CAESAR: The Great Battles of Julius Caesar – The Civil Wars 48-45 B.C.

GMT Games · Board game · 1994
— Ludopedia 7.2 BGG 1–4 · best 2 Solo 360 min Weight 3.4/5
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— rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you're someone who thrives on military history and loves a good strategic challenge, CAESAR: The Great Battles of Julius Caesar is a treat! It's a true wargame that transports you directly into the Roman Civil Wars with impressive fidelity. The experience is one of total immersion, where every tactical decision can change the course of battle, and the feeling of commanding Roman legions is simply epic. Prepare for hours of strategy and historical twists!

Highlights
  • Impeccable historical fidelity
  • Deep combat system
  • High strategic challenge
  • Scenario replayability
  • Immersion in Civil Wars
Keep in mind
  • Long play time
  • Steep learning curve
  • Many components
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready to relive one of the most tense periods in Roman history with CAESAR: The Great Battles of Julius Caesar – The Civil Wars 48-45 B.C.! In 49 B.C., Rome is in turmoil, with armed mobs ruling the streets and the First Triumvirate in tatters. The Roman Republic hangs by a thread, and destiny rests in the hands of two titans: on one side, Pompey the Great, with his ambition and somewhat limited military vision; on the other, the unparalleled Gaius Julius Caesar, the conqueror of Gaul, a political and military figure of legendary cunning and ambition.

When news of the stalemate reaches Caesar and his XIII Legion on the banks of the Rubicon, the famous phrase 'Alea iacta est' (the die is cast) echoes, sealing the beginning of a civil war that would change the course of history. This epic wargame puts you in command of five of the most crucial battles of this conflict, using the acclaimed Great Battles of History (GBoH) basic system from GMT Games. You'll have the chance to rewrite history or follow in Caesar's footsteps in clashes like Pharsalus (48 B.C.), Dyrrhachium-Lesnika (48 B.C.), Thapsus (46 B.C.), Ruspina (46 B.C.), and Munda (45 B.C.). It's your turn to decide the future of Rome!

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players
1 REC
2 BEST
3 OK
4 OK

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Ancient: Rome Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) History: Roman Civil Wars Players: Two-Player Only Games Players: Wargames with Rules Supporting Only Two Players Series: Great Battles of History (GMT Games)
Publisher GMT Games
Designer Mark Herman, Richard H. Berg
Artist Mark Simonitch, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,131owners
84wishlist
25want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for CAESAR?
Well, get ready for a marathon! A full game can easily take 6 hours or more. It's a game for those who love immersion and have plenty of time for each scenario.
How many players can participate?
CAESAR is ideal for 2 players, who control the factions of Caesar and Pompey. While it supports up to 4, the most classic and tense experience is one-on-one.
Is it a complex game for wargame beginners?
Yes, it has considerable complexity (BGG weight 3.44/5). The Great Battles of History system is detailed and requires dedication to master. It's not ideal for those just starting in the world of wargames.
What are the main components of the game?
Expect detailed battle maps, hundreds of counters representing military units, dice for combat, and, of course, a very robust rulebook to guide your conquests.
Does the game focus more on military strategy or political aspects?
The emphasis is entirely on military strategy and battlefield tactics. You'll be moving legions, outflanking enemies, and using terrain to your advantage, replicating the decisions of generals of the era.
Does CAESAR have expansions or other games in the same series?
Yes! CAESAR is part of the acclaimed 'Great Battles of History' (GBoH) series from GMT Games, which features several other titles simulating major historical conflicts. If you enjoy this one, there's much more to explore!

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