Histoire Ancienne jusqu'á César

This sheet comes from an exemplar of the “Histoire Ancienne jusqu’� C�sar” and the “Faits des Romans”, thirteenth-century historical compilations that were still highly popular in the fifteenth century. The miniature depicts the Flight of Pompey after the Battle of Pharsalus

The Battle of Pharsalus was a decisive battle of Caesar’s Civil War. On August 9, 48 BC, the battle was fought at Pharsalus in central Greece between forces of the Populares faction and forces of the Optimates faction. Both factions fielded armies from the Roman Republic. The Populares were led by Gaius Julius Caesar (Caesar) and the Optimates were led by Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey). In addition to Pompey, the Optimates faction included most of the Roman Senate. The victory of Caesar weakened the Senatorial forces and solidified his control over the Republic.