Roman Civil Wars After-Action Report

[Compass Rose]

Caesar Vs Pompey at Dyrrachium (7th July 48 BC) written by Paul Bruffell

After crossing the Rubicon and forcing Pompey and his senatorial supporters to abandon Italy, Caesar conducted a brisk campaign in Spain against Pompeian forces before turning his attention to dealing with Pompey himself who, in the meantime, had mustered a large army in Macedonia. However, neither side was ready to risk battle straightaway - Pompey's troops were raw and needed training, whilst Caesar had so far only managed to transport seven of his eleven legions across the Adriatic Sea - so the two armies began constructing fortifications until, with only the southernmost part of Caesar's fortifications still unfinished, it was necessary for Pompey to break out before it was too late.


Pompey

In the early morning mist, Pompey launches a surprise attack with 3 legions, Legio I, Legio II and Legio III. Only Legio I had experienced legionaries. Pompeian initial positions are seen below. The Caesarean forces are not yet visible.




The skirmishing archers advanced cautiously to avoid running straight in to any opposing legionaries in the dark. 30 minutes after dawn the visibility improved and the enemy could be seen for the first time. Directly ahead was Caesar’s Legio IX, veteran of the Gallic Wars.



Cohorts of Legio IX were found to be digging trenches, forming ramps and mounting palisades. Their actions were screened by light infantry slingers. Clearly the Caesarean forces were caught unaware and the Pompeian Legions pressed on.

Soon after, (on the map right), Pompeian forces observed the columns of marching legionaries from the Caesarean fortifications. This was the Antonii Legion, another experienced legion. If the Pompeian’s are to succeed they must strike quickly.



On the left of the battlefield, Pompey’s Macedonian cavalry charged their opposing Gallic cavalry and broke their ranks. As Pompey’s supporting Iberians moved in to counter the Gallic infantry, Caesar’s left flank quickly fell into turmoil. Meanwhile, in the centre, a rain of arrows showered Caesar’s Legio IX and broke a number of his units. Pompey held back his militia legionaries allowing his bow men to do as much damage as possible but this was to prove his undoing; giving Caesar precious time to react.



Finally Pompey released Legio III and their charge broke the shattered Legio IX, who had suffered heavy losses from Pompey’s eastern archers.





With arrival of the Antonii legionaries threatening to flank Pompey’s militia and role up their line, Pompey was forced to fall back and abandon his attempt to break out from the Caesarean fortifications. Pompey’s early success was countered quickly by Caesar’s action and the game settled into a draw.

This simulation lasted 10 turns. For game purposes the battle could have been continued but the arrival of highly disciplined veteran legionaries would quickly stop the Pompeian forces. Could you have done better either as Pompey or Caesar. Play the scenario against the computer AI and see how good you are.