Simplify the following text for a Grade 6 native English-speaking person.
Original: News of Pompey 's defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus caused Cassius to head for Hellespont , with hopes of allying with the king of Pontus , Pharnaces II .
Simplified: News of Pompey 's defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus caused Cassius to head for the Hellespont .