Pharsalia : Kessinger Publishing : 9781161448177 : 1161448179 : 23 May 2010 : Pharsalia is an epic poem written by the Roman poet Lucanus, also known as Marcus Annaeus Lucanus. The poem tells the story of the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great, which took place in the first century BC. The work is divided into ten books, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the conflict.The poem begins with the events leading up to the war, including Caesar's rise to power and Pompey's attempts to maintain his own authority. As the conflict unfolds, Lucanus describes the battles and political maneuverings that take place on both sides. He also explores the motivations and personalities of the main characters, including Caesar, Pompey, and Cato the Younger.Throughout the poem, Lucanus employs a vivid and dramatic style, using striking imagery and powerful language to convey the horrors of war and the suffering it inflicts on both soldiers and civilians. He also reflects on th