Pompey had abandoned Rome, ordering all senators and public officials to accompany him as he withdrew south to Brundisium. From there, he transported his troops across the Adriatic to Dyrrhachium in Thessaly, an operation performed with almost complete success. Lacking ships to pursue him, Caesar first secured his rear by subduing Pompeian forces in Hispania, before returning to Rome in December 49 BC. This gave Pompey time to build an army nearly twice the size of his opponents, while his navy destroyed two fleets being built for Caesar, ensuring the Pompeians retained control of the sea lanes.
Pompey had abandoned Rome ordering all senators and public officials to accompany him as he withdrew south to Brundisium From there he transported his troops across the Adriatic to Dyrrhachium in Thessaly an operation performed with almost complete success Lacking ships to pursue him Caesar first secured his rear by subduing Pompeian forces in Hispania before returning to Rome in December 49 BC This gave Pompey time to build an army nearly twice the size of his opponents while his navy destroyed two fleets being built for Caesar ensuring the Pompeians retained control of the sea lanes