Pompey once again sided with Cicero. Pompey was once again easily swayed, proving his poor political power. During this time Pompey had heard about the death of Crassus. Now that one third of the Triumvirate was deceased, he began to fear Caesar. Caesar was a successful leader of the war in Gaul and had gained many allies there. Pompey remained in Rome, and the people saw his leadership abate. Pompey struggled to gain allies in the Senate, but failed to do so. It was too late. On January 11th, 49 BC Caesar led his troops across the Rubicon, a river in north central Italy to face Pompey in battle. Where Pompey’s army was larger (40,000 men), Caesar’s smaller army (22,000 men) was more experienced. Pompey was under the pressure of the Senate to attack first and that is what he did, though it turned out to be the wrong judgment. Caesar won the battle at Pharsalus, demolishing Pompey’s army, and killing many senators. Pompey escaped and fled to Egypt. Before Caesar could defeat Pompey he had to see to a rebellion in Asia Minor under Pharnaces, son of Mithradites. It was a mere five-day campaign and Caesar was off to find Pompey. When Pompey arrived in Egypt he sought out Ptolemy in hopes of an alliance. Caesar discovered Pompey’s location and went after him. The Egyptians saw Caesar and his army marching into their land.

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