Problems of provisions for the Roman army in the war of Gaius Julius Caesar against Gnaeus Pompeius in the East in 48 B.C.

Abstract

The article analyzes the problem of supplying Roman armies with food during the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey in the East in 48 BC, emphasizing the importance of logistics for the conduct of military operations. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the role of provisioning as a factor determining the effectiveness of strategy and the outcome of campaigns. The author bases his considerations on ancient sources, analyzing descriptions of military actions and supply difficulties. The results indicate that the Balkans, especially Greece and Epirus, were forced to bear the burden of maintaining large armies, which led to rapid exhaustion of local resources. Pompey, taking advantage of his naval superiority, attempted to secure stable grain supplies and at the same time cut off Caesar from access to resources. However, difficult geographical conditions, limited agricultural production, and problems with transport made the effective supply of troops a serious challenge. The author describes the use of requisitions, plundering, and control of communication routes as basic methods of obtaining food. Attention is also drawn to difficulties related to the functioning of the fleet and periodic shortages, which affected the morale of soldiers. The conclusion is that military logistics played a crucial role in shaping strategic decisions and had a direct impact on the course and outcome of the conflict.