Thapsus

views updated

Thapsus (thăp´səs), ancient N African seaport, c.100 mi (161 km) SE of Carthage in what is now Tunisia. The last stronghold of Pompey's party, the town was besieged in 46 BC by Julius Caesar. There Metellus Pius Scipio and the Numidians under Juba I offered battle, but were defeated, with a tremendous loss of men. Their defeat marked the end of opposition to Caesar in Africa.