Why did julius caesar chase pompey out of rome?
Ceaser didn’t chase him out, Pompey left Italy because although it was a secure base for him and the senate faction it would mean a renewal of the devestating civl war inside the heartland of the empire. That’s one of the reasons mentioned in Plutarch’s “Lives”. It would also give the chance to raise more troops, especially hardened veterans, from mercinaires and pro Senate settlers (including ex legionaries) in Greece and Asia Minor. Pompey’s reputation in Asia Minor was almost legendary, and it was easier to build up his forces there than in Italy. Remember, the four legions that Ceaser had were hard core professionals with at least five years experience of hard fighting against the Gauls. He chose to take his troops to Greece and fight from there, he also thought he could control the sea between Greece and Italy and so slow down or defeat Ceaser as he crossed over to fight him. Unfortunately for him, Pompey’s larger but less experienced army was still beaten by Ceaser at Pharsalus.
