Pharsalus 48 BC

For almost all the horsemen had crowded to this point, in order to overpower Caesar and cut to pieces the tenth legion; for this was generally said to fight better than any other, and in its ranks Caesar usually stood when he fought a battle. But Caesar, observing that the left wing of the enemy was enclosed by such a large body of horsemen, and alarmed at their brilliant array, sent for six cohorts from his reserves and stationed them behind the tenth legion, with orders to keep quiet and out of the enemy's sight;

Caesar plans to counter Pompey’s advantage in cavalry: Plutarch's Lives with an English Translation by Bernadotte Perrin, found online at http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0058%3Achapter%3D69%3Asection%3D2

For our thirteenth annual Battle Day, we once again invite you to a unique day’s wargaming.

The battle: Pharsalus 48 BC – giants of the Roman world Caesar and Pompey finally clash in a classic set-piece battle to decide the fate of Rome.

The aims of the day remain the same:

To have fun!
To gather as many ancient and medieval wargamers as possible to refight a historical
To fight the same battle simultaneously on many tables, using a different set of rules on
The day will run from 9am until 5pm, with an hour either side to set up and pack away.

We will have the usual pre-battle introduction to Pharsalus given by an expert in this field, putting it in its historical context and highlighting the controversial aspects of the battle.

And of course, The Society of Ancients will be awarding a number of prizes (for various criteria, some more frivolous than others) to the wargamers on the day, including prizes for Best Game and Best Terrain.

To offer to stage a game – contact Richard Lockwood at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or else via his details in Slingshot. But in any case, come along and take part as a player.

The cost of participating in the Battle Day, to contribute towards hire of venue and tables, will this year be £10 (juniors and students free).

Every year it just gets better and better – this really should be a regular event on your calendar. Don’t miss out – come and be part of it!

The Battle Day is open to both members and non-members of the Society of Ancients.

Pharsalus 48 BC

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