Caesar Battle of Pharsalus 9 August 48 BC
Alternative scenario - Gaius Julius Caesar chooses a defensive strategy
Caesar's diary entry
Day 1 - Seven days before the battle
I woke up with a heavy mind. The pressure to attack immediately is great, my officers want to fight. But something tells me I must be careful. Pompey has more troops and stronger cavalry. A direct confrontation would be risky. Instead, I've decided on a defensive strategy.
I called my commanders together this morning. They were surprised when I told them we would fortify instead of attacking immediately. Some disagreed, but I explained that if Pompey believed we were waiting, he might make a mistake. Our only chance is to force him to fight on our terms.
In the afternoon, we start digging trenches and building improvised fortifications. The men are grumbling, they don't want to act as defenders, they want to attack. I have to keep their morale up. I'm sending scouts to watch Pompey. If they try to bypass our position, we'll be ready.
Tonight I sit in my tent and study the reports from the scouts. Pompey is still waiting. My decision has taken him by surprise. That means we have the advantage. So far,
Day 2 - Six days before the battle
This morning we continued to reinforce the defensive lines. As I walked past our soldiers, I could feel the tension in their eyes. I wonder if Pompey will understand what I'm planning. If he decides to surround us, we'll have to be patient and hold out. This moment is critical, and yet I can't help but feel the weight of my decisions.
At noon, word came that Pompey was sending smaller detachments to test our defenses. Our lines hold for now, but we must prepare for a larger attack. I realize that every day, every decision can change the outcome of the battle. When I spoke to the soldiers, I saw their determination, but also their fatigue. I have to show them that I am with them, that we are in this together.
Tonight I wondered if it was a mistake not to take a more aggressive approach. My troops are getting impatient. I must convince them that waiting is our best weapon. I sat in my tent and thought about the cost of my decisions. I knew there were harder days ahead, but I had to believe in our chances. Every battle is not just about weapons and strategy, but also about the will and heart of those who wage it. And today I realized that I must be strong not only for myself, but for my men.
Day 3 - five days before the battle
Our fortifications are almost complete. I've reinforced the defenses of the flank where Pompey's cavalry could strike. When I walked among our soldiers this morning, I saw the determination in their eyes. Our scouts report that Pompey is preparing to attack, but he is still holding back. We are all aware that a decisive moment is approaching.
In the afternoon, we repelled the first major attack by the enemy. It was just a test of our defenses, but our men did well. Morale has improved slightly as we have not lost any ground. I saw the smiles on our men's faces, which gave me hope. It was a small victory, but important for our determination and belief in our own strength.
Pompey seems more cautious than I expected. Perhaps he is beginning to understand that I am trying to lure him out of his advantageous position. I've imagined various scenarios and ways we could gain the upper hand. I knew that my every move was being watched closely and that I had to be cautious and smart.
As I lay down in my bed, I looked up at the stars shining brightly in the dark sky. They reminded me of the vastness of the universe and our small place in it. My thoughts returned to that afternoon moment when I saw a pair of birds feeding their young. It was a simple scene, but moving and powerful. I saw in it the symbolism of our duty and responsibility. Just as these birds care for their young, I have a duty to Rome and its people. I cannot fail. My heart was filled with determination and love for my country. I have come to realize that my decisions and actions are not only about tactics and strategy, but also about the future of our nation. And in this quiet moment under the stars, I promised myself that I would do everything in my power to make Rome prosper.
Den 4 - čtyři dny před bitvou
We've seen movement in Pompey's camp today. It could mean preparations for battle or troop movements. If he tries to bypass our lines, we'll have to act quickly. Every report from our scouts is important, and I cannot underestimate even the slightest hint of a change in the enemy's plans.
I'm sending more troops to guard the flanks. The enemy is still waiting, but my patience is wearing thin. My officers propose a strike on their supply lines. It may be the only way to force them to act. We discussed it long into the night, thinking of all the possibilities and risks such an attack would bring.
In the afternoon, when I had a brief moment of peace, I walked along the edge of the forest near our camp. Suddenly I heard the sounds of merriment and singing. I followed the sound and discovered a group of children from a nearby village playing and dancing. It was so unexpected and refreshing. For a moment I allowed myself to forget about the war and watched their carefree joy. One of the boys spotted me and ran up to me. He presented me with a simple bracelet made of colored threads and said it was for good luck. I was touched by this simple gesture and promised to wear it as a symbol of hope.
Day 5 - three days to battle
Today has been a quiet day, which worries me. If Pompey is preparing an encirclement, we must find out before it's too late. Every minute of silence makes me think of his next moves and how we might be prepared for all eventualities.
During the afternoon lull, an unexpected event occurred in our camp. A group of soldiers from two different legions came into sharp conflict. It all started as an innocent argument about which legion had better training and more courage. Words quickly turned to curses and soon the first blows were struck. The brawl grew and threatened to spread chaos among the other soldiers.
I had to intervene. My officers and I quickly arrived on the scene and separated the feuding parties. I watched in horror at the effect such a senseless conflict could have on the morale and unity of our army. To prevent further trouble and to show that such behavior would not be tolerated, I decided on exemplary punishment.
The soldiers who started the fight were brought before the entire army. We realised that we had to act strictly but fairly. After consulting with the officers, I decided that the guilty would be publicly executed. It was a difficult decision, but I knew it was necessary to maintain discipline and morale.
As I reflected on the events of the day that evening, I realized how fragile our cohesion can be. In these difficult moments we must be united and strong, because only then can we face the enemy and achieve victory. I hope that today's events will serve as a lesson to all my soldiers that we must stand together and not allow internal conflicts to weaken us.
Day 6 - two days to battle
The enemy has finally struck. A sharp attack on our left flank forced us to withdraw some of our troops from the fortifications. It was unexpected and our men were forced to react quickly. When I saw the confusion and tension among our ranks, I realized the danger of this attack. I wondered if it had been a mistake to reinforce the left flank earlier, but now we had to concentrate on what lay ahead.
We fear that if the attack is repeated tomorrow, it will be impossible to stop it. It was difficult to see our men in this situation, but their courage and determination filled me with pride. I know I must find a solution quickly so that we can hold our position and not give up.
I have to make a decision - do I keep defending or do I go on the offensive before it's too late? This dilemma weighs on me, and I know that my decision could change the fate of our battle. Tonight I walked between our camps, trying to find an answer. I saw the fear on the soldiers' faces, but also their determination to press on. This quiet moment reminded me that I am not alone - I have dedicated men by my side who believe in me and my cause.
Day 7 - The Battle of Farsal
The fight started before dawn. The misty haze over the battlefield muffled the sound of metal, but still I heard the tramp of thousands of feet, the clink of armour and the neighing of horses. Our defensive lines were ready, spears and shields clutching the stiffened hands of the legionaries. They were determined, but tired.
When Pompey's cavalry struck our left flank, I knew it was a trap. I sent in reinforcements, regrouped the lines, and fortified the defenses. We seemed to be holding. The men fought like lions. They shouted my name. They trusted me. But then came the real unstoppable blow.
Pompey played his best game with me. The left wing was really just a decoy. And the moment we turned our attention to him, the main force hit right down the middle. Thousands of men rushed into the fray with fierce force. Enemy swords pierced our lines, blood seeping into the sand. Still we fought. I could feel fate wavering to one side or the other. But then my men began to retreat.
My army has broken up. The legionnaires fled, scattered like leaves in the wind. I could no longer stop them. The enemy cavalry drove us on, stabbing fleeing men in the back, wreaking havoc. My flag, the emblem of my campaign, fell into the mud and disappeared beneath a mass of bodies.
"Today I have known the bitterness of defeat. Pompey has outwitted us. His attack on the left flank was a deception. The main force struck directly at the centre and broke through our lines.
I was forced to retreat. My men are falling one by one. Rome no longer belongs to me. History will remember my name, but not as the victor. I made a mistake. Perhaps I should have attacked sooner."
I mounted my horse, the last sight of the battlefield etched in my mind. The legions that had followed me now lay defeated. It was over.