Battles & Campaigns · 49 BCE
Battle of Ilerda
Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
What happened
Julius Caesar fought the Pompeian army in Spain under Lucius Afranius and Marcus Petreius. Spring floods hit his camp, so his men dug channels to divert the River Sicoris. When the Pompeians tried to withdraw, Caesar followed, blocked their route and surrounded them until they surrendered.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was won mostly by marching and blocking rather than a big battle. It removed Pompey's threat in Spain, freeing Caesar to face Pompey himself.
What came next
Caesar went on to defeat Pompey at Pharsalus in 48 BCE. Ilerda later became the Roman town that is now Lleida.
Did you know?
Ilerda was the main town of an Iberian people called the Ilergetes.
Timeline
- June 49 BCEThe campaign around Ilerda begins.
- By 30 July 49 BCEThe Pompeian army surrenders.
- 48 BCECaesar wins at Pharsalus.