Thapsus, Battle of

(46 BC) Decisive battle in North Africa in the Roman civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey (49–46). Caesar had laid siege to the seaport of Thapsus, near present-day Teboulba, Tunisia. Pompey was supported by the legions of his father-in-law, Quintus Metellus Scipio. When Caesar could not restrain his troops, they surged forward and overwhelmed the enemy, slaughtering about 10,000. It was the final blow delivered by Caesar against the forces of Pompey.

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