Spain was in the hands of Pompey's lieutenants, Afranius, Petreius, and Varro, who had six legions and allied troops.

From Sicily and Sardinia came most of the grain supplies of Rome, and it was important to hold these islands.

To Sicily he sent Curio and to Sardinia Valerius.

Cato, who was in charge of Sicily, immediately abandoned it and fled to Africa.

Sardinia received Caesar's troops with open arms.
Upon his arrival in Gaul, Caesar found that the inhabitants of Massilia had risen against his authority, led by the same Domitius whom he had sent away unharmed from Corfinium.