Publius Attius Varus
Publius Varus | |
---|---|
Died | 17 March 45 BC |
Publius Attius Varus (died 17 March 45 BC) was the
Political career
Varus
Role in civil war
On the outbreak of the civil war, Varus, an adherent of the
When Pompey left
The battle for Africa
Caesar sent Curio to Africa to take it away from the Pompeians. Curio was given command as a reward for his political support, but he had only limited military experience, and none at high command. He commanded legions that were initially recruited by the Pompeians but had switched allegiance at the surrender at Corfinium.
Curio successfully landed his forces near
Aftermath
After the Battle of Pharsalus, the remaining Pompeians, including Cato, fled to Africa to continue the struggle. At Cato's insistence, Varus resigned the supreme command to the consular Metellus Scipio. The official rank of Varus from 48 BC was legatus pro praetore, as attested by inscriptional evidence.[3]
In 46 BC, Varus was one of the commanders of the Pompeian fleet. After the defeat at the Battle of Thapsus, Varus fled to Hispania (Spain). There he was defeated off Carteia in a naval battle by Gaius Didius, who commanded Caesar's fleet, and forced to join the army on shore. He fell at the Battle of Munda. His head, together with that of Titus Labienus, was presented to Caesar.[citation needed]
References
- ^ Unless otherwise noted, offices and dates are from T.R.S. Broughton, The Magistrates of the Roman Republic, vol. 2, 99 B.C.–31 B.C. (New York: American Philological Association, 1952), pp. 228, 237, 260, 275, 290, 300, 310–311, 535.
- ^ Caesar, Bellum civile 1.30.2; Cicero, Pro Ligario 21; Scholia Gronoviana 291 in Stangl; Broughton, MRR p. 259.
- ^ CIL I2.2.780.
Sources
- Cicero, ad Att. viii. 13, b, 15, 20; pro Ligar. I.
- Julius Caesar, Commentarii de Bello Civili i. 12, 13, 31; ii. 23–44.
- Dion Cassiusxli. 41, 42; xlii. 57, xliii. 30, 31.
- Appian, Bellum civile ii. 44–46; ii. 105.
- Lucan, Bellum civile (aka Pharsalia) iv. 713, foll.
- Aulus Hirtius, Bellum Afr. 62, 63.