Page "Battle of Munda" Paragraph 3

After this, military opposition to Caesar was confined to Hispania ( the Iberian Peninsula, comprising modern Spain and Portugal ).

During the Spring of 46 BC two legions in Hispania Ulterior, largely formed by former Pompeian veterans enrolled in Caesar ’ s army, had declared themselves for Gnaeus Pompeius ( son of Pompey the Great ) and driven out Caesar ’ s proconsul.

Soon they were joined by the remains of the Pompeian army.

These forces were commanded by the brothers Gnaeus Pompeius and Sextus ( sons of Pompey ) and by the talented general Titus Labienus, who had been one of the most trusted of Caesar ’ s generals during the Gallic wars.

Using the resources of the province they were able to raise an army of three legions.

These were the two original veteran legions, and one additional legion recruited from Roman citizens and local inhabitants in Hispania.

They took control of almost all Hispania Ulterior, including the important Roman colonies of Italica and Corduba ( the capital of the province ).

Caesar ’ s generals Quintus Fabius Maximus and Quintus Pedius did not risk a battle and remained encamped at Oculbo, about east of Corduba, requesting help from Caesar.