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Ruspina January 4, 46 BC Strategic Context In 49 BC, civil war fractures the Roman Empire as Julius Caesar and Pompey struggle for control. In 48 BC, Pompey is defeated by Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus and pursued to Egypt where he is killed by King Ptolemy XIII. Despite Ptolemy’s death, the Pompeians continue to build up forces in North Africa under the command of Metellus Scipio, Titus Labenius, and King Juba of Numidia. After side quests in Egypt and Pontus, Caesar finally returns to Rome, puts down a mutiny in his veteran legions, and lands in North Africa in December 47 BC. With most of his army yet to arrive, Caesar launches a major foraging expedition south to sustain his forces until his fleet arrives with reinforcements and supplies. Labenius’ largely Numidian army is also awaiting reinforcements as the main Pompeian army under Scipio is only a few days away. Labenius surprises Caesar’s small Roman army as it forages, forcing Caesar to quickly form a battle line. To view animation on PC: hit F5 To view animation on Mac: hit ⌘ + enter Stakes + A Roman victory would give Caesar time for the rest of his forces to arrive in North Africa and meet Scipio and Labenius in a decisive battle. + A Numidian (Pompeian) victory would destroy Caesar’s small army or at least push it away from the sea, ending its chances of being reinforced. By Jonathan Webb, 2013 Ruspina, 46 BC Strength Romans Numidians Julius Caesar Titus Labienus 9,000 heavy infantry 150 archers 400 cavalry 20,000 light infantry 11,200 cavalry Well Well By Jonathan Webb, 2013 © Roman Empire c. 49 BC The battlefield consists of a flat, arid plain with few if any features. The Roman camp is well off-map to the north. N Numidians (Pompeians) (Labenius) Romans (Caesar) With Labenius the Roman deploys army his light Numidian there troops is aforward at lull in center, the fighting infantry with and neither cavalry side interspersed; attacking. The heplans places Numidians hisextricate heavier are content German shower andNumidians Gallic the cavalry Romans onwith the Labenius sends his Numidian light cavalry to throw their javelins, then retreat as some Roman infantry break ranks to attack them. The Labenius’ Caesar’s Caesar quickly launches troops intent forms are issurrounded, one not tiring his last to army envelop but attack dusk back and with isthe into approaching hit his columns the exhausted Roman tounder retreat flanks cavalry which back however, cover and to camp some he but to but infantry completely covers to tolittle force surround distance histo the army. the before Caesar Roman Petreius orders back, army. wings. Labenius missiles, panicking plans some tothen surround of Caesar’s the less Roman experienced army, troops, wear as it while down with missiles can only towait provoke out the a panicked Numidian rout. supply Caesar of missiles deploys and his the infantry cover inof a Numidian light infantry advance to launch theirthen missiles the Caesar unshielded right side of the Roman infantry. Labenius’ German and Gallic As every and wounding Caesar Piso second arrive orders Petreius cohort with his in more infantry to the turn Numidian process. to not its rear advance light This and cavalry last past attack effort to their rally to allows cohort’s support the Caesar Numidians standard, the to cavalry’s retreat and the harass Numidians attack to camp the on Roman unmolested, each surround end rear. the of the small Numidian Roman long dusk. thin Caesar’s line to personal try and match presence the Numidian maintains line; the morale he places of his few troops archers for now. in front It is of during his infantry this lull and in fighting his cavalry that on Labenius the wings. is Caesar wounded is by surprised one of cavalry advance as well, pushing back the outnumbered Roman cavalry, which are careful not to be enveloped as per Caesar’s orders. army. encirclement. commanders opting The Roman to draw attack off their is successful, forces. forcing the Numidians back in confusion. by the the veteran appearance Roman of legionnaires the Numidians when and a javelin plans to fells hold hisfast horse and while simply taunting preserve thehis Roman army. troops. N Numidians (Pompeians) (Labenius) Romans Numidians Infantry Light infantry Archers Light cavalry Cavalry Cavalry Romans Numidians (Julius Caesar) (Pompeians) 9,000(Titus heavy Labenius) infantry 20,000 150 archers light infantry 11,200 400 cavalry cavalry Symbol guide Romans (Caesar) Ruspina, 46 BC Casualties & Aftermath Romans: Numidians (Pompeians): ≈400 ≈1,200 or or 4% 4% Scipio and the main Pompeian army arrived shortly after the battle, harassing and challenging Caesar’s army to battle. Caesar declined each time, maneuvering until his reinforcements arrived, bringing his army up to full strength. Caesar finally gave battle in April 47 BC at Thapsus where he decisively defeated the Pompeians, killing most of its leadership including Scipio, Petreius, Cato and Juba. Labenius escaped to join Pompey’s sons in Spain. Caesar defeated them at the Battle of Munda in 45 BC to end the war, but was assassinated the following year. By Jonathan Webb, 2013 The Art of Battle: Animated Battle Maps http://www.theartofbattle.com By Jonathan Webb, 2013