Welcome to another short series of training materials for the Great Battles of Julius Caesar – Deluxe Edition; this is the newest installment in acclaimed series, depicting ancient and medieval battles. Not only we have here combination of two earlier titles for Julius Caesar but also a completely refreshed rulebook, playbook and graphics.

Again, what I am presenting below is probably the best way as it works for me to familiarize with the new game, its concepts & components. I play solo thorough the scenarios – optimizing activations for both sides – and explain rules on the fly. Hope you will enjoy it!

The Game

Great Battles of Julius Caesar Deluxe Edition brings together Caesar: The Civil Wars, published in 1994, and Caesar: Conquest of Gaul, published in 1996. These always were some of the most popular volumes in the Great Battles of History Series, following titles like The Great Battles of Alexander or SPQR.

The scenario book features 20 battles presented in a chronological order that traces the evolution of the Roman military system from early battles against various foreign foes (Marius and Sulla), Caesar’s wars in Gaul followed by Caesar’s wars against his Roman rivals, and culminating with the Roman invasion of Britain a century later.

As such, the Deluxe Edition uses the same “basic” system as the preceding titles in the series. Let me briefly point them out: Troops activation & sequence based on Generals ratings and initiative system (with possibility for trump and momentum!); Battle resolution based on units types, direction of attack, size of units, weapons system, etc.; Cohesion and Troops Quality as decisive metrics of soldiers experience and value in battle; Rout, Rally and Depletion aspects, allowing the broken units for return to fight and many more mechanics making this system pretty detailed simulation.

Scenario 1 – Lutetia 52 BC

Historical background: Lutetia (Paris) 52 BC. The battle of Lutetia (May 52 B.C.) was a victory won by Titus Labienus, Caesar’s most able lieutenant during the Gallic War, over the Senones and Parisii on the left bank of the Seine close to the center of modern Paris. After the capture of Avaricum Caesar split his army in half. He took six legions south, into the lands of the Arverni, to besiege Gergovia on the Allier, while Labienus was sent north, with four legions, into the lands of the Senones and Parisii.

Scenario description: While the Gauls definitely outnumber the Romans (by about 35%) they lack quality and leadership. It should be a relatively easy for Romans to quell the rebellion. That is also one of the smallest scenarios in the box and perfect place to start leaning Great battles of Julius Caesar.

Part one, focusing on scenario description, rules explanation and initial turns.

Part two, depicting heat of the battle and complex situations which occurred on the map.

That was truly a great start into the world of Great Battles of Julius Caesar. The length and size of the game on one hand allows to test major system mechanics, on the other allows to finish the battle in one sitting. Definitely start here.

Scenario 2 – Nicopolis 58 BC

Historical background: Nicopolis (48 BC). The Battle of Nicopolis was fought in December 48 BC between the army of Pharnaces II of Pontus, the son of Mithdridates VI Eupator, and a Roman army led by Gnaeus Domitius Calvinus. After defeating Pompey and the optimates at Pharsalus, Julius Caesar pursued his opponents to Asia Minor and then to Egypt. In the Roman province of Asia he left Calvinus in command with an army including the 36th Legion, mainly made up of veterans from Pompey’s disbanded legions. With Caesar preoccupied in Egypt and the Roman Republic in the midst of a civil war, Pharnaces saw an opportunity to expand his Kingdom of the Bosphorus into his father’s old Pontic empire. In 48 BC he invaded Cappadocia, Bithynia, and Armenia Parva.

Scenario description: this one is much more balanced then Lutetia. Both sides have some formidable forces – the Pontic Heavy Infantry is definitely a match for those not-so-elite Roman Legions. The ditches hinder the movement so in the end it might come to clash of both sides where the stronger will prevail.

Part 1 with historical background and short recap of rules.
Part 2 where both sides clashes and the struggle for victory achieves its peak!

That was much closer call then historically – Pontic forces, especially the heavier armored, were a close match for Roman Legions. It did not helped that the Roman commander was not fully up to the task 🙂

I hope below set will help you do your first steps in wonderful world of Great Battle of History.

Enjoy!