to his fourth line, which he had formed of
the six cohorts. They instantly rushed forward and charged Pompey's
horse with such fury, that not a man of them stood; but all wheeling
about, not only quitted their post, but galloped forward to seek a
refuge in the highest mountains. By their retreat the archers and
slingers, being left destitute and defenseless, were all cut to
pieces. The cohorts, pursuing their success, wheeled about upon
Pompey's left wing, while his infantry still continued to make battle,
and attacked them in the rear.
===== Chapter 94 =====
At the same time Caesar ordered his third line to advance, which till
then had not been engaged, but had kept their post. Thus, new and
fresh troops having come to the assistance of the fatigued, and others
having made an attack on their rear, Pompey's men were not able to
maintain their ground, but all fled, nor was Caesar deceived in his
opinion, that the victory, as he had declared in his speech to his
soldiers, must have its beginning from those six cohorts, which he had
placed as a fourth line to oppose the horse. For by them the cavalry
were routed; by them the archers and slingers were cut to pieces; by
them the left wing of Pompey's army was surrounded, and obliged to be
the first to flee. But when Pompey saw his cavalry routed, and that
part of his army on which he reposed his greatest hopes thrown into
confusion, despairing of the rest, he quitted the field, and retreated
straightway on horseback to his camp, and calling to the centurions,
whom he had placed to guard the praetorian gate, with a loud voice,
that the soldiers might hear: "Secure the camp," says he, "defend it
with diligence, if any danger should threaten it; I will visit the
other gates, and encourage the guards of the camp." Having thus said,
he retired into his tent in utter despair, yet anxiously waiting the
issue.
===== Chapter 95 =====
Caesar having forced the Pompeians to flee into their intrenchment,
and thinking that he ought not to allow them any respite to recover
from their fright, exhorted his soldiers to take advantage of
fortune's kindness, and to attack the camp. Though they were fatigued
by the intense heat, for the battle had continued till mid-day, yet,
being prepared to undergo any labor, they cheerfully obeyed his
command. The camp was bravely defended by the cohorts which had been
left to guard it, but with much more spirit by the Thracians and
foreign auxiliaries. For the soldiers who had fled for refuge to it
from the field of battle, affrighted and exhausted by fatigue, having
thrown away their arms and military standards, had their thoughts more
engaged on their further escape than on the defense of the camp. Nor
could the troops who were posted on the battlements, long withstand
the immense number of our darts, but fainting under their wounds,
quitted the place, and under the conduct of their centurions and
tribunes, fled, without stopping, to the high mountains which joined
the camp.
===== Chapter 96 =====
In Pompey's camp you might see arbors in which tables were laid, a
large quantity of plate set out, the floors of the tents covered with
fresh sods, the tents of Lucius Lentulus and others shaded with ivy,
and many other things which were proofs of excessive luxury, and a
confidence of victory, so that it might readily be inferred that they
had no apprehensions of the issue of the day, as they indulged
themselves in unnecessary pleasures, and yet upbraided with luxury
Caesar's army, distressed and suffering troops, who had always been in
want of common necessaries. Pompey, as soon as our men had forced the
trenches, mounting his horse, and stripping off his general's habit,
went hastily out of the back gate of the camp, and galloped with all
speed to Larissa. Nor did he stop there, but with the same dispatch,
collecting a few of his flying troops, and halting neither day nor
night, he arrived at the seaside, attended by only thirty horse, and
went on board a victualing barque, often complaining, as we have been
told, that he had been so deceived in his expectation, that he was
almost persuaded that he had been betrayed by those from whom he had
expected victory, as they began the fight.
===== Chapter 97 =====
Caesar having possessed himself of Pompey's camp, urged his soldiers
not to be too intent on plunder, and lose the opportunity of
completing their conquest. Having obtained their consent, he began to
draw lines round the mountain. The Pompeians distrusting the position,
as there was no water on the mountain, abandoned it, and all began to
retreat toward Larissa; which Caesar perceiving, divided his troops,
and ordering part of his legions to remain in Pompey's camp, sent back
a part to his own camp, and taking four legions with him, went by a
shorter road to intercept the enemy: and having marched six miles,
drew up his army. But the Pompeians observing this, took post on a
mountain, whose foot was washed by a river. Caesar having encouraged
his troops, though they were greatly exhausted by incessant labor the
whole day, and night was now approaching, by throwing up works cut off
the communication between the river and the mountain, that the enemy
might not get water in the night. As soon as the work was finished,
they sent embassadors to treat about a capitulation. A few senators
who had espoused that party, made their escape by night.
===== Chapter 98 =====
At break of day, Caesar ordered all those who had taken post on the
mountain, to come down from the higher grounds into the plain, and
pile their arms. When they did this without refusal, and with
outstretched arms, prostrating themselves on the ground, with tears,
implored his mercy: he comforted them and bade them rise, and having
spoken a few words of his own clemency to alleviate their fears, he
pardoned them all, and gave orders to his soldiers, that no injury
should be done to them, and nothing taken from them. Having used this
diligence, he ordered the legions in his camp to come and meet him,
and those which were with him to take their turn of rest, and go back
to the camp: and the same day went to Larissa
===== Chapter 99 =====
In that battle, no more than two hundred privates were missing, but
Caesar lost about thirty centurions, valiant officers. Crastinus,
also, of whom mention was made before, fighting most courageously,
lost his life by the wound of a sword in the mouth; nor was that false
which he declared when marching to battle: for Caesar entertained the
highest opinion of his behavior in that battle, and thought him highly
deserving of his approbation. Of Pompey's army, there fell about
fifteen thousand; but upwards of twenty-four thousand were made
prisoners: for even the cohorts which were stationed in the forts,
surrendered to Sylla. Several others took shelter in the neighboring
states. One hundred and eighty stands of colors, and nine eagles, were
brought to Caesar. Lucius Domitius, fleeing from the camp to the
mountains, his strength being exhausted by fatigue, was killed by the
horse.
===== Chapter 100 =====
About this time, Decimus Laelius arrived with his fleet at Brundusium
and in the same manner, as Libo had done before, possessed himself of
an island opposite the harbor of Brundusium. In like manner, Valinius,
who was then governor of Brundusium, with a few decked barks,
endeavored to entice Laelius's fleet, and took one five-banked galley
and two smaller vessels that had ventured further than the rest into a
narrow part of the harbor: and likewise disposing the horse along the
shore, strove to prevent the enemy from procuring fresh water. But
Laelius having chosen a more convenient season of the year for his
expedition, supplied himself with water brought in transports from
Corcyra and Dyrrachium, and was not deterred from his purpose; and
till he had received advice of the battle in Thessaly, he could not be
forced either by the disgrace of losing his ships, or by the want of
necessaries, to quit the port and islands.
===== Chapter 101 =====
Much about the same time, Cassius arrived in Sicily with a fleet of
Syrians, Phoenicians, and Cicilians: and as Caesar's fleet was divided
into two parts, Publius Sulpicius the praetor commanding one division
at Vibo near the straits, Pomponius the other at Messana, Cassius got
into Messana with his fleet, before Pomponius had notice of his
arrival, and having found him in disorder, without guards or
discipline, and the wind being high and favorable, he filled several
transports with fir, pitch, and tow, and other combustibles, and sent
them against Pomponius's fleet, and set fire to all his ships,
thirty-five in number, twenty of which were armed with beaks: and this
action struck such terror that though there was a legion in garrison
at Messana, the town with difficulty held out, and had not the news of
Caesar's victory been brought at that instant by the horse stationed-
along the coast, it was generally imagined that it would have been
lost, but the town was maintained till the news arrived very
opportunely: and Cassius set sail from thence to attack Sulpicius's
fleet at Vibo, and our ships being moored to the land, to strike the
same terror, he acted in the same manner as before. The wind being
favorable, he sent into the port about forty ships provided with
combustibles, and the flame catching on both sides, five ships were
burned to ashes. And when the fire began to spread wider by the
violence of the wind, the soldiers of the veteran legions, who had
been left to guard the fleet, being considered as invalids, could not
endure the disgrace, but of themselves went on board the ships and
weighed anchor, and having attacked Cassius's fleet, captured two
five-banked galleys, in one of which was Cassius himself; but he made
his escape by taking to a boat. Two three-banked galleys were taken
besides. Intelligence was shortly after received of the action in
Thessaly, so well authenticated, that the Pompeians themselves gave
credit to it; for they had hitherto believed it a fiction of Caesar's
lieutenants and friends. Upon which intelligence Cassius departed with
his fleet from that coast.
===== Chapter 102 =====
Caesar thought he ought to postpone all business and pursue Pompey,
whithersoever he should retreat; that he might not be able to provide
fresh forces, and renew the war; he therefore marched on every day, as
far as his cavalry were able to advance, and ordered one legion to
follow him by shorter journeys. A proclamation was issued by Pompey at
Amphipolis, that all the young men of that province, Grecians and
Roman citizens, should take the military oath; but whether he issued
it with an intention of preventing suspicion, and to conceal as long
as possible his design of fleeing further, or to endeavor to keep
possession of Macedonia by new levies, if nobody pursued him, it is
impossible to judge. He lay at anchor one night, and calling together
his friends in Amphipolis, and collecting a sum of money for his
necessary expenses, upon advice of Caesar's approach, set sail from
that place, and arrived in a few days at Mitylene. Here he was
detained two days, and having added a few galleys to his fleet he went
to Cilicia, and thence to Cyprus. There he is informed that, by the
consent of all the inhabitants of Antioch and Roman citizens who
traded there, the castle had been seized to shut him out of the town;
and that messengers had been dispatched to all those who were reported
to have taken refuge in the neighboring states, that they should not
come to Antioch; that if they did, that it would be attended with
imminent danger to their lives. The same thing had happened to Lucius
Lentulus, who had been consul the year before, and to Publius Lentulus
a consular senator, and to several others at Rhodes, who having
followed Pompey in his flight, and arrived at the island, were not
admitted into the town or port; and having received a message to leave
that neighborhood, set sail much against their will; for the rumor of
Caesar's approach had now reached those states.
===== Chapter 103 =====
Pompey, being informed of these proceedings, laid aside his design of
going to Syria, and having taken the public money from the farmers of
the revenue, and borrowed more from some private friends, and having
put on board his ships a large quantity of brass for military
purposes, and two thousand armed men, whom he partly selected from the
slaves of the tax farmers, and partly collected from the merchants,
and such persons as each of his friends thought fit on this occasion,
he sailed for Pelusium. It happened that king Ptolemy, a minor, was
there with a considerable army, engaged in war with his sister
Cleopatra, whom a few months before, by the assistance of his
relations and friends, he had expelled from the kingdom; and her camp
lay at a small distance from his. To him Pompey applied to be
permitted to take refuge in Alexandria, and to be protected in his
calamity by his powerful assistance, in consideration of the
friendship and amity which had subsisted between his father and
him. But Pompey's deputies having executed their commission, began to
converse with less restraint with the king's troops, and to advise
them to act with friendship to Pompey, and not to think meanly of his
bad fortune. In Ptolemy's army were several of Pompey's soldiers, of
whom Gabinius had received the command in Syria, and had brought them
over to Alexandria, and at the conclusion of the war had left with
Ptolemy the father of the young king.
===== Chapter 104 =====
The king's friends, who were regents of the kingdom during the
minority, being informed of these things, either induced by fear, as
they afterward declared, lest Pompey should corrupt the king's army,
and seize on Alexandria and Egypt; or despising his bad fortune, as in
adversity friends commonly change to enemies, in public gave a
favorable answer to his deputies, and desired him to come to the king;
but secretly laid a plot against him, and dispatched Achillas, captain
of the king's guards, a man of singular boldness, and Lucius Septimius
a military tribune to assassinate him. Being kindly addressed by them,
and deluded by an acquaintance with Septimius, because in the war with
the pirates the latter had commanded a company under him, he embarked
in a small boat with a few attendants, and was there murdered by
Achillas and Septimius. In like manner, Lucius Lentulus was seized by
the king's order, and put to death in prison.
===== Chapter 105 =====
When Caesar arrived in Asia, he found that Titus Ampius had attempted
to remove the money from the temple of Diana at Ephesus; and for this
purpose had convened all the senators in the province that he might
have them to attest the sum, but was interrupted by Caesar's arrival,
and had made his escape. Thus, on two occasions, Caesar saved the
money of Ephesus. It was also remarked at Elis, in the temple of
Minerva, upon calculating and enumerating the days, that on the very
day on which Caesar had gained his battle, the image of Victory which
was placed before Minerva, and faced her statue, turned about toward
the portal and entrance of the temple; and the same day, at Antioch in
Syria, such a shout of an army and sound of trumpets was twice heard
that the citizens ran in arms to the walls. The same thing happened at
Ptolemais; a sound of drums too was heard at Pergamus, in the private
and retired parts of the temple, into which none but the priests are
allowed admission, and which the Greeks call Adyta (the inaccessible),
and likewise at Tralles, in the temple of Victory, in which there
stood a statue consecrated to Caesar; a palm-tree at that time was
shown that had sprouted up from the pavement, through the joints of
the stones, and shot up above the roof.
===== Chapter 106 =====
After a few days' delay in Asia, Caesar, having heard that Pompey had
been seen in Cyprus, and conjecturing that he had directed his course
into Egypt, on account of his connection with that kingdom, set out
for Alexandria with two legions (one of which he ordered to follow him
from Thessaly, the other he called in from Achaia, from Fufius, the
lieutenant general), and with eight hundred horse, ten ships of war
from Rhodes, and a few from Asia. These legions amounted but to three
thousand two hundred men; the rest, disabled by wounds received in
various battles, by fatigue and the length of their march, could not
follow him. But Caesar, relying on the fame of his exploits, did not
hesitate to set forward with a feeble force, and thought that he would
be secure in any place. At Alexandria he was informed of the death of
Pompey: and at his landing there, heard a cry among the soldiers whom
the king had left to garrison the town, and saw a crowd gathering
toward him, because the fasces were carried before him; for this the
whole multitude thought an infringement of the king's dignity. Though
this tumult was appeased, frequent disturbances were raised for
several days successively, by crowds of the populace, and a great many
of his soldiers were killed in all parts of the city.
===== Chapter 107 =====
Having observed this, he ordered other legions to be brought to him
from Asia, which he had made up out of Pompey's soldiers; for he was
himself detained against his will, by the etesian winds, which are
totally unfavorable to persons on a voyage from Alexandria. In the
mean time, considering that the disputes of the princes belonged to
the jurisdiction of the Roman people, and of him as consul, and that
it was a duty more incumbent on him, as in his former consulate a
league had been made with Ptolemy the late king, under sanction both
of a law and a decree of the senate, he signified that it was his
pleasure that king Ptolemy, and his sister Cleopatra, should disband
their armies, and decide their disputes in his presence by justice,
rather than by the sword.
===== Chapter 108 =====
A eunuch named Pothinus, the boy's tutor, was regent of the kingdom on
account of his youthfulness. He at first began to complain among his
friends, and to express his indignation, that the king should be
summoned to plead his cause: but afterward, having prevailed on some
of those whom he had made acquainted with his views to join him he
secretly called the army away from Pelusium to Alexandria, and
appointed Achillas, already spoken of, commander-in-chief of the
forces. Him he encouraged and animated by promises both in his own and
the king's name, and instructed him both by letters and messages how
he should act. By the will of Ptolemy the father, the elder of his two
sons and the more advanced in years of his two daughters were declared
his heirs, and for the more effectual performance of his intention, in
the same will he conjured the Roman people by all the gods, and by the
league which he had entered into at Rome, to see his will
executed. One of the copies of his will was conveyed to Rome by his
embassadors to be deposited in the treasury, but the public troubles
preventing it, it was lodged with Pompey: another was left sealed up,
and kept at Alexandria.
===== Chapter 109 =====
While these things were debated before Caesar, and he was very anxious
to settle the royal disputes as a common friend and arbitrator; news
was brought on a sudden that the king's army and all his cavalry, were
on their march to Alexandria. Caesar's forces were by no means so
strong that he could trust to them, if he had occasion to hazard a
battle without the town. His only resource was to keep within the town
in the most convenient places, and get information of Achillas's
designs. However he ordered his soldiers to repair to their arms; and
advised the king to send some of his friends, who had the greatest
influence, as deputies to Achillas, and to signify his royal
pleasure. Dioscorides and Serapion, the persons sent by him, who had
both been embassadors at Rome, and had been in great esteem with
Ptolemy the father, went to Achillas. But as soon as they appeared in
his presence, without hearing them, or learning the occasion of their
coming, he ordered them to be seized and put to death. One of them,
after receiving a wound, was taken up and carried off by his
attendants as dead: the other was killed on the spot. Upon this,
Caesar took care to secure the king's person, both supposing that the
king's name would have a great influence with his subjects, and to
give the war the appearance of the scheme of a few desperate men,
rather than of having been begun by the king's consent.
===== Chapter 110 =====
The forces under Achillas did not seem despicable, either for number,
spirit, or military experience; for he had twenty thousand men under
arms. They consisted partly of Gabinius's soldiers, who were now
become habituated to the licentious mode of living at Alexandria, and
had forgotten the name and discipline of the Roman people, and had
married wives there, by whom the greatest part of them had
children. To these was added a collection of highwaymen, and
freebooters, from Syria, and the province of Cilicia, and the adjacent
countries. Besides several convicts and transports had been collected:
for at Alexandria all our runaway slaves were sure of finding
protection for their persons on the condition that they should give in
their names, and enlist as soldiers: and if any of them was
apprehended by his master, he was rescued by a crowd of his fellow
soldiers, who being involved in the same guilt, repelled, at the
hazard of their lives, every violence offered to any of their
body. These by a prescriptive privilege of the Alexandrian army, used
to demand the king's favorites to be put to death, pillage the
properties of the rich to increase their pay, invest the king's
palace, banish some from the kingdom, and recall others from
exile. Besides these, there were two thousand horse, who had acquired
the skill of veterans by being in several wars in Alexandria. These
had restored Ptolemy the father to his kingdom, had killed Bibulus's
two sons; and had been engaged in war with the Egyptians; such was
their experience in military affairs.
===== Chapter 111 =====
Full of confidence in his troops, and despising the small number of
Caesar's soldiers, Achillas seized Alexandria, except that part of the
town which Caesar occupied with his troops. At first he attempted to
force the palace; but Caesar had disposed his cohorts through the
streets, and repelled his attack. At the same time there was an action
at the port: where the contest was maintained with the greatest
obstinacy. For the forces were divided, and the fight maintained in
several streets at once, and the enemy endeavored to seize with a
strong party the ships of war; of which fifty had been sent to
Pompey's assistance, but after the battle in Thessaly, had returned
home. They were all of either three or five banks of oars, well
equipped and appointed with every necessary for a voyage. Besides
these, there were twenty-two vessels with decks, which were usually
kept at Alexandria, to guard the port. If they made themselves masters
of these, Caesar being deprived of his fleet, they would have the
command of the port and whole sea, and could prevent him from
procuring provisions and auxiliaries. Accordingly that spirit was
displayed, which ought to be displayed when the one party saw that a
speedy victory depended on the issue, and the other their safety. But
Caesar gained the day, and set fire to all those ships, and to others
which were in the docks, because he could not guard so many places
with so small a force; and immediately he conveyed some troops to the
Pharos by his ships.
===== Chapter 112 =====
The Pharos is a tower on an island, of prodigious height, built with
amazing works, and takes its name from the island. This island lying
over against Alexandria, forms a harbor; but on the upper side it is
connected with the town by a narrow way eight hundred paces in length,
made by piles sunk in the sea, and by a bridge. In this island some of
the Egyptians have houses, and a village as large as a town; and
whatever ships from any quarter, either through mistaking the channel,
or by the storm, have been driven from their course upon the coast,
they constantly plunder like pirates. And without the consent of those
who are masters of the Pharos, no vessels can enter the harbor, on
account of its narrowness. Caesar being greatly alarmed on this
account, while the enemy were engaged in battle, landed his soldiers,
seized the Pharos, and placed a garrison in it. By this means he
gained this point, that he could be supplied without danger with corn,
and auxiliaries; for he sent to all the neighboring countries, to
demand supplies. In other parts of the town, they fought so
obstinately, that they quitted the field with equal advantage, and
neither were beaten (in consequence of the narrowness of the passes);
and a few being killed on both sides, Caesar secured the most
necessary posts, and fortified them in the night. In this quarter of
the town was a wing of the king's palace, in which Caesar was lodged
on his first arrival, and a theater adjoining the house which served
as for citadel, and commanded an avenue to the ports and other
docks. These fortifications he increased during the succeeding days,
that he might have them before him as a rampart, and not be obliged to
fight against his will. In the mean time Ptolemy's younger daughter,
hoping the throne would become vacant, made her escape from the palace
to Achillas, and assisted him in prosecuting the war. But they soon
quarreled about the command, which circumstance enlarged the presents
to the soldiers, for each endeavored by great sacrifices to secure
their affection. While the enemy was thus employed, Pothinus, tutor to
the young king, and regent of the kingdom, who was in Caesar's part of
the town, sent messengers to Achillas, and encouraged him not to
desist from his enterprise, nor to despair of success; but his
messengers being discovered and apprehended, he was put to death by
Caesar. Such was the commencement of the Alexandrian war.
[[de_bello_civili_2|☚]] [[de_bello_gallico|★]] [[de_bello_gallico|☛]]