Battle of Thapsus
The Battle of Thapsus was a significant conflict in the Roman civil war that took place on April 6, 46 BCE, between Julius Caesar's forces and those loyal to the Senate, led by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio. This battle was set against the backdrop of a power struggle that erupted after Caesar crossed the Rubicon in January 49 BCE, leading to a wider civil war against the senatorial factions represented by Pompey the Great. As Caesar besieged the coastal town of Thapsus in North Africa, Scipio, aided by King Juba I of Numidia, sought to relieve the city.
During the battle, Scipio's troops were arranged with legions in the center and supported by Numidian cavalry and elephants on the flanks. Caesar deployed his legions in three lines with cavalry and light infantry on the sides. The battle began with a decisive charge from Caesar's forces, breaking through Scipio's cavalry and elephants, followed by a fierce infantry contest that ultimately resulted in a rout of Scipio's army. The outcome of the Battle of Thapsus proved to be a turning point in Caesar's campaign, solidifying his power and leading to further military actions in Spain against remnants of republican resistance.
Battle of Thapsus
Related civilization: Republican Rome.
Date: April 6, 46 b.c.e.
Locale: Thapsus, North Africa (Tunisia), southeast of Carthage
Background
In January, 49 b.c.e., civil war erupted in the Roman Republic between Julius Caesar and senatorial forces led by Pompey the Great. As part of the ongoing struggle, Caesar besieged the North African coastal community of Thapsus (THAP-suhs) and its Pompeian garrison on April 4, 46 b.c.e. In response, a republican army led by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio and supported by King Juba I of Numidia moved to relieve the town.
Action
Scipio arrayed his army for battle on April 6, stationing legions in the center, supported by strong contingents of Numidian cavalry and elephants on both wings. In response, Caesar deployed his legions in the center in three lines, with elements of cavalry and light infantry positioned on the flanks. A spontaneous assault by Caesar’s right, followed quickly by a charge of the entire army, shattered the resistance of Scipio’s cavalry and elephants. A protracted infantry struggle then followed, which ended only when Caesar’s veterans routed republican forces, thereby winning the battle.
Consequences
Thapsus proved the climactic battle of the African war and the turning point in Caesar’s struggle with republican opposition in Rome. After defeating Scipio’s army, Caesar returned temporarily to Italy before initiating a winter campaign in 45 b.c.e. against republican forces in southern Spain led by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, elder son of Pompey the Great.
Bibliography
Dodge, Theodore A. Caesar. Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Stack-pole, 1995.