The Roman Senate feared Julius Caesar's as a champion of the people. Pompey sided with the Senate. After being ordered by the Senate to give up his Gaulish province Ceasar marched on Rome. Pompey and most of the Senate fled to Greece. At the battle of Pharsalus a numerically weaker Caesar defeated Pompey's army.
Pompey was killed in Egypt soon after the battle but the war continued with Caesar having to defeat armies raised by the Senate party and by Pompey's sons. The last battle was 17 March 45 bc and Caesar returned to Rome. He was stabbed to death on the 15 March 44bc.

• Pharsalus 48 bc