Antony and Pansa Clash at Forum Gallorum

April 14, 43 BC - On this day, the forces of Mark Antony (left) and Gaius Vibius Pansa Caetronianus clashed at Forum Gallorum. In the chaos following the death of Julius Caesar, Antony with his legions had cornered the conspirator Brutus near Mutina. Pansa had been sent north by the Senate to join up with troops under Aulus Hirtius and Octavian, with orders for the combined force to assist Brutus. Antony, positioned between Pansa and Hirtius, hoped to deal with each force in turn.

Attacking outside Forum Gallorum, Antony mortally wounded Pansa and routed his forces. As Antony's army was celebrating their victory, it was shocked to see Hirtius' forces arrive on the field. Slamming into Antony's tired legions, Hirtius turned the battle and forced Antony to retreat. The armies would meet again six days later at the Battle of Mutina.

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