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Utica P1 Delaying Action (49 BC)

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Title
Utica P1 Delaying Action (49 BC)
Description
The First Triumverate of Crassus, Pompey and Julius Caesar collapsed soon after Crassus was defeated and killed by the Parthians at Carrhae in 53 BC. With Crassus gone, the rivalry between Pompey and Caesar steadily grew until civil war erupted …
Publisher
Date
-49
Scenario#
310
Scenario Description
The First Triumverate of Crassus, Pompey and Julius Caesar collapsed soon after Crassus was defeated and killed by the Parthians at Carrhae in 53 BC. With Crassus gone, the rivalry between Pompey and Caesar steadily grew until civil war erupted in 49 BC. After “crossing the Rubicon” with his troops, and violating Roman law, Caesar drove Pompey out of Italy in a lightning campaign. He then marched on Spain to confront “an army without a leader” - the Pompeian army there. Meanwhile, Caesar sent his general, Gaius Curio, with an army consisting mostly of newly raised legions to attack the Pompeian forces under Attius Varus in Africa. Varus was in camp below the walls of Utica. Curio marched to engage him there. While Curio was fortifying his camp, news arrived that a large force of horse and foot was approaching. This army had been sent by King Juba of Numidia to reinforce Varus. It was commanded by Juba’s general Saburra. Curio immediately sent his cavalry to delay the approaching enemy. Juba’s Numidian forces were taken by surprise, as they were not expecting an attack. The Numidian cavalry was quickly put to flight and many infantry were killed before they too routed. What started as a mere delaying action escalated into a victory that surprised even Curio.
Location
Utica, Tunisia
Battle Narrative
The Battle of Utica was fought between Julius Caesar's general Gaius Scribonius Curio and Pompeian legionaries commanded by Publius Attius Varus supported by Numidian cavalry and foot soldiers sent by King Juba I of Numidia. Curio defeated the Pompeians and Numidians and drove Varus back into the town of Utica.
Narrative Source
Combatants
Numidian
Caesarian
Additional Information
Caesars Civil War

Geolocation