What year was the Battle of Pharsalus fought?

The Battle of Pharsalus was fought in 48 BC during the Roman Civil War between Julius Caesar and the forces of Pompey the Great. This significant battle marked a turning point in the conflict, as Caesar's victory solidified his power and diminished the influence of Pompey and the traditional Senate. Following this encounter, Pompey fled to Egypt, where he later met his demise. The date is critical for understanding the timeline of the power struggle in late Republican Rome and the ensuing changes in governance following Caesar's rise.