The African War

The African War is an ancient historical account of Julius Caesar's campaign in North Africa during the final stages of the Roman Civil War, particularly the events of 47 and 46 BC.

The work describes Caesar's struggle against the remaining forces loyal to Pompey, who had regrouped in Africa under commanders including Metellus Scipio and King Juba I of Numidia. It follows the movements of the armies, military preparations, sieges, and battles that ultimately led to Caesar's victory.

A major focus of the narrative is the campaign culminating in the Battle of Thapsus, after which the Pompeian cause in Africa largely collapsed. Like the other works associated with Caesar's campaigns, the text provides detailed descriptions of strategy, logistics, and the conduct of Roman warfare.

Although traditionally attributed to Julius Caesar, the authorship of The African War is uncertain and the work may instead have been written by Aulus Hirtius, Gaius Oppius, or another member of Caesar's circle.

"Caesar, advancing by moderate journeys, and continuing his march without intermission, arrived at Lilybaeum, on the 14th day before the calends of January. Designing to embark immediately, though he had only one legion of new levies, and not quite six hundred horse, he ordered his tent to be pitched so near the sea-side that the waves lashed the very foot of it."

This edition is based on the 1859 English translation by William Alexander McDevitte and W. S. Bohn.