29.12.26: Level 3+ (review); Dooge LXXV [4] comprehension (3)

Item Caesar, animō ad dīmicandum parātus, exercitum suum ēdūxit et septem cohortibus praesidiō castrīs relictīs cōpiās triplicī aciē īnstrūxit. Tum, mīlitibus studiō pugnae ārdentibus, tubā signum dedit. Mīlitēs prōcurrērunt et pīlīs missīs gladiōs strīnxērunt. Neque vērō virtūs hostibus dēfuit. Nam et tēla missa sustinuērunt et impetum gladiōrum excēpērunt et ōrdinēs cōnservāvērunt. Utrimque diū et ācriter pugnātum est nec quisquam pedem rettulit. Tum equitēs Pompēī aciem Caesaris circumīre cōnātī sunt. Quod ubi Caesar animadvertit, tertiam aciem, quae ad id tempus quiēta fuerat, prōcurrere iussit. Tum vērō integrōrum impetum dēfessī hostēs sustinēre nōn potuērunt et omnēs terga vertērunt. Sed Pompēius dē fortūnīs suīs dēspērāns sē in castra equō contulit, inde mox cum paucīs equitibus effūgit.

• integer, -ra, -rum: (here) ‘fresh’ but referring to troops that are uninjured, healthy, not tired

[1] “Item Caesar… dedit.”

[i] What was the purpose of the seven cohorts left behind? (1)

[ii] To what does the phrase aciē triplicī refer? (1)

[iii] Quote and translate the phrase that emphasises the soldiers’ eagerness to fight. (2)

[2] “Mīlitēs … rettulit.”

In which order do the following actions take place?

javelins thrown _____

not giving ground _____

forward charge _____

keeping rank _____

swords drawn _____

[3] “Tum equitēs … effūgit.”

[i] What did Caesar notice? (2)

[ii] What order did he give and to whom? (1)

[iii] Why did the enemy ‘turn their backs’ i.e. flee? (2)

[iv] How does the last sentence convey Pompey’s utter defeat? Give your own opinion with reference to the text. (4)

____________________

[1]

[i] to guard the camp

[ii] a type of military formation

https://adckl.blogspot.com/2024/05/160424-acies-triplex.html

[iii] mīlitibus studiō pugnae ārdentibus | with the soldiers burning with eagerness to fight

[2]

javelins thrown [2]

not giving ground [5]

forward charge [1]

keeping rank [4]

swords drawn [3]

[3]

[i] Pompey’s cavalry had tried to surround (1) Caesar’s battle line (2)

[ii] he ordered the third line to charge

[iii] the enemy were exhausted (1); could not withstand the attack of fresh troops (1)

[iv]

Suggested answer: the sentence implies a loss of confidence and retreat / abandonment (or loss of control) of the majority of his troops / acceptance of his fate (any one) (1)

he despaired of his fortunes (1); rode back to camp (1); soon fled with a few cavalary (1)