ABSTRACT
Bellum Civile II affords the reader an opportunity to witness the deeds of Caesar’s legates, who were quite marginal in BC I. The actions of C. Trebonius, J. Brutus and C. Curio are here elaborately narrated. The general tone of these descriptions is uniformly positive. Although Caesar’s legates were brave and loyal, they were at their best only when assisted by Caesar, whether through direct orders (Trebonius) or through his chosen men (Brutus). But when Caesar was absent from the scene matters became more complex, indeed fatal (Curio). Caesar’s own nature emerges through the depiction of his legates. Their acts of mercy and courage reflect on their commander, just as the Pompeians’ acts of brutality and cowardice reflect on theirs.
