SH+2014-15+P5+Battle+of+Pharsalus

Historical- Kayla The Battle of Pharsalus was the turning point of Caesar's Civil War on August 9, 48 BC. The opposing parties involved in the battle were Caesar and Pompey. Caesar was greatly outnumbered with “80 cohorts on the battlefield which was about about 22,000 men while Pompey had 110 cohorts with 45,000 men” (Cartwright). As the battle was taking place Caesar saw his army was being defeated and he had two choices: an all out assault or retreat. He decided his army was going to attack and as a result, came out victorious. Because of their perseverance they were able overcome the numerous disadvantages they were at. The Battle of Pharsalus did not end the war however, it turned the momentum in favor of his party and as a result, effectively ended the republic, that Pompey was fighting for. Overthrowing the republic left Caesar at “the pinnacle of his power” (Davis). He was proclaimed dictator for ten years and then indefinitely. The battle was not only a turning point of Caesar's Civil War, it was a turning point for the entire nation.

Citations Cartwright, Mark. Ancient Encyclopedia History. The Battle of Pharsalus, 13 June 2013. Web. 20 Oct. 2014.

Paul K, Davis. 100 Decisive Battles from Ancient Times to the Present: The World’s` Major Battles and How They Shaped History. Oxford University Press, 1999. Web. 20 Oct. 2014.

Cultural- DeErick The Battle of Pharsalus had a substantial impact on modern culture with perseverance. Julius Caesar and his army were greatly outnumbered and it seemed as if they had no chance of winning. “Pompey had 100 cohorts, 45,000 men. . . Caesar had 80 cohorts on the field, 22,000 men” (Brueggeman 5). Nevertheless, his army didn’t give up and persevered through the fight and ended up victorious. This relates to modern day culture with sports. Many sports teams in today’s society have few players and become intimidated when competing against teams with an abundance of kids. However, the coach reassures the team by saying comforting statements like “size doesn’t matter” or “it is all about heart”. Even while being outnumbered or outsized, these sports teams persevere, don’t give up, and sometimes end up winning. “Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement” (Biondi 1). Julius Caesar’s army didn’t give up just as the kids don't. They persevered through the challenges that they faced no matter the situation.The Battle of Pharsalus had a big impact on modern culture with perseverance as Julius Caesar never gave up, just as the kids don't.

Citations Brueggeman, Gary. "The Battle of Pharsalus: Introduction." //The Roman Army//. 23, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.

Koos, Torin. "The 23 Most Inspirational Sports Quotes to Live by." //Desert News.// 25, Sept. 2014. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.

Aim- Daniel The Battle of Pharsalus was important because it portrayed the leadership and perseverance of Julius Ceasar. Ceasar was far outnumbered, “Pompey had 100 cohorts, 45,000 men. . . Caesar had 80 cohorts on the field, 22,000 men” (Brueggeman 5). Julius Ceasar was able to out-cun and out-skill Pompeys army. The Battle displayed Julius Caesar's cunning abilities and as a result Julius Ceasar gained a following of Roman admirers. During the Battle of Pharsalus Julius was faced with the immense task, some may say impossible, of defeating an entire army while out manned and surely in horror. In terms, this battle greatly defined and ensured Julius Caesar’s rule over Rome and encompassed the strength and power of Julius Ceasar. In the end the battle was in Caesar’s favor, “Of Pompey's army, there fell about 15,000; but upwards of 24,000 were made prisoners: for even the cohorts which were stationed in the forts, surrendered to Sulla” (Livius 16). This defining battle started the pathway to Julius Caesar’s success and opened the gateway to expanding his empire.

Citations Battle of Pharsalus (48 BCE). n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.

Brueggeman, Gary. The Battle of Pharsalus: Introduction. The Roman Army. 23, n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.

Audience- Sarah In the Battle of Pharsalus, the audiences are Julius Caesar, his allies, and the Republic powers including Pompey the Great. Jordan states, “ On the morning of August 9, 48 bc, Rome's most famous general–Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, or Pompey the Great–apprehensively prepared his troops to face the army of Rome's most successful general, Gaius Julius Caesar”(1). In the battle, Caesar was going up against Pompey the Great at Pharsalus on August 9th, 48BC. Caesar and Pompey are the audience because they are the ones that are participating in the Battle. They aren’t the only people included in the audience because the battle was fought with armies and allies. Both sides had their soldiers, but Pompey the Great seemed to have more help, even though that didn’t help him in the long run. Another audience of the Battle of Pharsalus would be anyone interested in or studying ancient history. This battle was an important one in history and is known as “Caesar’s Civil War”. Many were surprised at the defeat of Pompey and it was a huge milestone in Julius Caesar’s life.

Citations

BBattle of Pharsalus (48 BCE. n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.

Jordan, Jonothan W. Caesar's Civil War. n.d. Web. 21 Oct. 2014.