Southern Spain was the site of Caesar’s final battle in his Civil War against the remnants of Pompey the Great’s army. The army amassed in Spain against Caesar was led by the sons of the late Pompey, Gneaus and Sextus Pompeius along with the very able General Titus Labienus who had been Caesar’s best general in his conquest of Gaul.
The army facing Caesar’s eight legions and 8,000 cavalry was large although not battle-tested. The opposition consisted of thirteen legions with cavalry and Auxiliary forces. Caesar’s enemy occupied the high ground of the rolling hills in the battle arena. As Caesar’s army advanced, it was through volleys of arrows and javelins before meeting the enemy sword-to-sword. Caesar’s army paused before their uphill adversary. Removing his helmet to provide clear visibility to all, Caesar dismounted his horse and drew his sword, then took a shield from the warrior closest to him and yelled to his officers and men, “If we fail here it will be the end of my life and your careers.” After yelling encouragements to his officers and men, Caesar charged with sword in hand against his enemies.
Galvanized by Caesar’s example, his army defeated Pompey’s army. General Titus Labienus died in the fighting. Gnaeus Pompeius was wounded and subsequently killed escaping from Cordoba. Sextus Pompeius survived and fled. Assembling a number of ships, Sextus went on to become a pirate preying on Roman shipping. He was eventually captured and killed some years later.
Munda was Caesar’s final battle. His Civil War won, he went on to be dictator of Rome.