Appius
was in a fit of panic when he heard. One of his messengers had just delivered
the news: Caesar had defeated the Pompeian forces once and for all at the
Battle of Munda. When he had first heard that the battle in southern Spain was
going to occur, he had felt a shiver of apprehension run throughout his body.
Appius was very aware that if this battle ended in Caesar’s victory, things
were going to change dramatically in Rome. The fragmentation of power, which
the elite’s of Rome held in such revere, was about to get quickly concentrated.
It was clear that Caesar had gained power to a fault. Appius made his messenger
explain the events that occurred at the Battle of Munda and the messenger
complied...
“Well
Master, it was a battle most knew was over before it began. The morale of the
Pompeian’s was low and many were considering deserting to join Caesar. Gnaeus
Pomeius had no choice but to engage in battle as soon as possible. Caesar was
outnumbered by almost five legions but that did not intimidate him. It was a
close battle for some time and both generals fought tirelessly. In the end,
Caesar succeeded, and the Pompeian were overcome with disorder in the ranks and
chaos, essentially leading to their demise. The battlefield was a gruesome
scene; it is rumored that almost 30,000 Pompeians were killed.”
Appius
hung his head low in sadness. His brother and a few very close friends were
fighting for the Republic at that battle. Time would tell if he would see their
return but Appius braced himself for the news he felt was inevitable. His
messenger advised that Caesar was vividly celebrating the defeat of the
Pompeians. Appius looked away in disgust. A moral and deserving leader would
never openly celebrate triumph over fellow Romans. The thought of it
substantiated Appius’ already deep founded hatred of Caesar. He was not pleased
with this new information and thought sadly of the Rome he would be raising his
daughter in: a return to dictator and absolute rule.
