At Pharsalus in 48 BC, two of Rome’s greatest generals — Julius Caesar and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus — faced each other in one of the most decisive battles in world history. After suffering defeat at Dyrrhachium, Caesar was forced to retreat into Thessaly, pursued by Pompey’s much larger army. What followed was a desperate campaign of maneuver, deception, and endurance that culminated in a clash that would determine the fate of the Roman Republic.
This episode follows the story step by step — from Caesar’s narrow escape and the reunification of his scattered forces, to Pompey’s pursuit, the storming of Gomphi, and finally the legendary Battle of Pharsalus. Drawing on ancient sources like Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Civili, Plutarch, Appian, and Cassius Dio, we’ll explore how strategy, discipline, and sheer willpower turned the tide of the war.
Discover how Caesar’s outnumbered legions triumphed against overwhelming odds, how Pompey’s overconfidence led to disaster, and how this single battle ended centuries of republican rule — paving the way for the rise of the Roman Empire.
🔔 Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss other stories from the ancient world, where the truth is often more dramatic than fiction.
This Episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/pcYg1Tm2Htg
Visit our website: https://parabellumhistory.com
Our merchandise store: https://parabellumstore.creator-spring.com/
Music from our podcast: https://share.epidemicsound.com/xk7k44/?playlist=kgati2pa4pi3mz2hsib867syv6zjdzqh
Listen early & support the channel on Patreon: https://patreon.com/ParaBellumHistoryChannel
🎤 Voiceover by: Nick Banas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbanas