The African Wars
"caes.africa.1": [1] Caesar, advancing by moderate journeys, and continuing
his march without intermission, arrived at Lilybaeum, on the 14th day before the
calends of January. Designing to embark immediately, though he had only one
legion of new levies, and not quite six hundred horse, he ordered his tent to be
pitched so near the sea-side that the waves lashed the very foot of it. This he
did with a view that none should think he had time to delay, and that his men
might be kept in readiness at a day or an hour's warning. Though the wind at
that time was contrary, he nevertheless detained the soldiers and mariners on
board, that he might lose no opportunity of sailing; the rather, because the
forces of the enemy were announced by the inhabitants of the province, to
consist of innumberable cavalry not to be numbered; four legions headed by Juba,
together with a great body of light-armed troops; ten legions under the command
of Scipio; a hundred and twenty elephants, and fleets in abundance. Yet he was
not alarmed, nor lost his confident hopes and spirits. Meantime the number of
galleys and transports increased daily; the new-levied legions flocked in to him
from all parts; among the rest the fifth, a veteran legion, and about two
thousand horse.
"caes.africa.2": [2] Having got together six legions and about two thousand
horse, he embarked the legions as fast as they arrived, in the galleys, and the
cavalry in the transports. Then sending the greatest part of the fleet before,
with orders to sail for the island of Aponiana, not far from Lilybaeum; he
himself continued a little longer in Sicily, and exposed to public sale some
confiscated estates. Leaving all other affairs to the care of Allienus the
praetor, who then commanded in the island; and strictly charging him to use the
utmost expedition in embarking the remainder of the troops; he set sail the
sixth day before the calends of January, and soon came up with the rest of the
fleet. As the wind was favorable, and afforded a quick passage, he arrived the
fourth day within sight of Africa, attended by a few galleys: for the
transports, being mostly dispersed and scattered by the winds, with the
exception of a few were driven different ways. Passing Clupea and Neapolis with
the fleet, he continued for some time to coast along the shore, leaving many
towns and castles behind him.
"caes.africa.3": [3] After he came before Adrumetum, where the enemy had a
garrison, commanded by C. Considius, and where Cn. Piso appeared upon the shore
toward Clupea, with the cavalry of Adrumetum, and about three thousand Moors, he
stopped awhile, facing the port, till the rest of the fleet should come up, and
then landed his men, though their number at that time did not exceed three
thousand foot and a hundred and fifty horse. There, encamping before the town,
he continued quiet, without offering any act of hostility, and restrained all
from plunder. Meantime the inhabitants manned the walls, and assembled in great
numbers before the gate, to defend themselves, their garrison within amounting
to two legions. Caesar, having ridden round the town, and thoroughly examined
its situation, returned to his camp. Some blamed his conduct on this occasion,
and charged him with a considerable oversight, in not appointing a place of
meeting to the pilots and captains of the fleet, or delivering them sealed
instructions, according to his usual custom; which being opened at a certain
time, might have directed them to assemble at a specified place. But in this
Caesar acted not without design; for as he knew of no port in Africa that was
clear of the enemy's forces, and where the fleet might rendezvous in security,
he chose to rely entirely upon fortune, and land where occasion offered.
"caes.africa.4": [4] In the mean time, L. Plancus, one of Caesar's
lieutenants, desired leave to treat with Considius, and try, if possible, to
bring him to reason. Leave being granted accordingly, he wrote him a letter, and
sent it into the town by a captive. When the captive arrived, and presented the
letter, Considius, before he received it, demanded whence it came, and being
told from Caesar, the Roman general, answered, "That he knew no general of the
Roman forces but Scipio." Then, commending the messenger to be immediately slain
in his presence, he delivered the letter, unread and unopened, to a trusty
partisan, with orders to carry it directly to Scipio.
"caes.africa.5": [5] Caesar had now continued a day and a night before the
town, without receiving any answer from Considius; the rest of the forces were
not yet arrived; his cavalry was not considerable; he had not sufficient troops
with him to invest the place, and these were new levies: neither did he think it
advisable, upon his first landing, to expose the army to wounds and fatigue;
more especially, as the town was strongly fortified, and extremely difficult of
access, and a great body of horse was said to be upon the point of arrival to
succor the inhabitants; he therefore thought it advisable not to remain and
besiege the town, lest while he pursued that design, the enemy's cavalry should
come behind and surround him.
"caes.africa.6": [6] But as he was drawing off his men, the garrison made a
sudden sally; and the cavalry which had been sent by Juba to receive their pay,
happening just then to come up, they took possession of the camp Caesar had
left, and began to harass his rear. This being perceived, the legionaries
immediately halted; and the cavalry, though few in number, boldly charged the
vast multitude of the enemy. An incredible event occurred, that less than thirty
Gallic horse repulsed two thousand Moors, and drove them into the town. Having
thus repulsed the enemy and compelled them to retire behind their walls, Caesar
resumed his intended march: but observing that they often repeated their
sallies, renewing the pursuit from time to time, and again fleeing when attacked
by the horse, he posted a few of the veteran cohorts which he had with him, with
part of the cavalry, in the rear, and so proceeded slowly on his march. The
further he advanced from the town, the less eager were the Numidians to pursue.
Meantime, deputies arrived from the several towns and castles on the road,
offering to furnish him with corn, and to perform whatever he might command.
Toward the evening of that day, which was the calends of January, he fixed his
camp at Ruspina.
"caes.africa.7": [7] Thence he removed and came before Leptis, a free city
and governed by its own laws. Here he was met by deputies from the town, who, in
the name of the inhabitants, offered their free submission. Whereupon, placing
centurions and a guard before the gates, to prevent the soldiers from entering,
or offering violence to any of the inhabitants, he himself encamped toward the
shore, not far distant from the town. Hither by accident arrived some of the
galleys and transports; by whom he was informed that the rest of the fleet,
uncertain what course to pursue, had been steering for Utica. In the mean time
Caesar could not depart from the sea, nor seek the inland provinces, on account
of the error committed by the fleet. He likewise sent the cavalry back to their
ships, probably to hinder the country from being plundered, and ordered fresh
water to be carried to them on board. Meanwhile the Moorish horse rose suddenly,
Caesar's party not expecting it, on the rowers who had been employed in carrying
water, as they came out of the ships, and wounded many with their darts and
killed some. For the manner of these barbarians is, to lie in ambush with their
horses among the valleys, and suddenly launch upon an enemy; they seldom
choosing to engage hand to hand in a plain.
"caes.africa.8": [8] In the mean time, Caesar dispatched letters and
messengers into Sardinia and the neighboring provinces, with orders, as soon as
they read the letters, to send supplies of men, corn, and warlike stores; and
having unloaded part of the fleet, detached it, with Rabirius Posthumus, into
Sicily, to bring over the second embarkation. At the same time he ordered out
ten galleys, to get intelligence of the transports that had missed their way,
and to maintain the freedom of the sea. He also ordered C. Sallustius Prispus,
the praetor, at the head of a squadron, to sail to Percina, then in the hands of
the enemy, because he heard there was great quantity of corn in that island: he
gave these orders and instructions in such a manner as to leave no room for
excuse or delay. Meanwhile, having informed himself, from the deserters and
natives, of the condition of Scipio and his followers; and understanding that
they were at the whole charge of maintaining Juba's cavalry; he could not but
pity the infatuation of men, who thus chose to be tributaries to the king of
Numidia, rather than securely enjoy their fortunes at home with their
fellow-citizens.
"caes.africa.9": [9] Caesar moved his camp on the third day before the nones
of January; and leaving six cohorts at Leptis, under the command of Saserna,
returned with the rest of the forces to Ruspina, whence he had come the day
before. Here he deposited the baggage of the army; and marching out with a light
body of troops to forage, ordered the inhabitants to follow with their horses
and carriages. Having by this means got together a great quantity of corn, he
came back to Ruspina. I think that he acted with this intention, that by keeping
possession of the maritime cities, and providing them with garrisons, he might
secure a retreat for his fleet.
"caes.africa.10": [10] Leaving therefore P. Saserna, the brother of him who
commanded at Leptis, to take charge of the town, with one legion, he orders all
the wood that could be found to be carried into the place; and set out in person
from Ruspina, with seven cohorts, part of the veteran legions who had behaved so
well in the fleet under Sulpicius and Vatinius; and marching directly for the
port, which lies at about two miles' distance, embarked with them in the
evening, without imparting his intentions to the army, who were extremely
inquisitive concerning the general's design. His departure occasioned the utmost
sadness and consternation among the troops; for being few in number, mostly new
levies, and those not all suffered to land, they saw themselves exposed, upon a
foreign coast, to the mighty forces of a crafty nation, supported by an
innumerable cavalry. Nor had they any resource in their present circumstances,
or expectation of safety in their own conduct; but derived all their hope from
the alacrity, vigor, and wonderful cheerfulness that appeared in their general's
countenance; for he was of an intrepid spirit, and behaved with undaunted
resolution and confidence. On his conduct, therefore, they entirely relied, and
hoped to a man, that by his skill and talents, all difficulties would vanish
before them.
"caes.africa.11": [11] Caesar, having continued the whole night on board,
prepared to set sail about day-break; when, all on a sudden, the part of the
fleet that had caused so much anxiety, appeared unexpectedly in view. Wherefore,
ordering his men to quit their ships immediately, and receive the rest of the
troops in arms upon the shore, he made the new fleet enter the port with the
utmost diligence; and landing all the forces, horse and foot, returned again to
Ruspina. Here he established his camp; and taking with him thirty cohorts,
without baggage, advanced into the country to forage. Thus was Caesar's purpose
at length discovered: that he meant, unknown to the enemy, to have sailed to the
assistance of the transports that had missed their way, lest they should
unexpectedly fall in with the African fleet. And he did not wish his own
soldiers who were left behind in garrison to know this, lest they should be
intimidated by the smallness of their numbers, and the multitude of the enemy.
"caes.africa.12": [12] Caesar had not marched above three miles from his
camp, when he was informed by his scouts, and some advanced parties of horse,
that the enemy's forces were in view. As soon as this announcement was made, a
great cloud of dust began to appear. Upon this intelligence, Caesar ordered all
his horse, of which he had at that time but a very small number, to advance, as
likewise his archers, only a few of whom had followed him from the camp; and the
legions to march quietly after him in order of battle; while he went forward at
the head of a small party. Soon after, having discovered the enemy at some
distance, he commanded the soldiers to repair to their arms, and prepare for
battle. Their number in all did not exceed thirty cohorts, with four hundred
horse, and one hundred and fifty archers.
"caes.africa.13": [13] Meanwhile the enemy, under the command of Labienus,
and the two Pacidii, drew up, with a very large front, consisting not so much of
foot as of horse, whom they intermixed with light-armed Numidians and archers;
forming themselves in such close order, that Caesar's army, at a distance,
mistook them all for infantry; and strengthening their right and left with many
squadrons of horse. Caesar drew up his army in a single line, being obliged to
do so by the smallness of his numbers; covering his front with his archers, and
placing his cavalry on the right and left wings, with particular instructions
not to suffer themselves to be surrounded by the enemy's numerous horse; for he
imagined that he would have to fight only with infantry.
"caes.africa.14": [14] As both sides stood in expectation of the signal, and
Caesar would not stir from his post, as he saw that with such few troops against
so great a force he must depend more on stratagem than strength, on a sudden the
enemy's horse began to extend themselves, and move in a lateral direction, so as
to encompass the hills and weaken Caesar's horse, and at the same time to
surround them. The latter could scarcely keep their ground against their
numbers. Meanwhile, both the main bodies advancing to engage, the enemy's
cavalry, intermixed with some light-armed Numidians, suddenly sprang forward,
from their crowded troops, and attacked the legions with a shower of darts. Our
men, preparing to return the charge, their horse retreated a little, while the
foot continued to maintain their ground, till the others, having rallied, came
on again, with fresh vigor, to sustain them.
"caes.africa.15": [15] Caesar perceived that his ranks were in danger of
being broken by this new way of fighting, for our foot, in pursuing the enemy's
horse, having advanced a considerable way beyond their colors, were wounded in
the flank by the nearest Numidian darts, while the enemy's horse easily escaped
our infantry's javelins by flight; he therefore gave express orders that no
soldier should advance above four feet beyond the ensigns. Meanwhile, Labienus's
cavalry, confiding in their numbers endeavored to surround those of Caesar: who
being few in number, and overpowered by the multitude of the enemy, were forced
to give ground a little, their horses being much wounded. The enemy pressed on
more and more; so that in an instant, the legions, being surrounded on all sides
by the enemy's cavalry, were obliged to form themselves into a circle, and
fight, as if inclosed with barriers.
"caes.africa.16": [16] Labienus, with his head uncovered, advanced on
horseback to the front of the battle, sometimes encouraging his own men,
sometimes addressing Caesar's legions thus: "So ho! you raw soldiers there!"
says he, "why so fierce? Has he infatuated you too with his words? Truly he has
brought you into a fine condition! I pity you sincerely." Upon this, one of the
soldiers said: "I am none of your raw warriors, Labienus, but a veteran of the
tenth legion." " Where's your standard?" replied Labienus. " I'll soon make you
sensible who I am," answered the soldier. Then pulling off his helmet, to
discover himself, he threw a javelin, with all his strength at Labienus, which
wounding his horse severely in the breast-"Know, Labienus," says he, "that this
dart was thrown by a soldier of the tenth legion." However, the whole army was
not a little daunted, especially the new levies; and began to cast their eyes
upon Caesar, minding nothing, for the present, but to defend themselves from the
enemy's darts.
"caes.africa.17": [17] Caesar meanwhile, perceiving the enemy's design,
endeavored to extend his line of battle, as much as possible, directing the
cohorts to face about alternately to the right and left. By this means, he broke
the enemy's circle with his right and left wings; and attacking one part of
them, thus separated from the other, with his horse and foot, at last put them
to flight. He pursued them but a little way, fearing an ambuscade, and returned
again to his own men. The same was done by the other division of Caesar's horse
and foot, so that the enemy being driven back, and severely wounded on all
sides, he retreated toward his camp, in order of battle.
"caes.africa.18": [18] Meantime M. Petreius, and Cn. Piso, with eleven
hundred select Numidian horse, and a considerable body of foot, arrived to the
assistance of the enemy; who, recovering from their terror, upon this
reinforcement, and again resuming courage, fell upon the rear of the legions, as
they retreated, and endeavored to hinder them from reaching their camp. Caesar,
perceiving this, ordered his men to wheel about, and renew the battle in the
middle of the plain. As the enemy still pursued their former plan, and avoided a
closing engagement, and the horses of Caesar's cavalry had not yet recovered the
fatigue of their late voyage, and were besides weakened with thirst, weariness,
wounds, and of course unfit for a vigorous and long pursuit, which even the time
of the day would not allow, he ordered both horse and foot to fall at once
briskly upon the enemy, and not slacken the pursuit till they had driven them
quite beyond the furthest hills, and taken possession of them themselves.
Accordingly, upon a signal being given, when the enemy were throwing their
javelins in a faint and careless manner, he suddenly charged them with his horse
and foot; who in a moment driving them from the field, and over the adjoining
hill, kept possession of that post for some time, and then retired slowly, in
order of battle, to their camp. The enemy, who, in this last attack, had been
very roughly handled, then at length retreated to their fortifications.
"caes.africa.19": [19] Meanwhile the action being over, a great number of
deserters, of all kinds, flocked to Caesar's camp, besides multitudes of horse
and foot that were made prisoners. From them we learned that it was the design
of the enemy to have astonished our raw troops, with their new and uncommon
manner of fighting; and after surrounding them with their cavalry, to have cut
them to pieces, as they had done Curio; and that they had marched against us
expressly with that intention. Labienus had even said, in the council of war,
that he would lead such a numerous body of auxiliaries against his adversaries,
as should fatigue us with the very slaughter, and defeat us even in the bosom of
victory; for he relied more on the number than the valor of his troops. He had
heard of the mutiny of the veteran legions at Rome, and their refusal to go into
Africa; and was likewise well assured of the fidelity of his troops, who had
served three years under him in Africa. He had a great number of Numidian
cavalry and light-armed troops, besides the Gallic and German horse, whom he had
drawn together out of the remains of Pompey's army, and carried over with him
from Brundusium: he had likewise the freed men raised in the country, and
trained to use bridled horses; and also the immense number of Juba's forces, his
hundred and twenty elephants, his innumerable cavalry and legionaries, amounting
to above twelve thousand. Emboldened by the hope such mighty forces raised in
him, on the day before the nones of January, three days after Caesar's arrival,
he came against him, with sixteen hundred Gallic and German horse, nine hundred
under Petreius, eight thousand Numidians, four times that number of light-armed
foot, with a multitude of archers and slingers. The battle lasted from the fifth
hour till sunset, during which time Petreius, receiving a dangerous wound, was
obliged to quit the field.
"caes.africa.20": [20] Meantime Caesar fortified his camp with much greater
care, reinforced the guards, and threw up two intrenchments; one from Ruspina
quite to the sea, the other from his camp to the sea likewise, to secure the
communication, and receive supplies without danger. He landed a great number
darts and military engines, armed part of the mariners, Gauls, Rhodians, and
others, that after the example of the enemy he might have a number of
light-armed troops to intermix with his cavalry. He likewise strengthened his
army with a great number of Syrian and Iturean archers whom he drew from the
fleet into his camp: for he understood that within three days Scipio was
expected to unite his forces to Labienus and Petreius, and his army was said to
consist of eight legions and three thousand horse. At the same time he
established workshops, made a great number of darts and arrows, provided himself
with leaden bullets and palisades, wrote to Sicily for hurdles and wood to make
rams, because he had none in Africa, and likewise gave orders for sending corn;
for the harvest in that country was like to be inconsiderable, the enemy having
taken all the laborers into their service the year before, and stored up the
grain in a few fortified towns, after demolishing the rest, forcing the
inhabitants into the garrisoned places, and exhausting the whole country.
"caes.africa.21": [21] In this necessity, by paying court to private
individuals, he obtained a small supply, and husbanded it with care. In the mean
time he went round the works in person daily, and kept about four cohorts
constantly on duty, on account of the multitude of the enemy. Labienus sent his
sick and wounded, of which the number was very considerable, in wagons to
Adrumetum. Meanwhile Caesar's transports, unacquainted with the coast, or where
their general had landed wandered up and down in great uncertainty; and being,
attacked, one after another, by the enemy's coasters, were, for the most part,
either taken or burned. Caesar, being informed of this, stationed his fleet
along the coast and islands for the security of his convoys.
"caes.africa.22": [22] Meanwhile M. Cato, who commanded in Utica, never
ceased urging and exhorting young Pompey, in words to this effect: "Your father,
when he was at your age, and observed the commonwealth oppressed by wicked and
daring men, and the party of order either slain or driven into banishment from
their country and relations, incited by the greatness of his mind and the love
of glory, though then very young, and only a private man, had yet the courage to
rally the remains of his father's army, and assert the freedom of Italy and
Rome, which was almost crushed forever. He also recovered Sicily, Africa,
Numidia, Mauritania, with amazing dispatch, and by that means gained an
illustrious and extensive reputation among all nations, and triumphed while very
young and only a Roman knight. Nor did he enter upon the administration of
public affairs, distinguished by the shining exploits of his father, or the fame
and reputation of his ancestors, or the honors and dignities of the state. Will
you, on the contrary, possessed of these honors, and the reputation acquired by
your father, sufficiently distinguished by your own industry and greatness of
mind, not bestir yourself, join your father's friends, and give the earnestly
required assistance to yourself, the republic, and every man of worth?"
"caes.africa.23": [23] The youth, roused by the remonstrances of that grave
and worthy senator, got together about thirty sail, of all sorts, of which some
few were ships of war, and sailing from Utica to Mauritania, invaded the kingdom
of Bogud. And leaving his baggage behind him, with an army of two thousand men,
partly freedmen, partly slaves, some armed, some not, approached the town of
Ascurum, in which the king had a garrison. On the arrival of Pompey, the
inhabitants suffered him to advance to the very walls and gates; when, suddenly
sallying out, they drove back his troops in confusion and dismay to the sea and
their ships. This ill-success determined him to leave that coast, nor did he
afterward land in any place, but steered directly for the Balearean Isles.
"caes.africa.24": [24] Meantime Scipio, leaving a strong garrison at Utica,
began his march, with the forces we have described above, and encamped first at
Adrumetum; and then, after a stay of a few days, setting out in the night, he
joined Petreius and Labienus, lodging all the forces in one camp, about three
miles distant from Caesar's. Their cavalry made continual excursions to our very
works, and intercepted those who ventured too far in quest of wood or water, and
obliged us to keep within our intrenchments. This soon occasioned a great
scarcity of provision among Caesar's men, because no supplies had yet arrived
from Sicily and Sardinia. The season, too, was dangerous for navigation, and he
did not possess above six miles in each direction, in Africa, and was moreover
greatly distressed for want of forage. The veteran soldiers and cavalry, who had
been engaged in many wars both by sea and land, and often struggled with wants
and misfortunes of this kind, gathering sea-weed, and washing it in fresh water,
by that means subsisted their horses and cattle.
"caes.africa.25": [25] While things were in this situation, king Juba, being
informed of Caesar's difficulties, and the few troops he had with him, resolved
not to allow him time to remedy his wants or increase his forces. Accordingly he
left his kingdom, at the head of a large body of horse and foot, and marched to
join his allies. Meantime P. Sitius, and king Bogud, having intelligence of
Juba's march, joined their forces, entered Numidia, and laying siege to Cirta,
the most opulent city in the county, carried it in a few days, with two others
belonging to the Getulians. They had offered the inhabitants leave to depart in
safety, if they would peaceably deliver up the town; but these conditions being
rejected, they were taken by storm, and the citizens all put to the sword. They
continued to advance, and incessantly harassed the cities and country; of which
Juba having intelligence, though he was upon the point of joining Scipio and the
other chiefs, determined that it was better to march to the relief of his own
kingdom, than run the hazard of being driven from it while he was assisting
others, and, perhaps, after all, miscarry too in his designs against Caesar. He
therefore retired, with his troops, leaving only thirty elephants behind him,
and marched to the relief of his own cities and territories.
"caes.africa.26": [26] Meanwhile Caesar, as there was a doubt in the province
concerning his arrival, and no one believed that he had come in person, but that
some of his lieutenants had come over with the forces lately sent, dispatched
letters to all the several states, to inform them of his presence. Upon this,
many persons of rank fled to his camp, complaining of the barbarity and cruelty
of the enemy. Caesar deeply touched by their tears and complaints, although
before he had remained inactive, resolved to take the field as soon as the
weather would permit, and he could draw his troops together. He immediately
dispatched letters into Sicily, to Allienus and Rabirius Posthumus the praetors
[to tell them] that without delay or excuse, either of the winter or the winds,
they must send over the rest of the troops, to save Africa from utter ruin;
because, without some speedy remedy, not a single house would be left standing,
nor any thing escape the fury and ravages of the enemy. And he himself was so
anxious and impatient, that from the day the letters were sent, he complained
without ceasing of the delay of the fleet, and had his eyes night and day turned
toward the sea. Nor was it wonderful; for he saw the villages burned, the
country laid waste, the cattle destroyed, the towns plundered, the principal
citizens either slain or put in chains, and their children dragged into
servitude under the name of hostages; nor could he, amid all this scene of
misery, afford any relief to those who implored his protection, on account of
the small number of his forces. In the mean time he kept the soldiers
incessantly at work upon the intrenchments, built forts and redoubts, and
carried on his lines quite to the sea.
"caes.africa.27": [27] Meanwhile Scipio made use of the following contrivance
for training and disciplining his elephants. He drew up two parties in order of
battle; one of slingers, who were to act as enemies, and discharge small stones
against the elephants: and fronting them, the elephants themselves, in one line,
and his whole army behind him in battle-array; that when the enemy, by their
discharge of stones, had frightened the elephants, and forced them to turn upon
their own men, they might again be made to face the enemy, by the volleys of
stones from the army behind them. The work however, went on but slowly, because
these animals, after many years' training, are dangerous to both parties when
brought into the field.
"caes.africa.28": [28] While the two generals were thus employed near
Ruspina, C. Virgilius, a man of praetorian rank, who commanded in Thapsus, a
maritime city, observing some of Caesar's transports that had missed their way,
uncertain where Caesar had landed or held his camp; and thinking that a fair
opportunity offered of destroying them, manned a galley that was in the port
with soldiers and archers, and joining with it a few armed barks, began to
pursue Caesar's ships. Though he was repulsed on several occasions he still
pursued his design, and at last fell in with one, on board of which were two
young Spaniards, of the name of Titius, who were tribunes of the fifth legion,
and whose father had been made a senator by Caesar. There was with them a
centurion of the same legion, T. Salienus by name, who had invested the house of
M. Messala, Caesar's lieutenant, at Messana, and made use of very seditious
language; nay, had even seized the money and ornaments destined for Caesar's
triumph, and for that reason dreaded his resentment. He, conscious of his
demerits, persuaded the young men to surrender themselves to Virgilius, by whom
they were sent under a strong guard to Scipio, and three days after put to
death. It is said, that the elder Titius begged of the centurions who were
charged with the execution, that he might be first put to death; which being
easily granted, they both suffered according to their sentence.
"caes.africa.29": [29] The cavalry that mounted guard in the two camps were
continually skirmishing with one another. Sometimes too the German and Gallic
cavalry of Labienus entered into discourse with those of Caesar, after promising
not to injure one another. Meantime Labienus, with a party of horse, endeavored
to surprise the town of Leptis, which Saserna guarded with three cohorts; but
was easily repulsed, because the town was strongly fortified, and well provided
with warlike engines; he however renewed the attempt several times. One day, as
a strong squadron of the enemy had posted themselves before the gate, their
officer being slain by an arrow discharged from a cross-bow, and pinned to his
own shield, the rest were terrified and took to flight; by which means the town
was delivered from any further attempts.
"caes.africa.30": [30] At the same time Scipio daily drew up his troops in
order of battle, about three hundred paces from his camp; and after continuing
in arms the greatest part of the day, retreated again to his camp in the
evening. This he did several times, no one mean while offering to stir out of
Caesar's camp, or approach his forces; which forbearance and tranquillity gave
him such a contempt of Caesar and his army, that drawing out all his forces, and
his thirty elephants, with towers on their backs, and extending his horse and
foot as wide as possible, he approached quite up to Caesar's intrenchments.
"caes.africa.31": [31] Upon perceiving this, Caesar, quietly, and without
noise or confusion, recalled to his camp all that were gone out either in quest
of forage, wood, or to work upon the fortifications: he likewise ordered the
cavalry that were upon guard not to quit their post until the enemy were within
reach of dart; and if they then persisted in advancing, to retire in good order
within the intrenchments. He ordered the rest of the cavalry to be ready and
armed, each in his own place. These orders were not given by himself in person,
or after viewing the disposition of the enemy from the rampart; but such was his
consummate knowledge of the art of war, that he gave all the necessary
directions by his officers, he himself sitting in his tent, and informing
himself of the motions of the enemy by his scouts. He very well knew, that,
whatever confidence the enemy might have in their numbers, they would yet never
dare to attack the camp of a general who had so often repulsed, terrified, and
put them to flight; who had frequently pardoned and granted them their lives;
and whose very name had weight and authority enough to intimidate their army. He
was besides well intrenched with a high rampart and deep ditch, the approaches
to which were rendered so difficult by the sharp spikes which he had disposed in
a very skillful manner, that they were even sufficient of themselves to keep off
the enemy. He had also a large supply of cross-bows, engines, and all sorts of
weapons necessary for a vigorous defense, which he had prepared on account of
the fewness of his troops, and the inexperience of his new levies. It was not
owing to being influenced by the fear of the enemy or their numerical strength,
that he allowed himself to appear daunted in their estimation. And it was not
owing to his having any doubts of gaining the victory that he did not lead his
troops to action, although they were raw and few, but he thought that it was a
matter of great importance, what sort the victory should be: for he thought that
it would disgrace him, if after so many noble exploits, and defeating such
powerful armies, and after gaining so many glorious victories, he should appear
to have gained a bloody victory over the remnants who had rallied after their
flight. He determined, in consequence of this, to endure the pride and
exultation of his enemies, until some portion of his veteran legion should
arrive in the second embarkation.
"caes.africa.32": [32] Scipio, after a short stay before the intrenchments,
as if in contempt of Caesar, withdrew slowly to his camp: and having called the
soldiers together, enlarged upon the terror and despair of the enemy, when
encouraging his men, he assured them of a complete victory in a short time.
Caesar made his soldiers again return to the works, and under pretense of
fortifying his camp, inured the new levies to labor and fatigue. Meantime the
Numidians and Getulians deserted daily from Scipio's camp. Part returned home;
part came over to Caesar, because they understood he was related to C. Marius,
from whom their ancestors had received considerable favors. Of these he selected
some of distinguished rank, and sent them home, with letters to their
countrymen, exhorting them to levy troops for their own defense, and not to
listen to the suggestions of his enemies.
"caes.africa.33": [33] While these things were passing near Ruspina, deputies
from Acilla, a free town, and all the neighboring towns, arrived in Caesar's
camp, and promised "to be ready to execute Caesar's commands, and to do so
withal, and that they only begged and requested of him to give them garrisons,
that they might do so in safety and without danger to themselves, that they
would furnish them with corn and whatever supplies they had, to secure the
common safety. Caesar readily complied with their demands, and having assigned a
garrison, sent C. Messius, who had been aedile, to command in Acilla. Upon
intelligence of this, Considius Longus, who was at Adrumetum with two legions
and seven hundred horse, leaving a garrison in that city, hastened to Acilla at
the head of eight cohorts: but Messius, having accomplished his march with great
expedition, arrived there before him. When Considius, therefore, approached, and
found Caesar's garrison in possession of the town, not daring to make any
attempt, he returned again to Adrumetum. But some days after, Labienus having
sent him a reinforcement of horse, he began to besiege the town.
"caes.africa.34": [34] Much about the same time, C. Sallustius Crispus, who,
as we have seen, had been sent a few days before to Cercina with a fleet,
arrived in that island. Upon his arrival, C. Decimus the quaestor, who, with a
strong party of his own domestics, had charge of the magazines erected there,
went on board a small vessel and fled. Sallustius meanwhile was well received by
the Cercinates, and finding great store of corn in the island, loaded all the
ships then in the port, whose number was very considerable, and dispatched them
to Caesar's camp. At the same time Allienus, the proconsul, put on board of the
transports at Lilybaeum the thirteenth and fourteenth legions, with eight
hundred Gallic horse and a thousand archers and slingers, and sent the second
embarkation to Africa, to Caesar. This fleet meeting with a favorable wind,
arrived in four days at Ruspina, where Caesar had his camp. Thus he experienced
a double pleasure on this occasion, receiving at one and the same time, both a
supply of provisions and a reinforcement of troops, which animated the soldiers,
and delivered them from the apprehensions of want. Having landed the legions and
cavalry, he allowed them some time to recover from the fatigue and sickness of
their voyage, and then distributed them into the forts, and along the works.
"caes.africa.35": [35] Scipio and the other generals were greatly surprised
at this conduct, and could not conceive why Caesar, who had always been forward
and active in war, should all of a sudden change his measures; which they
therefore suspected must proceed from some very powerful reasons. Uneasy and
disturbed to see him so patient, they made choice of two Getulians, on whose
fidelity they thought they could rely; and promising them great rewards, sent
them, under the name of deserters, to get intelligence of Caesar's designs. When
they were brought before him, they begged they might have leave to speak without
personal danger, which being granted, "It is now a long time, great general,"
said they, "since many of us Getulians, clients of C. Marius, and almost all
Roman citizens of the fourth and sixth legions, have wished for an opportunity
to come over to you; but have hitherto been prevented by the guards of Numidian
horse, from doing it without great risk. Now we gladly embrace the occasion,
being sent by Scipio under the name of deserters, to discover what ditches and
traps you have prepared for his elephants, how you intended to oppose these
animals, and what dispositions you are making for battle." They were praised by
Caesar, and liberally rewarded, and sent to the other deserters. We had soon a
proof of the truth of what they had advanced; for the next day a great many
soldiers of these legions, mentioned by the Getulians, deserted to Caesar's
camp.
"caes.africa.36": [36] While affairs were in this posture at Ruspina, M.
Cato, who commanded in Utica, was daily enlisting freed-men, Africans, slaves,
and all that were of age to bear arms, and sending them without intermission to
Scipio's camp. Meanwhile deputies from the town of Tisdra came to Caesar to
inform him, that some Italian merchants had brought three hundred thousand
bushels of corn into that city, and to demand a garrison as well for their own
defense as to secure the corn. Caesar thanked the deputies, promised to send the
garrison they desired, and having encouraged them, sent them back to their
fellow-citizens. Meantime P. Sitius entered Numidia with his troops, and took by
storm a castle situated on a mountain, where Juba had laid up a great quantity
of provisions, and other things necessary for carrying on the war.
"caes.africa.37": [37] Caesar, having increased his forces with two veteran
legions, and all the cavalry and light-armed troops that had arrived in the
second embarkation, detached six transports to Lilybaeum, to bring over the rest
of the army. He himself on the sixth day before the calends of February,
ordering the scouts and lictors to attend him at six in the evening, drew out
all the legions at midnight, and directed his march toward Ruspina, where he had
a garrison, and which had first declared in his favor, no one knowing or having
the least suspicion of his design. Thence he continued his route, by the left of
the camp, along the sea, and passed a little declivity, which opened into a fine
plain, extending fifteen miles, and bordering upon a chain of mountains of
moderate height, that formed a kind of theater. In this ridge were some hills
that rose higher than the rest, on which forts and watchtowers had formerly been
erected, and at the furthest of which, Scipio's guards and out-posts were
stationed.
"caes.africa.38": [38] After Caesar gained the ridge, which I have just
mentioned, and began to raise redoubts upon the several eminences (which he
executed in less than half an hour), and when he was not very far from the last,
which bordered on the enemy's camp, and where, as we have said, Scipio had his
out-guard of Numidians, he stopped a moment; and having taken a view of the
ground, and posted his cavalry in the most commodious situation, he ordered the
legions to throw up an intrenchment along the middle of the ridge, from the
place at which he was arrived to that whence he set out. When Scipio and
Labienus observed this, they drew all their cavalry out of the camp, formed them
in order of battle, and advancing about a mile, posted their infantry by way of
a second line, somewhat less than half a mile from their camp.
"caes.africa.39": [39] Caesar was unmoved by the appearance of the enemy's
forces, and encouraged his men to go on with the work. But when he perceived
that they were within fifteen hundred paces of the intrenchment, and saw that
the enemy were coming nearer to interrupt and disturb the soldiers and oblige
him to draw off the legions from the work, he ordered a squadron of Spanish
cavalry, supported by some light-armed infantry, to attack the Numidian guard
upon the nearest eminence, and drive them from that post. They accordingly,
advancing rapidly, attacked the Numidian cavalry: they took some of them alive,
severely wounded several in their flight, and made themselves masters of the
place. This being observed by Labienus, he wheeled off almost the whole right
wing of the horse, that he might the more effectually succor the fugitives.
Caesar waited till he was at a considerable distance from his own men, and then
detached his left wing to intercept the enemy.
"caes.africa.40": [40] In the plain where this happened was a large villa,
with four turrets, which prevented Labienus from seeing that he was intercepted
by Caesar's cavalry. He had therefore no apprehension of the approach of
Caesar's horse till he found himself charged in the rear; which struck such a
sudden terror into the Numidian cavalry that they immediately betook themselves
to flight. The Gauls and Germans who stood their ground, being surrounded on all
sides, were entirely cut off. This being perceived by Scipio's legions, who were
drawn up in order of battle before the camp, they fled in the utmost terror and
confusion. Scipio and his forces being driven from the plain and the hills,
Caesar sounded a retreat, and ordered all the cavalry to retire behind the
works. When the field was cleared, he could not forbear admiring the huge bodies
of the Gauls and Germans, who had been partly induced by the authority of
Labienus to follow him out of Gaul, and partly drawn over by promises and
rewards. Some being made prisoners in the battle with Curio, and having their
lives granted them, continued faithful out of gratitude. Their bodies, of
surprising symmetry and size, lay scattered all over the plain.
"caes.africa.41": [41] Next day, Caesar drew all his forces together, and
formed them in order of battle upon the plain. Scipio, discouraged by so
unexpected a check, and the number of his wounded and slain, kept within his
lines. Caesar, with his army in battle array, marched along the roots of the
hills, and gradually approached his trenches. Caesar's legions were, by this
time, not more than a mile from Uzita, a town possessed by Scipio, when the
latter, fearing lest he should lose the town, whence he procured water and other
conveniences for his army, resolved therefore to preserve it, at all hazards,
and brought forth his whole army, and drew them up in four lines, forming the
first of cavalry, supported by elephants with castles on their backs. Caesar
believing that Scipio approached with the intention of giving battle, continued
where he was posted, not far from the town. Scipio meanwhile, having the town in
the center of his front, extended his two wings, where were his elephants, in
full view of our army.
"caes.africa.42": [42] When Caesar had waited till sunset, without finding
that Scipio stirred from his post, who seemed rather disposed to defend himself
by his advantageous situation, than hazard a battle in the open field, he did
not think proper to advance further that day, because the enemy had a strong
garrison of Numidians in the town, which besides covered the center of their
front: and he foresaw great difficulty in forming, at the same time, an attack
upon the town, and opposing their right and left, with the advantage of the
ground; especially as the soldiers had continued under arms and fasted since
morning. Having therefore led back his troops to their camp, he resolved next
day to extend his lines nearer the town.
"caes.africa.43": [43] Meantime Considius, who was besieging eight mercenary
cohorts of Numidians and Getulians in Acilla, where P. Messius commanded, after
continuing long before the place, and seeing all his works burned and destroyed
by the enemy, upon the report of the late battle of the cavalry, set fire to is
corn, destroyed his wine, oil, and other stores, which were necessary for the
maintenance of his army; and abandoning the siege of Acilla, divided his forces
with Scipio, and retired through the kingdom of Juba, to Adrumetum.
"caes.africa.44": [44] Meanwhile one of the transports, belonging to the
second embarkation, which Allienus had sent from Sicily, in which were Q.
Cominius, and L. Ticida, a Roman knight, being separated from the rest of the
fleet, in a storm, and driven to Thapsus, was taken by Virgilius, and all the
persons on board sent to Scipio. A three-banked galley likewise, belonging to
the same fleet, being forced by the winds to Aegimurum, was intercepted by the
squadron under Varus and M. Octavius. In this vessel were some veteran soldiers,
with a centurion, and a few new levies, whom Varus treated without insult, and
sent under a guard to Scipio. When they came into his presence, and appeared
before his tribunal: "I am satisfied," said he, "it is not by your own
inclination, but at the instigation of your wicked general, that you impiously
wage war on your fellow-citizens, and every man of worth. If, therefore, now
that fortune has put you in our power, you will take this opportunity to unite
with the good citizens, in the defense of the commonwealth, I am determined to
give you life and money: therefore speak openly your sentiments."
"caes.africa.45": [45] Scipio having ended his speech, and expecting a
thankful return to so gracious an offer, permitted them to reply; one of their
number, a centurion of the fourteenth legion, thus addressed him: "Scipio," says
he ("for I can not give you the appellation of general), I return you my hearty
thanks for the good treatment you are willing to show to prisoners of war; and
perhaps I might accept of your kindness were it not to be purchased at the
expense of a horrible crime. What! shall I carry arms, and fight against Caesar,
my general, under whom I have served as centurion; and against his victorious
army, to whose renown I have for more than thirty-six years endeavored to
contribute by my valor? It is what I will never do, and even advise you not to
push the war any further. You know not what troops you have to deal with, nor
the difference betwixt them and yours: of which, if you please, I will give you
an indisputable instance. Do you pick out the best cohort you have in your army,
and give me only ten of my comrades, who are now your prisoners, to engage them:
you shall see by the success, what you are to expect from your soldiers."
"caes.africa.46": [46] When the centurion had courageously made this reply,
Scipio, incensed at his boldness, and resenting the affront, made a sign to some
of his officers to kill him on the spot, which was immediately put in execution.
At the same time, ordering the other veteran soldiers to be separated from the
new levies, "Carry away." said he, "these men, contaminated by the pollution of
crime, and pampered with the blood of their fellow-citizens." Accordingly they
were conducted without the rampart, and cruelly massacred. The new-raised
soldiers were distributed among his legions, and Cominius and Ticida forbade to
appear in his presence. Caesar, concerned for his misfortune, broke, with
ignominy, the officers whose instructions were to secure the coast, and advance
to a certain distance into the main sea, to protect and facilitate the approach
of the transports, but who had neglected their duty on that important station.
"caes.africa.47": [47] About this time a most incredible accident befell
Caesar's army; for the Pleiades being set, about the second watch of the night,
a terrible storm arose, attended by hail of an uncommon size. But what
contributed to render this misfortune the greater was, that Caesar had not, like
other generals, put his troops into winter quarters, but was every three or four
days changing his camp, to gain ground on the enemy; which keeping the soldiers
continually employed they were utterly unprovided with any conveniences to
protect them from the inclemency of the weather. Besides, he had brought over
his army from Sicily with such strictness, that neither officer nor soldier had
been permitted to take their equipages or utensils with them, nor so much as a
vessel or a single slave; and so far had they been from acquiring or providing
themselves with any thing in Africa, that, on account of the great scarcity of
provisions, they had even consumed their former stores. Impoverished by these
accidents, very few of them had tents; the rest had made themselves a kind of
covering, either by spreading their clothes, or with mats and rushes. But these
being soon penetrated by the storm and hail, the soldiers had no resource left,
but wandered up and down the camp, covering their heads with their bucklers to
shelter them from the violence of the weather. In a short time the whole camp
was under water, the fires extinguished, and all their provisions washed away or
spoiled. The same night the shafts of the javelins belonging to the fifth
legion, of their own accord, took fire.
"caes.africa.48": [48] In the mean time, king Juba, having been informed of
the cavalry actions with Scipio, and being earnestly solicited, by letters from
that general, to come to his assistance, left Sabura at home with part of the
army, to carry on the war against Sitius, and that he might add the weight of
his authority to free Scipio's troops from the dread they had of Caesar, began
his march, with three legions, eight hundred regular horse, a body of Numidian
cavalry, great numbers of light-armed infantry, and thirty elephants. When he
arrived he lodged himself, with those forces which I have described, in a
separate camp, at no great distance from that of Scipio. (Great alarm had
prevailed for some time previously in Caesar's camp, and the report of his
approach had increased and produced a general suspense and expectation among the
troops. But his arrival, and the appearance of his camp, soon dispelled all
these apprehensions; and they despised the king of Mauritania, now that he was
present, as much as they had feared him when at a distance.) After this
junction, any one might easily perceive that Scipio's courage and confidence
were increased by the arrival of the king. For next day, drawing out all his own
and the royal forces, with sixty elephants, he ranged them, in order of battle,
with great ostentation advancing a little beyond his intrenchments, and, after a
short stay, retreated to his camp.
"caes.africa.49": [49] Caesar, knowing that Scipio had received all the
supplies he expected, and judging he would no longer decline coming to an
engagement, began to advance along the ridge with his forces, extend his lines,
secure them with redoubts, and possess himself of the eminences between him and
Scipio. The enemy, confiding in their numbers, seized a neighboring hill, and
thereby prevented the progress of our works. Labienus had formed the design of
securing this post, and as it lay nearest his quarters, soon got thither.
"caes.africa.50": [50] There was a broad and deep valley, of rugged descent,
broken with caves, which Caesar had to pass before he could come to the hill
which he wished to occupy, and beyond which was a thick grove of old olives.
Labienus, perceiving that Caesar must march this way, and having a perfect
knowledge of the country, placed himself in ambush, with the light-armed foot
and part of the cavalry. At the same time he disposed some horse behind the
hills, that when he should fall unexpectedly upon Caesar's foot, they might
suddenly advance from behind the mountain. And thus Caesar and his army being
attacked in front and rear, surrounded with danger on all sides, and unable
either to retreat or advance, would, he imagined, fall an easy prey to his
victorious troops. Caesar, who had no suspicion of the ambuscade, sent his
cavalry before; and arriving at the place, Labienus's men, either forgetting or
neglecting the orders of their general, or fearing to be trampled to death in
the ditch by our cavalry, began to issue in small parties from the rock, and
ascend the hill. Caesar's horse pursuing them, slew some, and took others
prisoners; then making toward the hill drove thence Labienus's detachment and
immediately took possession. Labienus, with a small party of horse, escaped with
great difficulty by flight.
"caes.africa.51": [51] The cavalry having thus cleared the mountain, Caesar
resolved to intrench himself there, and distributed the work to the legions. He
then ordered two lines of communication to be drawn from the greater camp,
across the plain on the side of Uzita, which stood between him and the enemy,
and was garrisoned by a detachment of Scipio's army, and place them in such a
manner as to meet at the right and left angles of the town. His design in this
work was, that when he approached the town with his troops, and began to attack
it, these lines might secure his flanks, and hinder the enemy's horse from
surrounding him, and compelling him to abandon the siege. It likewise gave his
men more frequent opportunities of conversing with the enemy, and facilitated
the means of desertion to such as favored his cause; many of whom had already
come over, though not without great danger to themselves. He wanted also, by
drawing nearer the enemy, to see if they really intended to come to an action,
and in addition to all these reasons, that the place itself being very low, he
might there sink some wells; whereas before he had a long and troublesome way to
send for water. While the legions were employed in these works, part of the army
stood ready drawn up before the trenches, and had frequent skirmishes with the
Numidian horse and light-armed foot
"caes.africa.52": [52] A little before evening, when Caesar was drawing off
his legions from the works, Juba, Scipio, and Labienus, at the head of all their
horse and light-armed foot, fell furiously upon his cavalry; who, being
overwhelmed by the sudden and general attack of so great a multitude, were
forced to give ground a little. But the event was very different from what the
enemy expected; for Caesar, leading back his legions to the assistance of his
cavalry, they immediately rallied, turned upon the Numidians, and charging them
vigorously while they were dispersed and disordered with the pursuit, drove them
with great loss to the king's camp, and slew several of them. And had not night
intervened, and the dust raised by the wind obstructed the prospect, Juba and
Labienus would both have fallen into Caesar's hands, and their whole cavalry and
light-armed infantry have been cut off. Meanwhile Scipio's men, of the fourth
and sixth legions, left him in crowds, some deserting to Caesar's camp, others
fleeing to such places as were most convenient for them. Curio's horse likewise,
distrusting Scipio and his troops, followed the same counsel.
"caes.africa.53": [53] While these things were being carried on by Caesar and
his opponents around Uzita, two legions, the ninth and tenth, sailing in
transports from Sicily, when they came before Ruspina, observing Caesar's ships
that lay at anchor about Thapsus, and fearing it might be the enemy's fleet
stationed there to intercept them, imprudently stood out to sea; and after being
long tossed by the winds, and harassed by thirst and famine, at last arrived at
Caesar's camp.
"caes.africa.54": [54] Soon after these legions were landed, Caesar, calling
to mind their former licentious behaviour in Italy, and the rapines of some of
their officers, seized the slight pretext furnished by C. Avienus, a military
tribune of the tenth legion, who, when he set out for Sicily, filled a ship
entirely with his own slaves and horses, without taking on board one single
soldier. Wherefore, summoning all the military tribunes and centurions to appear
before his tribunal next day, he addressed them in these terms, "I could have
wished that those, whose insolence and former licentious character have given me
cause of complaint, had been capable of amendment, and of making a good use of
my mildness, patience, and moderation. But since they know not how to confine
themselves within due bounds, I intend to make an example of them, according to
the law of arms, in order that others may be taught a better conduct. Because
you, C. Avienus, when you were in Italy, instigated the soldiers of the Roman
people to revolt from the republic and have been guilty of rapines and plunders
in the municipal towns; and because you have never been of any real service,
either to the commonwealth or to your general, and in lieu of soldiers, have
crowded the transports with your slaves and equipage; so that, through your
fault, the republic is in want of soldiers, who at this time are not only
useful, but necessary; for all these causes, I break you with ignominy, and
order you to leave Africa this very day. In like manner I break you, A.
Fonteius, because you have behaved yourself as a seditious officer, and as a bad
citizen. You, T. Salienus, M. Tiro, C. Clusinus, have attained the rank of
centurions through my indulgence, and not through your own merit; and since you
have been invested with that rank, have neither shown bravery in war, nor good
conduct in peace, and have been more zealous in raising seditions, and exciting
the soldiers against your general than in observing forbearance and moderation.
I therefore think you unworthy of continuing centurions in my army: I break you,
and order you to quit Africa as soon as possible." Having concluded this speech,
he delivered them over to some centurions, with orders to confine them
separately on board a ship, allowing each of them a single slave to wait on him.
"caes.africa.55": [55] Meantime the Getulian deserters, whom Caesar had sent
home with letters and instructions, as we related above, arrived among their
countrymen: who, partly swayed by their authority, partly by the name and
reputation of Caesar, revolted from Juba; and speedily and unanimously taking up
arms, scrupled not to act in opposition to their king. Juba, having thus three
wars to sustain, was compelled to detach six cohorts from the army destined to
act against Caesar, and send them to defend the frontiers of his kingdom against
the Getulians.
"caes.africa.56": [56] Caesar, having finished his lines of communication,
and pushed them so near the town, as to be just out of reach of dart, intrenched
himself there. He caused warlike engines in great numbers to be placed in the
front of his works, wherewith he played perpetually against the town; and to
increase the enemy's apprehensions, drew five legions out of his other camp.
When this opportunity was presented, several persons of eminence and distinction
earnestly requested an interview with their friends, and held frequent
conferences, which Caesar foresaw would turn to his advantage. For the chief
officers of the Getulian horse, with other illustrious men of that nation (whose
fathers had served under C. Marius, and from his bounty obtained considerable
estates in their country, but after Sylla's victory had been made tributaries to
king Hiempsal), taking advantage of the night, when the fires were lighted, came
over to Caesar's camp near Uzita, with their horses and servants, to the number
of about a thousand.
"caes.africa.57": [57] When Scipio and his party learned this, and were much
annoyed at the disaster, they perceived, much about the same time, M. Aquinius
in discourse with C. Saserna. Scipio sent him word that he did not do well to
correspond with the enemy. Aquinius, however, paid no attention to this
reprimand, but pursued his discourse. Soon after, one of Juba's guards came to
him and told him, in the hearing of Saserna, "The king forbids you to continue
this conversation." He, being terrified by this order, immediately retired, and
obeyed the command of the king. One can not wonder enough at this step in a
Roman citizen, who had already attained to considerable honors in the
commonwealth; that though neither banished his country, nor stripped of his
possessions, he should pay a more ready obedience to the orders of a foreign
prince than those of Scipio; and choose rather to behold the destruction of his
party than return into the bosom of his country. And still greater insolence was
shown by Juba, not to M. Aquinius, a man of no family, and an inconsiderable
senator, but even to Scipio himself, a man of illustrious birth, distinguished
honors, and high dignity in the state. For as Scipio, before the king's arrival,
always wore a purple coat of mail, Juba is reported to have told him, that he
ought not to wear the same habit as he did. Accordingly, Scipio changed his
purple robe for a white one, submitting to Juba, a most haughty and insolent
monarch.
"caes.africa.58": [58] Next day they drew out all their forces from both
camps; and forming them on an eminence not far from Caesar's camp, continued
thus in order of battle. Caesar likewise drew out his men, and disposed them in
battle array before his lines; not doubting but the enemy, who exceeded him in
number of troops, and had been so considerably reinforced by the arrival of king
Juba, would advance to attack him. Wherefore, having ridden through the ranks,
encouraged his men, and gave them the signal of battle, he stayed, expecting the
enemy's charge. For he did not think it advisable to remove far from his lines:
because the enemy having a strong garrison in Uzita, which was opposite to his
right wing, he could not advance beyond that place without exposing his flank to
a sally from the town. He was also deterred by the following reason, because the
ground before Scipio's army was very rough, and he thought it likely to disorder
his men in the charge.
"caes.africa.59": [59] And I think that I ought not to omit to describe the
order of battle of both armies. Scipio drew up his troops in the following
manner: he posted his own legions and those of Juba in the front; behind them
the Numidians, as a body of reserve: but in so very thin ranks, and so far
extended in length, that to see them at a distance you would have taken the main
body for a simple line of legionaries, which was doubled only upon the wings. He
placed elephants at equal distances on the right and left, and supported them by
the light-armed troops and auxiliary Numidians. All the regular cavalry were on
the right; for the left was covered by the town of Uzita, nor had the cavalry
room to extend themselves on that side. Accordingly, he stationed the Numidian
horse, with an incredible multitude of light-armed foot, about a thousand paces
from his right, toward the foot of a mountain, considerably removed from his own
and the enemy's troops. He did so with this intention, that, when the two armies
should engage, his cavalry at the commencement of the action should take a
longer sweep, inclose Caesar's army and throw them into confusion by their
darts. Such was Scipio's disposition.
"caes.africa.60": [60] Caesar's order of battle, to describe it from left to
right, was arranged in the following manner: the ninth and eighth legions formed
the left wing: the thirteenth, fourteenth, twenty-eighth, and twenty-sixth, the
main body; and the thirtieth and twenty-eighth the right. His second line on the
right consisted partly of the cohorts of those legions we have already
mentioned, partly of the new levies. His third line was posted to the left,
extending as far as the middle legion of the main body, and so disposed, that
the left wing formed a triple order of battle. The reason of this disposition
was, because his right wing being defended by the works, it behooved him to make
his left stronger, that they might be a match for the numerous cavalry of the
enemy; for which reason he had placed all his horse there, intermixed with
light-armed foot; and as he could not rely much upon them, had detached the
fifth legion to sustain them. He placed archers up and down the field, but
principally in the two wings.
"caes.africa.61": [61] The two armies thus facing one another in order of
battle, with a space of no more than three hundred paces between, continued so
posted from morning till night without fighting, of which perhaps there was
never an instance before. But when Caesar began to retreat within his lines,
suddenly all the Numidian and Getulian horse without bridles, who were posted
behind the enemy's army, made a motion to the right, and began to approach
Caesar's camp on the mountain; while the regular cavalry under Labienus
continued in their post to keep our legions in check. Upon this, part of
Caesar's cavalry, with the light-armed foot, advancing hastily, and without
orders, against the Getulians, and venturing to pass the morass, found
themselves unable to deal with the superior multitude of the enemy; and being
abandoned by the light-armed troops, were forced to retreat in great disorder,
after the loss of one trooper, twenty-six light-armed foot, and many of their
horses wounded. Scipio, overjoyed at this success, returned toward night to his
camp. But fortune determined not to give such unalloyed joy to those engaged in
war, for the day after, a party of horse, sent by Caesar to Leptis in quest of
provisions, falling in unexpectedly with some Numidian and Getulian stragglers,
killed or made prisoners about a hundred of them. Caesar, meanwhile, omitted not
every day to draw out his men and labor at the works; carrying a ditch and
rampart quite across the plain, to prevent the incursions of the enemy. Scipio
likewise drew lines opposite to Caesar's, and used great exertions lest Caesar
should cut off his communication with the mountain. Thus both generals were
busied about their intrenchments, yet a day seldom passed, without some skirmish
between the cavalry.
"caes.africa.62": [62] In the mean time, Varus, upon notice that the seventh
and eighth legions had sailed from Sicily, speedily equipped the fleet he had
brought to winter at Utica; and manning it with Getulian rowers and mariners,
went out a cruising and came before Adrumetum with fifty-five ships. Caesar,
ignorant of his arrival, sent L. Cispius, with a squadron of twenty-seven sail
toward Thapsus, to anchor there for the security of his convoys; and likewise
dispatched Q. Aquila to Adrumetum, with thirteen galleys, upon the same errand.
Cispius soon reached the station appointed to him: but Aquila being attacked by
a storm could not double the cape, which obliged him to put into a creek at some
distance, that afforded convenient shelter. The rest of the fleet which remained
at sea before Leptis, where the mariners having landed and wandered here and
there upon the shore, some having gone into the town for the purpose of
purchasing provisions, was left quite defenseless. Varus, having notice of this
from a deserter, and resolving to take advantage of the enemy's negligence, left
Adrumetum in Cothon at the commencement of the second watch, and arriving early
next morning with his whole fleet before Leptis, burned all the transports that
were out at sea, and took without opposition two five-benched galleys, in which
were none to defend them.
"caes.africa.63": [63] Caesar had an account brought him of this unlucky
accident, as he was inspecting the works of his camp. Whereupon he immediately
took horse, and leaving every thing else, went full speed to Leptis, which was
but two leagues distant, and going on board a brigantine, ordered all the ships
to follow him. He soon came up with Aquila, whom he found dismayed and terrified
at the number of ships he had to oppose; and continuing his course, began to
pursue the enemy's fleet. Meantime Varus, astonished at Caesar's boldness and
dispatch, tacked about with his whole fleet, and made the best of his way for
Adrumetum. But Caesar, after four miles' sail, recovered one of his galleys,
with the crew and a hundred and thirty of the enemy's men left to guard her; and
took a three benched galley belonging to the enemy which had fallen astern
during the engagement, with all the soldiers and mariners on board. The rest of
the fleet doubled the cape, and made the port of Adrumetum in Cothon. Caesar
could not double the cape with the same wind, but keeping the sea at anchor all
night, appeared early next morning before Adrumetum. He set fire to all the
transports without Cothon, and took what galleys he found there, or forced them
into the harbor; and having waited some time to offer the enemy battle, returned
again to his camp.
"caes.africa.64": [64] On board the ship he had taken was P. Vestrius, a
Roman knight, and P. Ligarius, who had served in Spain under Afranius, the same
who had prosecuted the war against him in Spain, and who, instead of
acknowledging the conqueror's generosity, in granting him his liberty, had
joined Pompey in Greece; and after the battle of Pharsalia, had gone into
Africa, to Varus, there to continue in the service of the same cause. Caesar, to
punish his perfidy and breach of oath, gave immediate orders for his execution.
But he pardoned P. Vestrius, because his brother had paid his ransom at Rome,
and because he himself proved, that being taken in Nasidius's fleet, and
condemned to die, he had been saved by the kindness of Varus, since which no
opportunity had offered of making his escape.
"caes.africa.65": [65] It is the custom of the people of Africa to deposit
their corn privately in vaults, under ground, to secure it in time of war, and
guard it from the sudden incursions of an enemy. Caesar, having intelligence of
this from a spy, drew out two legions, with a party of cavalry, at midnight, and
sent them about ten miles off; whence they returned, loaded with corn to the
camp. Labienus, being informed of it, marched about seven miles, through the
mountains Caesar had passed the day before, and there encamped with two legions;
where expecting that Caesar would often come the same way in quest of corn, he
daily lay in ambush with a great body of horse and light-armed foot.
"caes.africa.66": [66] Caesar, being informed of the ambuscade of Labienus by
deserters, delayed there a few days, till the enemy, by repeating the practice
often, had abated a little of their circumspection. Then suddenly, one morning
ordering eight veteran legions with part of the cavalry to follow him by the
Decuman gate, he sent forward the rest of the cavalry; who, coming suddenly upon
the enemy's light-armed foot, that lay in ambush among the valleys, slew about
five hundred, and put the rest to flight. Meantime Labienus advanced, with all
his cavalry, to support the fugitives, and was on the point of overpowering our
small party with his numbers, when suddenly Caesar appeared with the legions, in
order of battle. This sight checked the ardor of Labienus, who thought proper to
sound a retreat. The day after, Juba ordered all the Numidians who had deserted
their post and fled to their camp to be crucified.
"caes.africa.67": [67] Meanwhile Caesar, being distressed by want of corn,
recalled all his forces to the camp; and having left garrisons at Leptis,
Ruspina, and Acilla, ordered Cispius and Aquila to blockade with their fleets,
the one Adrumetum, the other Thapsus, and setting fire to his camp at Uzita, he
set out, in order of battle, at the fourth watch, disposed his baggage on the
left, and came to Agar, which had been often vigorously attacked by the
Getulians, and as valiantly defended by the inhabitants. There encamping in the
plain before the town, he went with part of his army round the country in quest
of provisions; and having found a large store of barley, oil, wine, and figs,
with a small quantity of wheat, after allowing the troops some time to refresh
themselves, he returned to his camp. Scipio meanwhile hearing of Caesar's
departure, followed him along the hills, with all his forces, and posted himself
about six miles off; in three different camps.
"caes.africa.68": [68] The town of Zeta, lying on Scipio's side of the
country, was not above ten miles from his camp, but might be about eighteen from
that of Caesar. Scipio had sent two legions thither to forage; which Caesar
having intelligence of from a deserter, removed his camp from the plain to a
hill, for the greater security; and leaving a garrison there, marched at three
in the morning with the rest of his forces, passed the enemy's camp, and
possessed himself of the town. He found that Scipio's legions were gone further
into the country to forage: against whom, setting out immediately, he found that
the whole army had come up to their assistance, which obliged him to give over
the pursuit. He took, on this occasion, C. Mutius Reginus, a Roman knight,
Scipio's intimate friend, and governor of the town; also P. Atrius, a Roman
knight, of the province of Utica, with twenty-two camels, belonging to king
Juba. Then leaving a garrison in the place, under the command of Oppius, his
lieutenant, he returned to his own camp.
"caes.africa.69": [69] As he drew near Scipio's camp, by which he was obliged
to pass, Labienus and Afranius, who lay in ambuscade among the nearest hills,
with all their cavalry and light-armed infantry, started up and attacked his
rear. When Caesar perceived this, he detached his cavalry to receive their
charge, ordered the legions to throw all their baggage into a heap, and face
about upon the enemy. No sooner was this order executed than, upon the first
charge of the legions, the enemy's horse and light-armed foot began to give way,
and were with incredible ease driven from the higher ground. But when Caesar,
supposing them sufficiently deterred from any further attempts, began to pursue
his march, they again issued from the hills; and the Numidians, with the light
armed infantry, who are wonderfully nimble, and accustom themselves to fight
intermixed with the horse, with whom they keep an equal pace, either in
advancing or retiring, fell a second time upon our foot. As they repeated this
often, pressing upon our troops when we marched, and retiring when we endeavored
to engage, always keeping at a certain distance, and with singular care avoiding
a close fight, and considering it enough to wound us with their darts, Caesar
plainly saw that their whole aim was to oblige him to encamp in that place,
where no water was to be had; that his soldiers, who had tasted nothing from
three in the morning till four in the afternoon, might perish with hunger, and
the cattle with thirst.
"caes.africa.70": [70] When sunset now approached, and Caesar found he had
not gained a hundred paces in four hours, and that by keeping his cavalry in the
rear he lost many horse, he ordered the legions to fall behind, and close the
march. Proceeding thus with a slow and gentle pace, he found the legions fitter
to sustain the enemy's charge. Meantime the Numidian horse, wheeling round the
hills, to the right and left, threatened to inclose Caesar's forces with their
numbers, while part continued to harass his rear: and if but three or four
veteran soldiers faced about, and darted their javelins at the enemy, no less
than two thousand of them would tale to flight: but suddenly rallying, returned
to the fight, and charged the legionaries with their darts. Thus Caesar, at one
time marching forward, at another halting, and going on but slowly, reached the
camp safe, about seven that evening, having only ten men wounded. Labienus too
retreated to his camp, after having thoroughly fatigued his troops with the
pursuit: in which, besides a great number wounded, his loss amounted to about
three hundred men. And Scipio withdrew his legions and elephants, whom, for the
greater terror, he had ranged before his camp within view of Caesar's army.
"caes.africa.71": [71] Caesar, to meet enemies of this sort, was necessitated
to instruct his soldiers, not like a general of a veteran army which had been
victorious in so many battles, but like a fencing master training up his
gladiators, with what foot they must advance or retire; when they were to oppose
and make good their ground; when to counterfeit an attack; at what place, and in
what manner to launch their javelins. For the enemy's light-armed troops gave
wonderful trouble and annoyance to our army; because they not only deterred the
cavalry from the encounter, by killing their horses with their javelins, but
likewise wearied out the legionary soldiers by their swiftness: for as often as
these heavy-armed troops advanced to attack them, they evaded the danger by a
quick retreat.
"caes.africa.72": [72] Caesar was rendered very anxious by these occurrences;
because as often as he engaged with his cavalry, without being supported by the
infantry, he found himself by no means a match for the enemy's horse, supported
by their light-armed foot: and as he had no experience of the strength of their
legions, he foresaw still greater difficulties when these should be united, as
the shock must then be overwhelming. In addition to this, the number and size of
the elephants greatly increased the terror of the soldiers; for which, however,
he found a remedy, in causing some of those animals to be brought over from
Italy, that his men might be accustomed to the sight of them, know their
strength and courage, and in what part of the body they were most vulnerable.
For as the elephants are covered with trappings and ornaments, it was necessary
to inform them what parts of the body remained naked, that they might direct
their darts thither. It was likewise needful to familiarize his horses to the
cry, smell, and figure of these animals; in all of which he succeeded to a
wonder; for the soldiers quickly came to touch them with their hands, and to be
sensible of their tardiness; and the cavalry attacked them with blunted darts,
and, by degrees, brought their horses to endure their presence.
"caes.africa.73": [73] For these reasons already mentioned, Caesar was very
anxious, and proceeded with more slowness and circumspection than usual, abating
considerably in his wonted expedition and celerity. Nor ought we to wonder; for
in Gaul he had under him troops accustomed to fight in a champaign country,
against an open undesigning enemy, who despised artifice, and valued themselves
only on their bravery. But now he was to habituate his soldiers to the arts and
contrivances of a crafty enemy, and teach them what to pursue, and what to
avoid. The sooner therefore to instruct them in these matters, he took care not
to confine his legions to one place, but under pretense of foraging, engaged
them in frequent marches, and counter-marches; because he thought that the
enemy's troops would not lose his track. Three days after, he drew up his forces
with great skill, and marching past Scipio's camp, waited for him in an open
plain; but seeing that he still declined a battle, he retreated to his camp a
little before evening.
"caes.africa.74": [74] Meantime embassadors arrived from the town of Vacca,
bordering upon Zeta, of which we have observed Caesar had possessed himself.
They requested and entreated that he would send them a garrison, promising to
furnish many of the necessaries of war. At the same time, by the will of the
gods, and their kindness to Caesar, a deserter informed him, that Juba had, by a
quick march, before Caesar's troops could arrive, reached the town and
surrounded it, and after taking possession of it, massacred the inhabitants, and
abandoned the place itself to the plunder of his soldiers.
"caes.africa.75": [75] Caesar, having reviewed his army the twelfth day
before the calends of April, advanced next day, with all his forces, five miles
beyond his camp, and remained a considerable time in order of battle, two miles
from Scipio's. When he saw distinctly that the enemy, though frequently and for
a long time challenged to a battle, declined it, he led back his troops. Next
day he decamped, and directed his march toward Sarsura, where Scipio had a
garrison of Numidians, and a magazine of corn. Labienus being informed of this
motion, began to harass his rear with the cavalry and light-armed troops: and
having made himself master of part of the baggage, was encouraged to attack the
legions themselves, believing they would fall an easy prey, under the load and
encumbrance of a march. However, this circumstance had not escaped Caesar's
attention, for he had ordered three hundred men out of each legion to hold
themselves in readiness for action. These being sent against Labienus, he was so
terrified at their approach, that he shamefully took to flight, great numbers of
his men being killed or wounded. The legionaries returned to their standards,
and pursued their march. Labienus continued to follow us at a distance along the
summit of the mountains on our right.
"caes.africa.76": [76] Caesar, arriving before Sarsura, took it in presence
of the enemy, who durst not advance to its relief; and put to the sword the
garrison which had been left there by Scipio, under the command of P. Cornelius,
one of Scipio's veterans, who, after a vigorous defense, was surrounded slain.
Having given all the corn in the place to the army, he marched next day to
Tisdra, where Considius was, with a strong garrison and his cohort of
gladiators. Caesar, having taken a view of the town, and being deterred from
besieging it by want of corn, set out immediately, and after a march of four
miles, encamped near a river. He marched from it on the fourth day, and then
returned to his former camp at Agar. Scipio did the same, and retreated to his
old quarters.
"caes.africa.77": [77] Meantime the inhabitants of Thabena, a nation situated
on the extreme confines of Juba's kingdom, along the seacoast, and who had been
accustomed to live in subjection to that monarch, having massacred the garrison
left there by the king, sent deputies to Caesar to inform him of what they had
done, and to beg he would take under his protection a city which deserved so
well of the Roman people. Caesar, approving their conduct, sent M. Crispus the
tribune, with a cohort, a party of archers, and a great number of engines of
war, to charge himself with the defense of Thabena. At the same time the
legionary soldiers, who, either on account of sickness or for other reasons, had
not been able to come over into Africa with the rest, to the number of four
thousand foot, four hundred horse, and a thousand archers and slingers, reached
Caesar by one embarkation. With these and his former troops, he advanced into a
plain eight miles distant from his own camp, and four from that of Scipio, where
he awaited the enemy in order of battle.
"caes.africa.78": [78] There was a town below Scipio's camp, of the name of
Tegea, where he had a garrison of four hundred horse. These he drew up on the
right and left of the town; and bringing forth his legions, formed them in order
of battle upon a hill somewhat lower than his camp, and which was about a
thousand paces distant from it. After he had continued a considerable time in
one place, without offering to make any attempt, Caesar sent some squadrons of
horse, supported by his light-armed infantry, archers, and slingers, to charge
the enemy's cavalry, who were on duty before the town. After Caesar's troops
advanced and came to the charge with their horses at a gallop, Placidius began
to extend his front, that he might at once surround us and give us a warm
reception. Upon this Caesar detached three hundred legionaries to our
assistance, while at the same time Labienus was continually sending fresh
reinforcements, to replace those that were wounded or fatigued. Our cavalry, who
were only four hundred in number, not being able to sustain the charge of four
thousand, and being besides greatly harassed by the light-armed Numidians, began
at last to give ground: which Caesar observing, detached the other wing to their
assistance: who, joining those that were like to be overpowered, fell in a body
upon the enemy, put them to flight, slew or wounded great numbers, pursued them
three miles quite to the mountains, and then returned to their own men. Caesar
continued in order of battle till four in the afternoon, and then retreated to
his camp without the loss of a man. In this action Placidius received a
dangerous wound in the head, and had many of his best officers either killed or
wounded.
"caes.africa.79": [79] After he found that he could not by any means induce
the enemy to come down to the plain and make trial of the legions, and that he
could not encamp nearer them for want of water, in consideration of which alone,
and not from any confidence in their numbers, the Africans had dared to despise
him; he decamped the day before the nones of April at midnight, marched sixteen
miles beyond Agar to Thapsus, where Virgilius commanded with a strong garrison,
and there fixed his camp, and began to surround the town the very day on which
he arrived, and raised redoubts in proper places, as well for his own security,
as to prevent any succors from entering the town. In the mean time, Scipio, on
learning Caesar's designs, was reduced to the necessity of fighting, to avoid
the disgrace of abandoning Virgilius and the Thapsitani, who had all along
remained firm to his party; and therefore, following Caesar without delay, he
posted himself in two camps eight miles from Thapsus.
"caes.africa.80": [80] Now there were some salt-pits, between which and the
sea was a narrow pass of about fifteen hundred paces, by which Scipio endeavored
to penetrate and carry succors to the inhabitants of Thapsus. But Caesar
anticipating that this might happen, had the day before raised a very strong
fort at the entrance of it, in which he left a triple garrison; and encamping
with the rest of his troops in the form of a half moon, carried his works round
the town. Scipio, disappointed in his design, passed the day and night following
a little above the morass; but early next morning advanced within a small
distance of the last mentioned camp and fort, where he began to intrench himself
about fifteen hundred paces from the sea. Caesar being informed of this, drew
off his men from the works; and leaving Asprenas the proconsul, with two
legions, at the camp, marched all the rest of his forces with the utmost
expedition to that place. He left part of the fleet before Thapsus, and ordered
the rest to make as near the shore as possible toward the enemy's rear,
observing the signal he should give them, upon which they were to raise a sudden
shout, that the enemy, alarmed and disturbed by the noise behind them, might be
forced to face about.
"caes.africa.81": [81] When Caesar came to the place, he found Scipio's army
in order of battle before the intrenchments, the elephants posted on the right
and left wings, and part of the soldiers busily employed in fortifying the camp.
Upon sight of this disposition, he drew up his army in three lines, placed the
tenth and second legions on the right wing, the eighth and ninth on the left,
five legions in the center, covered his flanks with five cohorts, posted
opposite the elephants, disposed the archers and slingers in the two wings, and
intermingled the light-armed troops with his cavalry. He himself on foot went
from rank to rank, to rouse the courage of the veterans, putting them in mind of
their former victories, and animating them by his kind expressions. He exhorted
the new levies who had never yet been in battle to emulate the bravery of the
veterans, and endeavor by a victory to attain the same degree of fame, glory,
and renown.
"caes.africa.82": [82] As he ran from rank to rank, he observed the enemy
about the camp very uneasy, hurrying from place to place, at one time retiring
behind the rampart, another coming out again in great tumult and confusion. As
many others in the army began to observe this, his lieutenants and volunteers
begged him to give the signal for battle, as the immortal gods promised him a
decisive victory. While he hesitated and strove to repress their eagerness and
desires, exclaiming that it was not his wish to commence the battle by a sudden
sally, at the same time keeping back his army, on a sudden a trumpeter in the
right wing, without Caesar's leave, but compelled by the soldiers, sounded a
charge. Upon this all the cohorts began to rush toward the enemy, in spite of
the endeavors of the centurions, who strove to restrain them by force, lest they
should charge withal the general's order, but to no purpose.
"caes.africa.83": [83] Caesar perceiving that the ardor of his soldiers would
admit of no restraint, giving "good fortune" for the word, spurred on his horse,
and charged the enemy's front. On the right wing the archers and slingers poured
their eager javelins without intermission upon the elephants, and by the noise
of their slings and stones, so terrified these animals, that turning upon their
own men, they trod them down in heaps, and rushed through the half-finished
gates of the camp. At the same time the Mauritanian horse, who were in the same
wing with the elephants, seeing themselves deprived of their assistance, betook
themselves to flight. Whereupon the legions wheeling round the elephants, soon
possessed themselves of the enemy's intrenchments, and some few that made great
resistance being slain, the rest fled with all expedition to the camp they had
quitted the day before.
"caes.africa.84": [84] And here we must not omit to notice the bravery of a
veteran soldier of the fifth legion. For when an elephant which had been wounded
in the left wing, and, roused to fury by the pain, ran against an unarmed
sutler, threw him under his feet, and kneeling on him with his whole weight, and
brandishing his uplifted trunk, with hideous cries, crushed him to death, the
soldier could not refrain from attacking the animal. The elephant, seeing him
advance with his javelin in his hand, quitted the dead body of the sutler, and
seizing him with his trunk, wheeled him round in the air. But he, amid all the
danger, preserving his presence of mind, ceased not with his sword to strike at
the elephant's trunk, which enclasped him, and the animal, at last overcome with
the pain, quitted the soldier, and fled to the rest with hideous cries,
"caes.africa.85": [85] Meanwhile the garrison of Thapsus, either designing to
assist their friends, or abandoning the town to seek safety by flight, sallied
out by the gate next the sea, and wading navel deep in the water; endeavored to
reach the land. But the servants and attendants of the camp, attacking them with
darts and stones, obliged them to return to the town. Scipio's forces meanwhile
being beaten, and his men fleeing on all sides, the legions instantly began the
pursuit, that they might have no time to rally. When they arrived at the camp to
which they fled, and where, having repaired it, they hoped to defend themselves
they began to think of choosing a commander, to whose, authority and orders they
might submit; but finding none on whom they could rely, they threw down their
arms, and fled to the king's quarter. Finding this, on their arrival, occupied
by Caesar's forces, they retired to a hill, where, despairing of safety, they
cast down their arms, and saluted them in a military manner. But this stood them
in little stead, for the veterans, transported with rage and anger, not only
could not be induced to spare the enemy, but even killed or wounded several
citizens of distinction in their own army, whom they upbraided as authors of the
war. Of this number was Tullius Rufus the quaestor, whom a soldier designedly
ran through with a javelin; and Pompeius Rufus, who was wounded with a sword in
the arm, and would doubtless have been slain, had he not speedily fled to Caesar
for protection. This made several Roman knights and senators retire from the
battle, lest the soldiers, who after so signal a victory assumed an unbounded
license, should be induced by the hopes of impunity to wreck their fury on them
likewise. In short all Scipio's soldiers, though they implored the protection of
Caesar, were in the very sight of that general, and in spite of his entreaties
to his men to spare them, without exception put to the sword.
"caes.africa.86": [86] Caesar, having made himself master of the enemy's
three camps, killed ten thousand, and putting the rest to flight, retreated to
his own quarters with the loss of not more than fifty men and a few wounded. In
his way he appeared before the town of Thapsus, and ranged all the elephants he
had taken in the battle, amounting to sixty-four, with their ornaments,
trappings, and castles, in full view of the place. This he did in hopes that
possibly Virgilius and those that were besieged with him might give over the
idea of resistance on learning the defeat of their friends. He even called and
invited him to submit, reminding him of his clemency and mildness; but no answer
being given, he retired from before the town. Next day, after returning thanks
to the gods, he assembled his army before Thapsus, praised his soldiers in
presence of the inhabitants, rewarded the victorious, and from his tribunal
extended his bounty to every one, according to their merit and services. Setting
out thence immediately he left the proconsul C. Rebellius, with three legions,
to continue the siege, and sent Cn. Domitius with two to invest Tisdra, where
Considius commanded. Then ordering M. Messala to go before with the cavalry, he
began his march to Utica.
"caes.africa.87": [87] Scipio's cavalry, who had escaped out of the battle,
taking the road to Utica, arrived at Parada; but being refused admittance by the
inhabitants, who heard of Caesar's victory, they forced the gates, lighted a
great fire in the middle of the forum, and threw all the inhabitants into it,
without distinction of age or sex, with their effects; avenging in this manner,
by an unheard of cruelty, the affront they had received. Thence they marched
directly to Utica. M. Cato, some time before, distrusting the inhabitants of
that city, on account of the privileges granted them by the Julian law, had
disarmed and expelled the populace, obliging them to dwell without the Warlike
gate, in a small camp surrounded by a slight intrenchment, around which he had
planted guards, while at the same time he put the senators under arrest. The
cavalry attacked their camp, knowing them to be favorers of Caesar, and
intending to wipe out by their destruction, the disgrace of their own defeat.
But the people, animated by Caesar's victory, repulsed them with stones and
clubs. They therefore threw themselves into the town, killed many of the
inhabitants, and pillaged their houses. Cato, unable to prevail with them to
abstain from rapine and slaughter, and undertake the defense of the town, as he
was not ignorant of what they aimed at, gave each a hundred sesterces to make
them quiet. Sylla Faustus did the same out of his own money; and marching with
them from Utica, advanced into the kingdom.
"caes.africa.88": [88] A great many others that had escaped out of the
battle, fled to Utica. These Cato assembled, with three hundred more who had
furnished Scipio with money for carrying on the war, and exhorted them to set
their slaves free, and in conjunction with them defend the town. But finding
that though part assembled, the rest were terrified and determined to flee, he
gave over the attempt, and furnished them with ships to facilitate their escape.
He himself, having settled all his affairs with the utmost care, and commended
his children to L. Caesar his quaestor, without the least indication which might
give cause of suspicion, or any change in his countenance and behavior,
privately carried a sword into his chamber when he retired to rest, and stabbed
himself with it. When the wound not proving mortal, he fell heavily to the
ground, his physician and friends suspecting what was going on, burst into the
room and began to stanch and bind up his wound, he himself most resolutely tore
it open, and met death with the greatest determination. The Uticans, though they
hated his party, yet in consideration of his singular integrity, his behavior so
different from that of the other chiefs, and because he had strengthened their
town with wonderful fortifications, and increased the towers, interred him
honorably. L. Caesar, that he might procure some advantage by his death,
assembled the people, and after haranguing them, exhorted them to open their
gates, and throw themselves upon Caesar's clemency, from which they had the
greatest reason to hope the best. This advice being followed, he came forth to
meet Caesar. Messala having reached Utica, according to his orders, placed
guards at the gates.
"caes.africa.89": [89] Meanwhile Caesar, leaving Thapsus came to Usceta,
where Scipio had laid up a great store of corn, arms, darts, and other warlike
provisions, under a small guard. He soon made himself master of the place, and
marched directly to Adrumetum, which he entered without opposition. He took an
account of the arms, provisions, and money in the town; pardoned Q. Ligarius,
and C. Considius; and leaving Livineius Regulus there with one legion, set out
the same day for Utica. L. Caesar, meeting him by the way, threw himself at his
feet, and only begged for his life. Caesar, according to his wonted clemency,
easily pardoned him, as he did likewise Caecina, C. Ateius, P. Atrius, L. Cella,
father and son, M. Eppius, M. Aquinius, Cato's son, and the children of
Damasippus. He arrived at Utica in the evening by torch-light, and continued all
that night without the town.
"caes.africa.90": [90] Early on the morning of the following day he entered
the place, summoned an assembly of the people, and thanked them for the
affection they had shown to his cause. At the same time he censured severely,
and enlarged upon the crime of the Roman citizens and merchants, and the rest of
the three hundred, who had furnished Scipio and Varus with money; but concluded
with telling them, that they might show themselves without fear, as he was
resolved to grant them their lives, and content himself with exposing their
effects to sale; but that he would give them notice when their goods were to be
sold, and the liberty of redeeming them upon payment of a certain fine. The
merchants, half dead with fear, and conscious that they merited death, hearing
upon what terms life was offered them, greedily accepted the condition, and
entreated Caesar that he would impose a certain sum in gross upon all the three
hundred. Accordingly, he amerced them in two hundred thousand sesterces, to be
paid to the republic, at six equal payments, within the space of three years.
They all accepted the condition, and considering that day as a second nativity,
joyfully returned thanks to Caesar.
"caes.africa.91": [91] Meanwhile, king Juba, who had escaped from the battle
with Petreius, hiding himself all day in the villages, and traveling only by
night, arrived at last in Numidia. When he came to Zama, his ordinary place of
residence, where were his wives and children, with all his treasures, and
whatever he held most valuable, and which he had strongly fortified at the
beginning of the war; the inhabitants, having heard of Caesar's victory, refused
him admission, because, upon declaring war against the Romans, he had raised a
mighty pile of wood in the middle of the forum, designing, if unsuccessful, to
massacre all the citizens, fling their bodies and effects upon the pile, then
setting fire to the mass, and throwing himself upon it, destroy all without
exception, wives, children, citizens, and treasures, in one general
conflagration. After continuing a considerable time before the gates, finding
that neither threats nor entreaties would avail, he at last desired them to
deliver up his wives and children, that he might carry them along with him. But
receiving no answer, and seeing them determined to grant him nothing, he quitted
the place, and retired to one of his country-seats with Petreius and a few
horse.
"caes.africa.92": [92] Meantime the Zamians sent embassadors to Caesar at
Utica, to inform him of what they had done, and to request "that he should send
them aid before the king could collect an army and besiege them; that they were
determined to defend the town for him as long as life remained." Caesar
commended the embassadors, and sent them back to acquaint their fellow-citizens
that he was coming himself to their relief. Accordingly, setting out the next
day from Utica with his cavalry, he directed his march toward the kingdom. Many
of the king's generals met him on the way, and sued for pardon; to all of whom a
favorable hearing was given, and they attended him to Zama. The report of his
clemency and mildness spreading into all parts, the whole Numidian cavalry
flocked to him at Zama, and were there relieved from their fears.
"caes.africa.93": [93] During these transactions, Considius, who commanded at
Tisdra, with his own retinue, a garrison of Getulians, and a company of
gladiators, hearing of the defeat of his party, and terrified at the arrival of
Domitius and his legions, abandoned the town; and privately withdrawing, with a
few of the barbarians, and all his money, fled hastily toward the kingdom. The
Getulians, to render themselves masters of his treasure, murdered him by the
way, and fled every man where he could, Meantime, C. Virgilius, seeing himself
shut up by sea and land, without the power of making a defense; his followers
all slain or put to flight; M. Cato dead by his own hands at Utica; Juba
despised and deserted by his own subjects; Sabura and his forces defeated by
Sitius; Caesar received without opposition at Utica; and that of so vast an
army, nothing remained capable of screening him or his children; thought it his
most prudent course, to surrender himself and the city to the proconsul
Caninius, by whom he was besieged.
"caes.africa.94": [94] At the same time king Juba, seeing himself excluded
from all the cities of his kingdom, and that there remained no hopes of safety;
having supped with Petreius, proposed an engagement, sword in hand, that they
might die honorably. Juba, as being the stronger, easily got the better of his
adversary, and laid him dead at his feet: but endeavoring afterward to run
himself through the body, and wanting strength to accomplish it, he was obliged
to have recourse to one of his slaves, and, by entreaties, prevailed upon him to
put him to death.
"caes.africa.95": [95] In the mean time, P. Sitius, having defeated the army
of Sabura, Juba's lieutenant, and slain the general, and marching with a few
troops through Mauritania, to join Caesar, chanced to fall in with Faustus and
Afranius, who were at the head of the party that had plundered Utica, amounting
in all to about fifteen hundred men, and designing to make the best of their way
to Spain. Having expeditiously placed himself in ambuscade during the night, and
attacking them by day-break, he either killed or made them all prisoners, except
a few that escaped from the van. Afranius and Faustus were taken among the rest,
with their wives and children: but some few days after, a mutiny arising among
the soldiers, Faustus and Afranius were slain. Caesar pardoned Pompeia, the wife
of Faustus, with her children, and permitted her the free enjoyment of all her
effects.
"caes.africa.96": [96] Meanwhile Scipio, with Damasippus and Torquatus, and
Plaetorius Rustianus, having embarked on board some galleys, with the intention
of making for the coast of Spain; and being long and severely tossed by contrary
winds, were at last obliged to put into the port of Hippo, where the fleet
commanded by P. Sitius chanced at that time to be. Scipio's vessels, which were
but small, and few in number, were easily surrounded and sunk, by the larger and
more numerous ships of Sitius; on which occasion Scipio, and all those whom we
have mentioned above, as having embarked with him, perished.
"caes.africa.97": [97] Meanwhile Caesar, having exposed the king's effects to
public sale at Zama, and confiscated the estates of those who, though Roman
citizens, had borne arms against the republic; after conferring rewards upon
such of the Zamians as had adopted the design of excluding the king, he
abolished all the royal tribunes, converted the kingdom into a province; and
appointing Crispus Sallustius to take charge of it, with the title of proconsul,
returned to Utica. There he sold the estates of the officers who had served
under Juba and Petreius, fined the people of Thapsus twenty thousand sesterces,
and the company of Roman merchants there thirty thousand; he likewise fined the
inhabitants of Adrumetum in thirty thousand, and their company fifty thousand;
but preserved the cities and their territories from insult and plunder. Those of
Leptis, whom Juba had pillaged some time before, and who, upon complaint made to
the senate by their deputies, had obtained arbitrators and restitution, were
enjoined to pay yearly three hundred thousand pounds of oil; because from the
beginning of the war, in consequence of a dissension among their chiefs, they
had made an alliance with the king of Numidia, and supplied him with arms,
soldiers, and money. The people of Tisdra, on account of their extreme poverty,
were only condemned to pay annually a certain quantity of corn.
"caes.africa.98": [98] These things being settled, he embarked at Utica on
the ides of June, and three days after arrived at Carales in Sardinia. Here he
condemned the Sulcitani in a fine of one hundred thousand sesterces, for
receiving and aiding Nasidius's fleet; and instead of a tenth which was their
former assessment, ordered them now to pay an eighth to the public treasury. He
likewise confiscated the estates of some who had been more active than the rest,
and weighing from Carales on the third day before the calends of July, coasted
along the shore, and after a voyage of twenty-eight days, during which he was
several times obliged by contrary winds to put into port, arrived safe at Rome.
End of Book