Ruspina

January 4, 46 BC
Strategic Context
In 49 BC, civil war fractures the Roman Empire as Julius Caesar and Pompey struggle for control. In 48 BC, Pompey
is defeated by Caesar at the Battle of Pharsalus and pursued to Egypt where he is killed by King Ptolemy XIII.
Despite Ptolemy’s death, the Pompeians continue to build up forces in North Africa under the command of Metellus

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Scipio, Titus Labenius, and King Juba of Numidia. After side quests in Egypt and Pontus, Caesar finally returns to
Rome, puts down a mutiny in his veteran legions, and lands in North Africa in December 47 BC. With most of his army
yet to arrive, Caesar launches a major foraging expedition south to sustain his forces until his fleet arrives with
reinforcements and supplies. Labenius’ largely Numidian army is also awaiting reinforcements as the main Pompeian

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army under Scipio is only a few days away. Labenius surprises Caesar’s small Roman army as it forages, forcing
Caesar to quickly form a battle line.

Stakes
+ A Roman victory would give Caesar
time for the rest of his forces to arrive in
North Africa and meet Scipio and
Labenius in a decisive battle.
+ A Numidian (Pompeian) victory would
destroy Caesar’s small army or at least
push it away from the sea, ending its
chances of being reinforced.
By Jonathan Webb, 2013
 Ruspina, 46 BC
Strength

 Romans  Numidians

 Julius Caesar  Titus Labienus

 9,000 heavy infantry  20,000 light infantry

 150 archers  11,200 cavalry
 400 cavalry
 Well  Well

By Jonathan Webb, 2013 ©

Roman Empire c. 49 BC
The battlefield consists of a flat, arid plain with few if any features. The Roman camp is well off-map to the north.

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Numidians (Pompeians)

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Archers Light cavalry
Cavalry Cavalry

Romans
(Julius Caesar)
Numidians (Pompeians)
9,000(Titus
heavy infantry
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150 archers
20,000 light infantry Symbol guide

Romans
400 cavalry
11,200 cavalry (Caesar)
 Ruspina, 46 BC
Casualties & Aftermath
Romans: Numidians (Pompeians):

≈400 ≈1,200
or or
4% 4%

Scipio and the main Pompeian army arrived shortly after the battle, harassing and
challenging Caesar’s army to battle. Caesar declined each time, maneuvering until his
reinforcements arrived, bringing his army up to full strength. Caesar finally gave battle in
April 47 BC at Thapsus where he decisively defeated the Pompeians, killing most of its
leadership including Scipio, Petreius, Cato and Juba. Labenius escaped to join Pompey’s
sons in Spain. Caesar defeated them at the Battle of Munda in 45 BC to end the war, but
was assassinated the following year.
By Jonathan Webb, 2013
 The Art of Battle:
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http://www.theartofbattle.com

By Jonathan Webb, 2013