Who was Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great)?

Introduction Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Latin: [ˈŋnae̯.ʊs pɔmˈpɛjjʊs ˈmaŋnʊs]; 29 September 106 BC to 28 September 48 BC), known in English as Pompey the Great (/ˈpɒmpiː/), was a leading Roman general and statesman. He played a significant role in the transformation of Rome from Republic to Empire. He was also (for a time) a student of… Read More

What was the Battle of Alesia (52 BC)?

Introduction The Battle of Alesia or Siege of Alesia was a military engagement in the Gallic Wars that took place in September, 52 BC, around the Gallic oppidum (fortified settlement) of Alesia, a major centre of the Mandubii tribe. It was fought by the army of Julius Caesar against a confederation of Gallic tribes united… Read More

What was the Battle of Pharsalus?

Introduction The Battle of Pharsalus was the decisive battle of Caesar’s Civil War. On 9 August 48 BC at Pharsalus in central Greece, Gaius Julius Caesar and his allies formed up opposite the army of the republic under the command of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (“Pompey the Great”). Pompey had the backing of a majority of… Read More