Caesar Essay: The Military Career Of Julius Caesar

Throughout his military career, Julius Caesar exhibited extraordinary strategic prowess and generalship. It was due to his actions and decisions, both during battles and in the daily operation of his army, that he was so successful in all of his campaigns. His unique strategies, inspiring leadership, and the strict training regimen he gave his troops all played a role. The battles of the Roman Civil War were no exception and the battle of Pharsalus against rival general Pompey is an excellent example. The battle of Pharsalus, in some opinions, was tipped in Caesar’s favour before it began. Pompey had recently been driven out of Italy by Caesar’s return and had had trouble there raising his legions of veterans. He did not expect Caesar to act so very quickly in pursuit, but rather expected him to remain in Rome. This swiftness of Caesar is attested to be one of his signature traits in wartime, and often caught opponents off guard. By the time of the battle of Pharsalus, Pompey had raised legions from his allies in the east, and managed to outnumber Caesar’s army. After the battle of Diracium each general was attempting to position themselves in a favourable location for a battle with their opponent. Pompey …show more content…
He acted quickly and unexpectedly with unique strategies. He trained his troops extraordinarily well and they became perfectly disciplined. He explained his strategies to his legions such that they would be prepared in all circumstances. His troops were experienced and trusted in his judgement. Caesar found ways to make sure their morale was always high. For Pharsalus in particular, his opponent, Pompey, exhibited nearly opposite qualities. He gave his troops a single order. They were new recruits and relatively undisciplined. He allowed them to enter a situation of psychological stress. As historians looking back, the battle surely was won before it