The Battle of Philippi

By Crusader1307

Fought between October 3 to 23, 42 B.C. - The Battle of Philippi (Greece), was fought between Roman Triumvirates (Pro-Emperor) and The Opimates (Anti-Emperor). Emperor Julius Caesar had been recently assassinated by members of his Senate. Orchestrated by his closest friends and allies Brutus and Cassius, they formed an Opitmate Army (with the hopes of being able to place their choice for Emperor of Rome). Seeking revenge for the assassination, a Triumvirate Army commanded by Marc Antony, Octavian Caesar and Marcus Lepidus (100,000) – marched on the “Traitors”. The two Roman Armies met in the marshy and rock strewn landscape of Philipi, Greece.

The Opumates had prepared well. They had entrenched into the landscape and created fighting position. Using the natural swampy ground and rocky surrounding cliffs to their advantage, they felt safe. The bulk of The Opimate Camp (and undefended) was far in the rear. Using this approach, The Triumvirate Army fell upon the Camp (at it's rear) and drove The Opimates forward – into their own trap!. Bogged down in the marshes and swamps, The Triumvirates fired down into their enemies (or cut them down as they tried to escape). Rather than face trail, Cassius committed suicide. Fighting to the end, Brutus tried to rally his forces and outflank The Triumvirates. Using the narrow passes of the surrounding mountains, Brutus limited Triumvirate Cavalry in it's usage.

The fight now became close quarter and hand to hand. Holding their own, The Opimates unfortunately began to wind down. Unable to hold, they retreated (in good order) from the passes. Attempting to regroup, Triumvirate Cavalry captured them as they came out of the mountain passes. Brutus committed suicide. Many of The Opimates were executed (but some were exiled).