Editing Battle of Pharsalus (section)

==Deployment==
[[File:BattlePharsalus-LIX.png|thumb|400px|Initial deployment of forces at the Battle of Pharsalus, August 48 BC]]

The two generals deployed their legions in the traditional three lines (''[[triplex acies]]''), with Pompey's right and Caesar's left flanks resting on river [[Enipeas (Thessaly)|Enipeus]].{{sfnm|1a1=Goldsworthy|1pp=425, 427|2a1=Greenhalgh|2p=249}} As the stream provided enough protection to that side, Pompey moved almost all of his cavalry, archers, and slingers to the left, to make the most of their numerical strength.{{sfnm|1a1=Delbrück|1p=538|2a1=Greenhalgh|2p=250|3a1=Holmes|3p=167}} Only a small force of 500–600 [[Pontus (region)|Pontic]] cavalry and some [[Cappadocia]]n light infantry was placed on his right flank.{{sfnm|1a1=Greenhalgh|1p=249|2a1=Holmes|2p=167 (note 5)|3a1=Delbrück|3p=547}} Pompey stationed his strongest legions in the center and wings of his infantry line, and dispersed some 2,000 [[Evocatus|re-enlisted veterans]] throughout the entire line in order to inspire the less experienced.{{sfnm|1a1=Goldsworthy|1p=425|2a1=Holmes|2p=167}} The Pompeian cohorts were arrayed in an unusually thick formation, 10 men deep: their task was just to tie down the enemy foot while Pompey's cavalry, his key to victory, swept through Caesar's flank and rear.{{sfnm|1a1=Goldsworthy|1pp=425–426|2a1=Greenhalgh|2p=250|3a1=Delbrück|3pp=538–539}} The column of legions was divided under command of three subordinates, with [[Lucius Cornelius Lentulus Crus|Lentulus]] in charge of the left, [[Metellus Scipio|Scipio]] of the center and [[Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul 54 BC)|Ahenobarbus]] the right.{{sfnm|1a1=Morgan|1p=54|2a1=Holmes|2p=167 (and note 1)}}{{efn-lr|The sources are confused on the position of Pompey's commanders. In the version of Caesar and [[Lucan]] (''[[Pharsalia]]'' 7.217–223), Pompey, Lentulus, and the 1st and 3rd legions are said to be on the left wing, and Ahenobarbus on the right. [[Appian]] and [[Plutarch]], on the other hand, place Pompey and Lentulus on the right and Ahenobarbus on the left. Morgan favors the testimony of Caesar and Lucan since the former was an eyewitness, and because Pompey is more likely to have placed himself where the decisive engagement was expected to occur, the left wing.{{sfn|Morgan|p=54}} }} [[Titus Labienus|Labienus]] was entrusted with command of the cavalry charge,{{sfn|Delbrück|p=538}} while Pompey himself took up a position behind the left wing in order to oversee the course of the battle.{{sfn|Sheppard|p=56}}

Caesar also deployed his men in three lines, but, being outnumbered, had to thin his ranks to a depth of only six men, in order to match the frontage presented by Pompey. His left flank, resting on the Enipeus River, consisted of his battle-worn IX legion supplemented by the VIII legion, these were commanded by [[Mark Antony]]. The VI, XII, XI and XIII formed the centre and were commanded by [[Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus|Domitius]], then came the VII and upon his right he placed his favored X legion, giving [[Publius Cornelius Sulla|Sulla]] command of this flank – Caesar himself took his stand on the right, across from Pompey. Upon seeing the disposition of Pompey's army Caesar grew discomforted, and further thinned his third line in order to form a fourth line on his right: this to counter the onslaught of the enemy cavalry, which he knew his numerically inferior cavalry could not withstand. He gave this new line detailed instructions for the role they would play, hinting that upon them would rest the fortunes of the day, and gave strict orders to his third line not to charge until specifically ordered.