Caesar and mobilization

Gaius Julius Caesar is known from ancient sources as a charismatic leader and warrior able to turn the tide of battle. An example of such skills is the story told by Plutarch of Cheronei.

Namely, after Caesar defeated the republican army at Farsalos (48 BCE), he followed the escaping Cato the Younger and Scipio Metellus, who were gathering troops against Caesar in Africa. Once upon a time Caesar’s troops were surrounded and forced to flee. Seeing the panicking soldiers, Caesar grabbed one of the fleeing standard ensigns by the neck during the battle and turned the other way, saying: “Yonder is the enemy!”