Africa must now be subdued. Since the defeat and death of Curio, King
JUBA had found no one to dispute his authority. Around him now rallied
all the followers of Pompey, Metellus Scipio, Cato, Labiénus,
Afranius, Petreius, and the slain general's two sons, Sextus and
Gnaeus Pompeius.

Utica was made their head-quarters. Here Cato collected thirteen
legions of troops of miscellaneous character. Raids were made upon
Sicily, Sardinia, and the coasts of Italy. Caesar's officers, if
captured, were put to death without mercy.

Cicero alone of the old Pompeian party protested against such
cruelties. He remained in Italy, was denounced by them as a traitor,
and charged with currying favor of the Dictator.

Caesar sailed from Lilybaeum (December 19), effected a landing near
Leptis, and maintained himself in a fortified position until he formed
useful alliances among the Mauretanians. Many Roman residents in the
province came to him, indignant at Metellus Scipio's promise to Juba
to give the province to him in case of success. Many deserters also
came in, enraged that precedence was given to Juba over Scipio in
councils of war. But the enemy's army was kept full of new recruits
sent from Utica by Cato.

For three months Caesar failed to bring on the desired engagement;
Scipio had learned caution from Pompey's experience at Pharsalia.
Finally, at THAPSUS, one hundred miles southeast of Carthage, April 4,
46, the armies met. Caesar's men were so enthusiastic that they rushed
to the charge with one impulse. There was no real battle, but rather a