AHENOBARBUS, LUCIUS DOMITIUS

died , 48 BC, Pharsalus, Macedonia [now Frsala, Greece] a leader of the Optimates (conservative senatorial aristocracy) in the last years of the Roman Republic. After the powerful generals Julius Caesar, Gnaeus Pompey, and Marcus Licinius Crassus formed an unofficial ruling triumvirate in 60 BC, Ahenobarbus repeatedly resisted their designs. As candidate for the consulate of 55, he pledged that, if elected, he would remove Caesar from the command in Gaul. The triumvirs met this threat by developing a strategy that postponed Ahenobarbus' consulate until 54. By this time he was unable to challenge their power effectively. In January 49, however, the Senate outlawed Caesar and appointed Ahenobarbus to replace him in Gaul. Caesar then crossed the Rubicon and marched on Rome, precipitating the civil war of 4945. Against the advice of Pompey, who had joined the senatorial camp, Ahenobarbus attempted to stop the invading army at Corfinium in central Italy. He was defeated and captured by Caesar but soon released. Immediately he raised a revolt against the Caesarians at Massilia (now Marseille) but died in battle against Caesar.