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Gnaeus Pompeius was the oldest son of Pompey the Great (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus) by his third wife, Mucia Tertia. His younger brother was Sextus Pompeius, from the same mother. Both boys grew up in the shade of his father, one of Rome's best generals and originally non-conservative politician who drifted to the more traditional faction when Julius Caesar became a threat. When Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, thus starting a civil war, Gnaeus followed his father in their escape to the East, as did most of the conservative senators. Pompey's army lost the battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC and Pompey himself had to run for his life, only to be murdered in Egypt on September 29 of the same year.

After the murder, Gnaeus and his brother Sextus joined resistance against Caesar in the Africa provinces. Together with Metellus Scipio, Cato the youngerMarcus Porcius Cato Uticencis ( 95 BC- 46 BC), known as Cato the younger to distinguish him from his great-grandfather Cato the Elder, was a Roman politician and statesman, and a follower of the Stoic philosophy. He is remembered for his legendary stubbor and other senators, they prepared to oppose Caesar and his army to the end. Caesar won the first battle at ( ThapsusThe Battle of Thapsus took place on February 6, 46 BC near Thapsus (modern Ras Dimas, Tunisia). The Conservative Republican Army, led by Marcus Porcius Cato, the younger and Quintus Caecillius Metellus Scipio clashed with the forces of Julius Caesar, who) in 46 BCCenturies: 2nd century BC 1st century BC 1st century Decades: 90s BC 80s BC 70s BC 60s BC 50s BC 40s BC 30s BC 20s BC 10s BC 0s BC 0s Years: 51 BC 50 BC 49 BC 48 BC 47 BC 46 BC 45 BC 44 BC 43 BC 42 BC 41 BC Events February 6 Julius Caesar defeats army of, against Metellus Scipio and Cato, who committed suicide. Gnaeus escaped once again, this time to the Balearic IslandsComunitat Autonoma de les Illes Balears Comunidad Autonoma de las Illes Balears Capital Palma de Mallorca Official languages Catalan and Castilian Area total % of Spain Ranked 17th 4 992 km² 1,0% Population Total (2003) % of Spain Density Ranked 14th 916, where he joined Sextus. Together with Titus LabienusTitus Labienus (c. 100 BC March 17, 45 BC) was the most important member of a Roman family said (without authority) to belong to the gens Atia. He is remembered as one of Caesar's lieutenants, mentioned frequently in the accounts of his military campaigns, former general in Caesar's army, the Pompey brothers cross over to Hispania provinces, where they raised yet another army.

Caesar and his legionsSee also Legion software and Legion forummer. The Roman legion (from the Latin legio meaning levy) was the basic military unit of ancient Rome. It consisted of about 5,000 to 6,000 (later 8,000) infantry soldiers and several hundred cavalrymen. Legions we soon follow and, on March 17March 17 is the 76th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (77th in Leap years). There are 289 days remaining. Events 45 BC In his last victory, Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger in the Battle of Munda., 45 BCCenturies: 2nd century BC 1st century BC 1st century Decades: 90s BC 80s BC 70s BC 60s BC 50s BC 40s BC 30s BC 20s BC 10s BC 0s BC 0s Years: 50 BC 49 BC 48 BC 47 BC 46 BC 45 BC 44 BC 43 BC 42 BC 41 BC 40 BC Events January 1 Julian calendar goes into effec the armies met in the battle of Munda. Both armies were very strong in numbers and led by able generals. The battle was heavily fought, but eventually a cavalry charge by Caesar turned the events to his side. Titus Labienus and an estimated 30,000 men of the Pompeian side died not only in the battle, but also in the panicked escape that followed. Gnaeus and Sextus managed to escape once again. However, this time, supporters were difficult to find because with Munda, it was clear Caesar had won the civil war. Within a few weeks, Gnaeus Pompeius was caught and executed for treason. Sextus Pompeius was able to keep one step ahead of his enemies, and outlived his older brother for a number of years.