Battle of Pharsalus

Belligerents Caesarians PompeiansCommanders and leaders

Julius Caesar

Pompey

Units involved

Syrian legions
Cilician legions
Legio I
Legio III

Strength23,000+

22,000 legionaries
1,000 cavalry
??? light infantry

41,000–54,000+

36,000–47,000 legionaries
5,000–7,000 cavalry
Thousands of light infantry

Casualties and losses 200–1,200 killed 30,000–39,000

6,000–15,000 killed
24,000 captured

The Battle of Pharsalus was the decisive battle of Caesar's Civil War fought on 9 August 48 BC near Pharsalus in Central Greece. Julius Caesar and his allies formed up opposite the army of the Roman Republic under the command of Pompey. Pompey had the backing of a majority of Roman senators and his army significantly outnumbered the veteran Caesarian legions.

Pressured by his officers, Pompey reluctantly engaged in battle and suffered an overwhelming defeat, ultimately fleeing the camp and his men, disguised as an ordinary citizen. Eventually making his way to Egypt, he was assassinated upon his arrival at the order of Ptolemy XIII.