Master of Rome - A Caesar vs Pompey AAR

[Nepos96]

Hello everyone and welcome to this new AAR. Recently I got back into Alea Jacta Est once again, and seeing how no one has posted an AAR of this game in awhile (plus some old ones have started to disappear), I decided to start a new one myself. And what better scenario to choose than the one that inspired the name of the game itself. Plenty of time to maneuvre my armies, fighting going on in every corner of the Mediterranean, tough strategic choices to make and the entire Republic at stake, that’s right this is going to be a Caesar vs Pompey game (I don’t think I have ever seen anyone post anything about this one scenario). I’ll be playing as Caesar while my opponent (Durk) will be tasked with leading the Optimates to victory. Enjoy!

Turn 1 - December 50 BC

Screenshot 2026-05-02 040340.png (2.9 MiB) Viewed 304 times

A nice introduction to the events preceding the start of the civil war.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 040332.png (2.76 MiB) Viewed 304 times

And a few guidelines from the game itself. The first turn is usually a very straightforward one. Very few units are available for activation, and some will stay locked long after the start of the civil war (until special requirements are met). Right now, only Caesar can be moved around. He is currently sitting in Ravenna, just north of the Rubicon, with a single legion (Legio XIII), a bunch of auxiliaries and about 2400 equites. That is a total 12000 men, barely the army one would expect could challenge the Republic. However, despite claims from Pompey that by stomping his feet, legions would spring up, the Optimates are currently sitting in Italy with only two legions. Earlier during the year, the Senate had approved a punitive expedition against the Parthians (who in this scenario are still at war with Rome) to avenge Crassus’ death. Both Pompey and Caesar had been forced to provide a legion each for this new army heading East. Pompey cunningly chose to hand over the one legion he had previously loaned to Caesar, thus by the end of year Caesar had already been deprived of two legions, now sitting in Corfinium. Unfortunately for him, these two legions are understrength (6000 men combined), not enough for the Optimates to attempt any sort of defense of the peninsula. Reinforcements from the provinces (which are currently not activated anyway), would not be able to make it to Italy in time.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 035538.png (2.92 MiB) Viewed 304 times

And there you have Caesar, soon to enter history as the most famous man to ever be born in the peninsula. Possibly the best general in the game (tied with Hannibal), he has a bunch of special abilities that make him quite dangerous, both in and outside the battlefield. Of note is his ability to provide a 15% speed bonus to any army marching under his command. The second ability allows him to storm any city regardless of the availability of breaches in the wall (normally any city with level 2 or above walls would need to either be starved out or properly besieged until the walls are damaged enough). I will make sure to fully take advantage of Caesar’s skills.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 040228.png (2.72 MiB) Viewed 304 times

With only 250000 denary (about one million sestertii) in the war chest, I order the recruitment of a new legion in Ravenna, one recruited among the Italians rather than the people of Cisalpine Gaul (Italian legions are usually a bit stronger than provincial ones). Soon Caesar will have to leave Italy, therefore it is a good idea we start thinking of creating a second army, tasked with defending Italy from Pompeian attempt attempts to take back Rome or riots.

Continued...

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-02 035636.png (2.9 MiB) Viewed 302 times

At the start of every year (which for Romans was in March, hence new Consuls taking over during that month), we will receive the income from all cities under our control. That money will have to last for us for an entire new year, that is until 48 BC. Throughout the year, special locations (like trade ports, markets of big cities, armamentarium, navalia etc.) will provide extra income or equipment for reinforcements/ships (saving me the money I would otherwise have spent on these new units), but the amount is never a fixed one and is always only a fraction of what you get in March. In this area, by virtue of the number of Provinces the Optimates hold, my opponent has a huge advantage. To remedy that, I order some requisitions in southern Gaul. Each requisition will net me 50000 denarii, for a maximum of 250000 I can gather each turn (more if I am willing to enslave the locals, but that will cause an even harsher drop of loyalty).

Screenshot 2026-05-02 040205.png (2.48 MiB) Viewed 302 times

I also send some merchants East, to find new business opportunities. I will do so every few turns, but wont bother reporting this every time.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 035900.png (2.47 MiB) Viewed 302 times

The standard move here usually would be to march straight on Rome. I will do that, but instead of stopping there, Caesar will march all the way to Naples (for reasons I’ll explain next turn).

Screenshot 2026-05-02 040027.png (3.42 MiB) Viewed 302 times

Two legates are with him. The game has a wide array of leaders of different ranks and seniority. Leaders serve multiple purposes. They can lead an army, but having spare ones allows you to create detachments (a leaderless detachment will fight and travel with some penalties), or command very big armies more effectively (there is only so much a single general can handle without the support of good subordinates). Finally, some leaders can take direct control of one unit (while still following the orders of the overall commander) to boost the fighting ability of said unit. That is the purpose of legates (and similar officers), to be attached to one legion and increase its combativeness. Legions being the core (and largest) unit of the Roman army are usually the better choice, but if a leader possesses some cavalry related skill it might be a good idea to place him charge of the roman cavalry. Here Lucius Aelius Tubero is sent to Gaul, to join Fabius’ army and take direct control of one Roman legion while his colleague Quintus Valerius Orca is now promoted to legate of the XIII Legion.

Continued...

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-02 040356.png (2.83 MiB) Viewed 302 times

And here is an overview of what we are expect to take over (objectives cities provide VPs), our and Pompey’s national morale (impacts your army willingness to fight, also too high or low NM will cause you to automatically win or lose the game), total VPs, number of prisoners (none at the moment) and relative land/naval strength between the two of us. If I read this currently, currently Pompey has an army twice our size and a fleet that is 4 times as big as ours.

[OldSarge]

I haven't played this scenario in years! It is fun to play though, on both sides, and takes you through the entire Mediterranean world.
I'm looking forward to seeing how well you do!

[Nepos96]

I haven't played this scenario in years! It is fun to play though, on both sides, and takes you through the entire Mediterranean world.
I'm looking forward to seeing how well you do!

Amazing game, packed with history and with gorgeous art that still olds up well after more than a decade. Some scenario are a bit too restrictive for me, but then you have Caesar vs Pompey, the second Punic war or the Parthian wars that offer the freedom I want out of a game like this.

We already played 40 turns in this scenario, so I am totally committed to completing this game and AAR. If there is enough interest, I might do a second AAR about a different scenario though!

[Nepos96]

Turn 2 - January 49 BC

Screenshot 2026-05-02 042047.png (2.37 MiB) Viewed 234 times

In a matter of just a few days Rome falls into the hands of Caesar and soon after, the rest of Italia follows. The Optimates were in such a hurry they did not manage to take the state treasury with them. Those 500000 Denarii will now help instead finance Caesar’s war effort against his political enemies.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041618.png (2.72 MiB) Viewed 234 times

Two new legions are immediately recruited, Caesar trying to bridge the gap between the number of legionaries fighting under his banner and the number of men following the commands of the Senate as quickly as possible.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041329.png (2.62 MiB) Viewed 234 times

Apparently, the garrison of Naples was the only military unit that attempted to stop Caesar, though with obviously no success.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041419.png (2.69 MiB) Viewed 234 times

However, it looks like before leaving the Pompeians managed to cause damage to the fortifications of several cities (Rome itself, Croton, Corfinium and Capua). It is always a good idea to have your cities ready to withstand a siege, should the Pompeians attempt to make a comeback, therefore several auxiliaries are detached from Caesar’s army and ordered to help the local population repair the walls. They will rejoin the main army as soon as they are done (about 6 months).

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-02 042004.png (3.47 MiB) Viewed 234 times

The capital is now obviously moved to Rome…

Screenshot 2026-05-02 042032.png (2.85 MiB) Viewed 234 times

while most senators manage to flee to Dyrrachium. It is not known yet if Pompey is with them or decided to go West instead. But we do know the two legions in Corfinium were able to evacuate Italy, thanks to Pompey’s mastery of the sea. However, even here the Optimates managed to botch (like with the treasury) their attempt to deny Caesar any resource he could in the future use against them.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041832.png (2.72 MiB) Viewed 234 times

In a hurry and possibly without enough sailor to men them, the Optimates were forced to leave behind several transport ships and even some Quinqueremes in Naples and Tarentum.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041909.png (2.83 MiB) Viewed 234 times

Truth be told, even after that blunder, the Pompeians still control the largest fleet, which grants them a comfortable naval supremacy. However, said supremacy hinges on them keeping all their ships in one place. Instead of trying to challenge them, Caesar decides to opt for operating two smaller fleets in separate theatres. The Pompeian fleet simply will not be able to intercept both fleets at the same time and in case of engagement our admirals have orders to try to disengage as quickly as possible. Decimus Junius Brutus, cousin of Caesar and a fairly skilled admiral already during the Gallic war, will merge his own fleet with the recently acquired ships from Misenum (Naples). He also has a legion of “marines” on board, increasing the fighting capabilities of his own ships.

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041816.png (2.9 MiB) Viewed 232 times

While the less able Dolabella will move his Adriatic fleet south to join the transport fleet in Brundisium. But first he will stop in Sena Gallica, as sea storms (that usually appear during winter) make a longer journey a risky endeavour.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041352.png (2.34 MiB) Viewed 232 times

As for Caesar, the reason he ordered his army not to stop until Naples was in sight was because he was counting on capturing local ships so that he could sail to Sicily and save himself several days of travel. There are multiple reasons Caesar is anxious to reach the island: 1) he does not wish for Cato, who is still in Syracuse, to use the province as an easy way to squeeze some money out of the provincials; 2) the people of Rome need supplies of grain from outside Italy as soon as possible, and Sicily will at least ensure they will not completely starve; 3) Caesar is on a tight schedule, he needs to wrap up things in Italy as quickly as possible before heading to wherever the Pompeian threat is stronger, lest Pompey seize the initiative: 4) The game gives you your yearly income from every city you control in March however, I am not sure if the game counts what cities you control when you press end turn in February, or when you actually start the new turn in March. By getting to Sicily as soon as possible, I make sure this year Sicilian income will go to Caesar and maximise my revenues.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041438.png (2.76 MiB) Viewed 232 times

More men of rank join Caesar. Tribune of the Plebis Mark Anthony, another of Caesar’s cousin and lieutenant in Gaul, by virtue of his closeness to Caesar and military skill, is put in charge of the army the Caesarians are assembling for the defense of the peninsula.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041724.png (3.57 MiB) Viewed 232 times

His brother Gaius will take two legions from Taurasia to Genua, in case Caesar decides to pick them up on his way to Gaul.

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041525.png (2.68 MiB) Viewed 232 times

How ironic that a nephew of Sulla, the leader of the Optimates par excellence, has decided to join the champion of the Populares. He will ride alone from Rome to Messana to meet Caesar (leaders without an army can move around quite quickly) and join his military staff.

Screenshot 2026-05-08 044740.png (2.8 MiB) Viewed 232 times

Last time I forgot to introduce Gaius Scribonius Curio, another tribune and friend of Caesar, who was with him when the XIII legion crossed the Rubicon. Historically he led an expedition to Africa that ended up in a disaster. I bring up this because this is all related to my overall strategy: while Caesar can overcome impossible odds, my other generals (even the good ones) can quickly find themselves in very tricky situations. As a general rule of thumb, Ill try to avoid having my generals act independently and far away from Caesar for too long unless absolutely necessary, especially in a completely different province beyond the sea, as winter or the Pompeian fleet may all of a sudden hinder any attempt at evacuation (or to send Caesar himself as reinforcement).

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041956.png (3.49 MiB) Viewed 232 times

Loyalty of the people in Gaul increases, which absorb the bad will generated by last month confiscations.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041054.png (3.1 MiB) Viewed 232 times

Therefore, more requisitions are ordered (I wont bother reporting this every time I do it, If I do it).

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-02 042206.png (3.15 MiB) Viewed 232 times

This might be a war between Romans, but that does not mean other kingdoms or city states will not get involved (willingly or not). Massalia chose to side with the Senate. Quite a brave choice given that they are surrounded by my legions.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 041654.png (3.58 MiB) Viewed 232 times

Caius Trebonius (who later on in his life would go on to take up a job opportunity as Caesaricide), is ordered to march his three legions and a few thousands auxilia (plus a few more in Avaricum) south, to start the siege of Massalia. Left unchecked, Massalia could act as a dangerous springboard for potential Pompeian attacks into Gaul. And even without that, a port in southern Gaul allows the Pompeian fleet to act in the area and get resupplied quite easily, denying them control over Massalia would hinder their range of action.

Screenshot 2026-05-02 042149.png (2.75 MiB) Viewed 232 times

The Lagid kingdom of Egypt declares its neutrality, too busy dealing with the squabble between Ptolemy Auletes’ kids. It is however no surprise that at this time Egypt is quite sympathetic to the Pompeian cause, Pompey having helped (by asking his former officer and then governor of Syria Aulus Gabinius to intervene) old Ptolemy Auletes return to the throne.

Screenshot 2026-05-07 040811.png (3.18 MiB) Viewed 232 times

Finally, Caius Fabius, one of Caesar most capable commander, is ordered to establish a foothold in Hispania by conquering the important city of Emporia, with four legions, several auxilia and reinforcement from Tolosa. You might have noticed by now how most Caesarian legions have a star next to their name, denoting their extreme level of experience. Said experience from the Gallic war, will be my greatest asset against Pompey mostly “green” legions. This one army in particular contains the X legion, possibly the most experience unit in the scenario and Caesar’s favourite.

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-02 042139.png (2.91 MiB) Viewed 231 times

Updated list of objectives, we gained Tarentum and Rome (the latter providing more VPs than other cities), and our fleet is slightly closer in size to the Pompeian one now.

[OldSarge]

I haven't played this scenario in years! It is fun to play though, on both sides, and takes you through the entire Mediterranean world.
I'm looking forward to seeing how well you do!

Amazing game, packed with history and with gorgeous art that still olds up well after more than a decade. Some scenario are a bit too restrictive for me, but then you have Caesar vs Pompey, the second Punic war or the Parthian wars that offer the freedom I want out of a game like this.

We already played 40 turns in this scenario, so I am totally committed to completing this game and AAR. If there is enough interest, I might do a second AAR about a different scenario though!

The AJE series is one of the wargaming classics. The history is reasonably well researched, covers a broad range of Roman historical periods and there is enough there for any fan of the period. Probably the best operational portrayal of operational warfare during the period.

Anyway, back to the AAR!

[Nepos96]

Turn 3 - February 49 BC

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030351.png (2.44 MiB) Viewed 192 times

The arrival of Caesar in Messana causes the few remaining representatives of the Senate in the island to flee.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030401.png (2.47 MiB) Viewed 192 times

Which earns Caesar the loyalty of the rich province of Sicily

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030119.png (2.27 MiB) Viewed 192 times

5000 more auxiliaries are recruited among the provincials

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030100.png (2.31 MiB) Viewed 192 times

While Caesar’s army (the XIII legion and the cavalry) is ordered to embark on Decimus’ fleet

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030039.png (2.33 MiB) Viewed 192 times

Not Caesar though, as we will ride north, across the peninsula, to join Trebonius’ army in Massalia. Not having to wait for his army to rest and embark/march north will allow Caesar to move much more quickly, eager to tackle the Pompeian threat outside of Italia.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 025335.png (2.45 MiB) Viewed 192 times

Two more legates show up, ready to take control of a couple of Caesar's many legions.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030207.png (2.8 MiB) Viewed 192 times

While Dolabella finally is ordered to move his fleet to Brundisium, where several more ships are waiting to join his navy.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 025150.png (3.43 MiB) Viewed 192 times

Fed up with more requisitions, the people of Narbonensis and Aquitania rise up. Luckily for us, several of our legions are around to deal with the issue, but an important lesson is learned today: if we wanna do more requisition, better do them in Italy. Soon Gaul will be left ungarrisoned (as our armies move away), therefore it is best to send our tax collector somewhere where if things go wrong, our Italian legions can intervene quickly, Also, Gaul is fairly underdeveloped when in comes to road and movement. Any punitive expedition there would take too long to reach the rebels. Italian loyalties can be recovered with occasional bread distributions.

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030327.png (3.49 MiB) Viewed 190 times

Anyway, Gaius Antonius and his two legions is tasked with dealing with the rebels.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030411.png (2.55 MiB) Viewed 190 times

While skilled Gallic and Germanic mercenaries are offered money in return for their services.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030435.png (2.79 MiB) Viewed 190 times

From far away Africa, king Juba of Numidia warns Caesar to stay out of Africa. Looks like every single client king of Rome (except for Mauretania) has decided to join the Optimates in this conflict. Oh well, this is not really a popularity contest. But I will make sure to deal with Numidia as well once I decide to crush senatorial resistance in Africa.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030241.png (2.78 MiB) Viewed 190 times

Fabius manages to take control of Emporiae. Looks like part of Pompey’s fleet was there for some reason.

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-06 030231.png (2.82 MiB) Viewed 190 times

Fabius' sudden arrival forced them to flee the city, right as a storm was approaching the coast of Hispania. Rough month for Pompeian sailors. Fabius decides to press forward, while no Pompeian legion is in sight, and establish a solid defensive position around Tarraco, right behind the Iberus river.

[Nepos96]

Turn 4 - March 49 BC

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032035.png (2.79 MiB) Viewed 185 times

The battle for Tarraco sees Fabius’ army quickly dispatch the local garrison.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032041.png (2.86 MiB) Viewed 185 times

At this point Fabius orders to dig in and wait for Caesar to bring reinforcements. We estimate the Pompeians to have between 5 and 7 Legions in Hispania alone. Knowing that, Fabius’ 3 legions cannot possibly hope to take over the province by themselves. However, by taking over Tarraco, we have ensured that the Pompeians cannot simply evict them out of Hispania, or worse, launch an attack into Gaul. Attacking across a river against a well entrenched army is usually a recipe for disaster, no matter the number of soldiers involved, or even the skill of the commander. And we do know Marcus Octavius and Petreius to be skilled commanders, leading Pompey’s legions in Spain. With nothing else left to do, Fabius commands his men to help the local population repair the recently damaged fortifications of the city.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 031823.png (2.33 MiB) Viewed 185 times

And it looks like Petreius, Octavius and Afranius will oversee the Hispanic resistance for a while, as news have reached Caesar that Pompey has fled East, to Greece. The East is quite rich and most of Pompey’s client kingdoms and allies are there, potentially allowing for a huge concentration of troops, but to raise a new army there from scratch will take time and most legions will be inexperienced and made up of provincials. To give you a term of paragon a green legion made up of Italics is worth 150 combat power, a provincial legion is worth 130 and an experienced one over 220 combat power (with veteran legions like the X worth over 300, effectively twice as much a regular one). Pompey here is trading away years of experience for wealth and numbers (he can potentially raise up to 15 new legions in the East, especially now that both factions got their yearly income).

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032103.png (2.94 MiB) Viewed 185 times

With that in mind, Marcus Licinius Crassus, son of the triumvir, is ordered to take his auxiliaries back to Epidaurus, away from potential retaliations from the Optimates in Greece.

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032010.png (2.83 MiB) Viewed 184 times

Pompey’s choice to head East, further reinforces Caesar’s desire to deal with the Spanish threat first. The Eastern army is definitely not ready yet to attempt an invasion of Caesarian held territory, while the Hispanic army is very much a threat to Gaul. Not to mention, our armies are already on the border with Hispania, so even if Caesar wanted to go after Greece first, it would take several months to march/sail his legions East and that would leave Gaul exposed to counterattacks from Pompey’s legates in Hispania. The Roman East comprises several provinces, subduing all of them would take much longer than the upcoming Hispanic campaign, and finally, the conquest of Hispania would severely hinder the ability of the Pompeian fleet to operate in the West. Thoughts of splitting attention between East and West are quickly discarded, as we would then face the Optimates in both theatres while at numerical disadvantage, with Caesar only able to personally oversee one of the two campaigns. Having carefully deliberated, Caesar took over the ongoing siege of Massalia, making preparation for an assault within the month.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032136.png (3.51 MiB) Viewed 184 times

The recently recruited Germanic mercenaries are ordered to join Caesar in Narbonensis.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032127.png (3.59 MiB) Viewed 184 times

Same order for our Gallic cavalry.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032214.png (2.74 MiB) Viewed 184 times

The rewards for controlling Gallia, Narbonensis, Italia, Sicilia, Sardinia et Corsica and Illyricum.

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032239.png (2.84 MiB) Viewed 184 times

Speaking of Illyricum, the locals show their complete support for Caesar.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032308.png (2.75 MiB) Viewed 184 times

Unfortunately, the people of Rome are unhappy with Caesar’s Annonarian efforts. One more reason to focus on Hispania and grain producing Baetica.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032317.png (2.85 MiB) Viewed 184 times

It is open war between the Ptolemaic siblings. Perhaps an opportunity for Caesar to exploit in the future.

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032222.png (2.85 MiB) Viewed 184 times

Epidemics in Hispania weakened our army, one more reason for our soldiers to rest and recover. Might even decide to build soon a depot in Tarraco seeing as the city is going to act a Caesar’s base of operations in Hispania.

[Nepos96]

Screenshot 2026-05-06 032257.png (3.19 MiB) Viewed 184 times

And a former consul throws his support behind Caesar. Not a particularly skilled general, I will have to find him a low-risk task.