Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (son of Pompey)

Fighting In Africa And Spain

After Pompey the Great died in Egypt on the 29th of September 48 BC, Gnaeus joined the resistance against Caesar. He operated within the Africa Province alongside Metellus Scipio and Cato. These men prepared to oppose Caesar and his army to the end. Cato chastised Gnaeus for not achieving more at his age than his own father had. This criticism prompted Gnaeus to launch a solo attack on Mauretania. He suffered defeat at the Battle of Ascurum during this campaign. Gnaeus fled to the Balearic Islands after losing that battle. He later joined his brother Sextus following Caesar's victory over Metellus Scipio and Cato. The brothers then moved to Hispania where they raised another army with Titus Labienus.

The Final Stand At Munda

Caesar pursued the Pompeian forces across the Iberian Peninsula. On the 17th of March 45 BC, the armies met at the Battle of Munda. Both sides fielded large numbers of soldiers under able generals. The fighting remained closely contested until Caesar ordered a cavalry charge. That maneuver turned the tide decisively toward the Caesarian side. During the battle and the panicked escape that followed, an estimated 30,000 men died from the Pompeian ranks. Titus Labienus perished in the chaos along with thousands of others. Gnaeus and Sextus managed to escape once again despite the disaster. Supporters became difficult to find as Caesar won the civil war. Within a few weeks, Gnaeus was cornered by enemy forces.

Who was Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus born to?

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus was the elder son of Pompey the Great and his third wife, Mucia Tertia. He grew up alongside his younger brother Sextus in a family that dominated Roman politics.

When did Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus die during the civil war?

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus died after the Battle of Munda on the 17th of March 45 BC. He was cornered by enemy forces within a few weeks following this defeat where an estimated 30,000 men died from the Pompeian ranks.

Where did Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus fight against Julius Caesar?

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus fought against Julius Caesar in the Africa Province and later across the Iberian Peninsula. His forces met Caesar at the Battle of Munda in Hispania before he fled to the Balearic Islands.

Why did Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus attack Mauretania alone?

Cato chastised Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus for not achieving more at his age than his own father had achieved. This criticism prompted him to launch a solo attack on Mauretania which ended in defeat at the Battle of Ascurum.

Who helped Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus raise another army in Hispania?

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus raised another army with Titus Labienus in Hispania alongside his brother Sextus. They prepared to oppose Caesar and his army to the end after joining the resistance in the East.