Historical Background
Gnaeus Pompey had regained his confidence after his victory at Valentia, and now moved quickly to engage Quintus Sertorius before Quintus Caecilius Metellus could arrive with his reinforcing army and share in the honor of victory. Sertorius was equally eager to fight before Metellus’ arrival would tip the odds in Pompey’s favor. As the battle commenced, Sertorius at first deployed opposite Afranius, holding him in check until he received word that his left (under the vain, but mediocre Perpenna) was giving way before Pompey’s onslaught. Sertorius then drove Afranius back and wheeled to the assistance of his left wing. Pompey’s forces, advancing in apparent victory, were struck in the flank and swept off the field in disorder. Pompey only managed to escape by abandoning his horse and sneaking away on foot. During the night, his badly beaten army was bolstered by Metellus’ arrival. The opposing armies deployed again for battle the next day, but Sertorius, seeing numbers were now against him, withdrew his weakened but victorious army to his mountain strongholds to fight another day. Sertorius remained undefeated. He negotiated alliances with the Cilician pirates, Mithradates VI of Pontus, and Spartacus in Italy, creating a serious crisis for Rome. However, all of Sertorius’ successes were undone by the petty jealousy of Perpenna and a small group of Roman exiles, who assassinated the great general at a banquet. Once Sertorius had been killed in 72 BC, Pompey and Metellus quickly mopped up the leaderless rebellion. Pompey would next race back to Italy to join with Crassus in the final campaign against Spartacus.
The stage is set. The battle lines are drawn and you are in command. The rest is history.
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War Council
Sertorian Army
• Leader: Quintus Sertorius
• 6 Command Cards
Roman Army
• Leader: Pompey
• 5 Command Cards
• Move First
Victory
6 Banners
Special Rules
• Marius Legions Rule is in effect for both armies.