One of the appealing elements in the Gallic Wars is inclusion of the many Roman tactical errors. Marcus Petronius, a centurion in the same legion, tries to cut down a gate but is overwhelmed. As promised, Vercingetorix attempts to get the other Gauls to join the war. With arrangements made and Trebonius left in charge, Caesar set out for Genabum, a Carnute town that had been preparing to send troops to help Vellaunodum fight, Caesar. He pauses for two days, then leaves his army and pretends to be out seeing to further inductions. The Romans finally had success with a sudden attack, which frightened many of the Gauls into flight. Labienus bravely encourages his soldiers, then joins in the combat himself. Seeing that mighty Caesar is victorious, they seize those whom they think roused them to battle and bring them to Caesar, pleading for his acceptance of their surrender. His forces grow rapidly. Caesar informs the Aeduan state that he might easily have put the column to death, but that he chose to show mercy. In addition, the stones protect it from fire. Of the two, then, Caesar decides that the lack of food is preferable to the disgrace of not being able to protect his allies, so he tells the Aedui to transport the supplies for his army, then informs the Boii that he is on the march. But one link in their defense fails: one of the grease and pitch throwers loses his position on the wall and the Romans are quick to overpower the opening. But, while the residents are fulfilling Caesar's demands on them, the vanguard of Vercingetorix' army is sighted. audiobook, librivox, Latin literature, Caesar, Gaul, Gallic war. The job is enthusiastically completed and two legions cross the river. Vercingetorix saw what had happened and gave up, surrendering himself and his weapons. When Vercingetorix learned what Caesar was doing, he headed back to the Biturgies and then to the non-allied Boiian town of Gergovia in order to attack it. Caesar's very competent legate, Labienus, found himself surrounded by two newly rebelling groups and so needed to move out his troops by stealth. Although he clearly had much first-hand contact with Celts, some scholars believe that he also drew upon Posidonius. Vercingetorix and Caesar are the main figures in Book VII of De Bello Gallico, Caesar's narrative about his wars in Gaul, although the Roman allies, the Aedui, also play a large role. There is much confusion, but as always Caesar has two legions in the bivouac ready for such emergencies and he also has the construction relief crews, if need arises. But, because they have committed great crimes, they are afraid that they will be severely dealt with. Commentarii de Bello Civili (Commentaries on the Civil War), or Bellum Civile, is an account written by Julius Caesar of his war against Gnaeus Pompeius and the Senate. Vercingetorix, in the city, sees the Romans under full attack, so moves out with all the machinery his men need to cross the Roman trenches. He sees now that the enemy's camp is empty, so moves his men from the larger to the smaller camp and tells the commanders to keep the troops under control because everything depends on speed and surprise. All rights reserved. Caesar is hesitant to leave the war, but knows that if the Aeduan dispute is not settled, the losing party will probably join Vercingetorix. Moving quickly by night, the Roman general reaches the enemy's camp by morning, but he is unable to take it by surprise. But because the Boii have little grain and the Aedui are of little help in providing grain, Caesar's troops must endure several days without grain; on other days they have only cattle captured in distant villages, but in spite of this, morale remains high. Finally, ending the day's engagement, Vercingetorix, as the victor, called off the fight for the day when new Roman legions arrived. It is little wonder that Caesar is accorded heroic stature, especially after one considers the deeds recorded in this book. Vercingetorix then led his army to Alesia. Labienus then led his men to join Caesar. Vercingetorix was able to calm the other leaders despite all the recent disasters. Marcus Antonius and Gaius Trebonius, in charge of the defense of the sections under attack, take soldiers from areas not being attacked and have them move behind the defenders to help wherever possible. This he did, and after his troops had surprised the Aeduans, they took the food and cattle they found in the fields and then marched off to the territory of the Senones. The next day the allies came closer and many were injured on the Roman fortifications, so they withdrew. Caesar secures his baggage on a hill, then leaves two legions to guard it while he takes the rest of the army in pursuit. The Biturgies begged that Vercingetorix not burn their noblest city, Avaricum. Litaviccus has been received by the Aedui at Bibracte, has been joined by Convictolitavis, and has sent representatives to make a treaty with Vercingetorix. They pledge safe passage to Marcus Aristius, saying that he may leave the town of Cabillonum, and that the traders who had settled there must also go, but as soon as they start out, the Aedui attack and take all equipment and baggage, then blockade them for a day and a night. He also tells them to send him all their horsemen plus 10,000 infantry troops, which he needs to guard his grain supply. The Remi and Lingones do not attend this meeting for they are still friends of Rome. One of those in on the discussion was Litavicus, who was put in charge of the infantry being sent to Caesar. Caesar then took some of his men with him and rode to the army of the Aedui and presented to them those very men they thought the Romans had killed. They burned the town so the Romans couldn't feed themselves from it and began to build up armed garrisons around the river. The Gauls are overjoyed for it seems that their cavalry is sure to win. Caesar's troops found ample provisions, and by this time winter was almost over. There is also an 8th book, written by Aulus Hirtius. The Arverni and allies divided into three groups to attack. Trust is reestablished and his men praise him for such loyalty and intelligence. And by doing what the enemy had considered impossible, Caesar strikes fear into the enemy. The Tenth Legion, which he had accompanied on the charge, stops as instructed, but the others do not hear the trumpet and they continue charging. Since the Roman government disapproved of Caesar’s undertakings, his literary aim in the Gallic War is to merely justify his actions of his annexation of Gaul (modern France) to Rome. The Aeduans who have not heard that Litaviccus was a traitor act on his first advice and, according to the initial plans, plunder and kill many Roman citizens in their midst and enslave many others. He orders each state to supply certain numbers of soldiers and requests that all archers be brought to him. Caesars Gallic War also had a very intense study on Caesars military campaigns, and the art of war. If the Romans moved by chance, he says, then the Gauls may thank fortune, and if they moved because of an informer, the Gauls should thank the informer- now they know how few in number the Romans are and that they are reluctant to fight Vercingetorix. So, just after midnight, Caesar sends his cavalry there with instructions to be extra noisy in their movements. Caesar has anticipated just such a move. LibriVox recording of Commentaries on the Gallic War, by Gaius Julius Caesar. They do not get through the trench and, at daybreak, decide to pull back. Vercingetorix broke down all bridges over the river, but this proved only a temporary set-back for the Romans. Now, grouped together on high ground, they wait. He had to figure out how to reach the main forces without putting them in danger. ), Parisii, Pictones, Cadurci, Turones, Aulerci, Lemovice, the Ruteni, and others to his own armed forces. For a year, two men — Convictolitavis and Cotus — have both claimed legal right as chief magistrate, and the state is divided, each man having his following. Thus he travels to the Aedui, hears the conflicting claims and makes his decision: Cotus must give up his claim; Convictolitavis is the legally elected magistrate. Fabius expects another attack on the following day. Vercingetorix suggested a scorched-earth policy. He reminds them that there will be reward once it is over. The plan is harsh, but the alternative in defeat is harsher: Families will be made slaves and soldiers will be slaughtered. He then asked the Aedui to send him all their cavalry plus 10,000 infantry. ], Caesar, when departing from his winter quarters into Italy, as he had been accustomed to do yearly, commands the lieutenants whom he appointed over the legions to take care that during the winter as many ships as possible should be built, and the old repaired. Especially in the case of Avaricum, He could say the Romans didn't defeat them by valor but by a new technique the Gauls hadn't seen before, and besides, he might have said, he had wanted to torch Avaricum but had only left it standing because of the pleas of the Biturgies. He has Eporedorix and Viridomarus move up with the horsemen so that their people will see that they have not been murdered. 41:48. She has been featured by NPR and National Geographic for her ancient history expertise. After many have been kille4 on both sides, the Aedui bring up reinforcements. Vercingetorix' followers are less trusting and accuse their leader of treachery; he moved their camps near the Romans, then went off with the cavalry and left the camp without a commander. There are a few more skirmishes during the next few days, but no major battles because Vercingetorix cannot be lured to level ground. He moves his forces inside the city to await the new troops from Gaul. And Caesar quite deliberately presents him in this way because if Vercingetorix is shown to be a superior leader; then Caesar's success against him is even more impressive. He quickly gets his army together and, though matters are still dangerous, he is able to move with striking effect. The Bituriges fearfully ask the Aedui for help and the Aedui, on the advice of the Romans, send infantry and cavalry. They were able to ride through the places where the Romans hadn't yet completed their fortification. Convictolitavis is seemingly ungrateful for Caesar's decision. Vercassivellaunus, commander of the forces, hides the men behind the hill just before dawn and at noon he moves against the Roman camp. The Gauls on the city side of the Roman lines empty the Roman turrets by firing missiles, then fill in the trenches and tear down the breastworks by pulling them over with large hooks, but all is not theirs yet Caesar sends young Brutus with troops, and Gaius Fabius with even more, then goes himself with still more until the enemy is beaten back. Hearing that Caesar is cutting a bloody path toward him, Vercingetorix leaves the attack against the Boii and turns to meet the Romans. Then, suddenly, the enemy is aware that the Roman cavalry has come up behind them, so they try to run, but the cavalry kills great numbers. Many hostages are then taken and the legions are sent into winter quarters. The Gauls then break rank and retreat with heavy losses. Gaius Julius Caesar The Gallic Wars Book 4. Then he goes forward to encourage his troops. During the burning, there is debate concerning the burning of Avaricum — the finest city in all Gaul — and although Vercingetorix strongly believes that it too should be destroyed, he finally yields to the arguments defending the city's survival. Then, to insure more than verbal agreement from them, Vercingetorix orders that hostages, soldiers, and weapons be delivered to him; his command is most strict and non-compliers are mutilated or killed. The men on both sides fight even more bravely than usual because they know they are being watched by both sides, and the fight lasts from noon to sunset before the Germans mass and charge so violently that the enemy must retreat. The Aeduan revolt spreads. With great effort, Caesar's troops arrive in camp before sunrise. The Aedui, Rome's allies, came to Caesar with their political problem: their tribe was led by a king who held power for a year, but this year there were two contenders, Cotus and Convitolitanis. 7 In the mean time Lucterius the Cadurcan, having been sent into the country of the Ruteni, gains over that state to the Arverni. And, next day, as a heavy rain drenches his legions, he observes that the guard on the wall is less than usual. Book 7 of Caesar’s Gallic Wars is a narrative like few others in the history of the world. They charge the town's wall. Vercingetorix then set up camp 15 miles from Avaricum and whenever Caesar's men went foraging at a distance, some of Vercingetorix' men attacked them. Caesar places troops among the Ruteni in the province and among others who border on enemy territory and orders many of the new troops he brings with him from Rome to gather in the territory of the Helvii, bordering on the Arverni. Then he allows his army a night rest of three hours before moving back to Gergovia. As he suspected, just before midnight, the men of the town begin to slip away. A few Roman cohorts left the fortifications and circled round to the rear of the outer enemy whom they surprised and slaughtered when they tried to flee. His decision seems traitorous, for after Roman defeat, an even brighter future is promised for the Aeduan king. Vercingetorix boasts that he and he alone is responsible for this; how, then, dare his men accuse him of treachery? On the agreed date, the Carnutes, led by Cotuatus and Conconnetodumnus, strike. We can be fairly sure that many of the Gallic leaders involved are interested in personal power rather than political freedom for their people. They attack Cenabum, kill the Romans there and plunder the Roman property stored in the town. The Arverni send representatives and agree to do the same. 1 Lucius Domitius and Appius Claudius being consuls [54 B.C. The Gallic Wars In 58 BCE, Caesar headed for Gaul, a region roughly encompassing present-day France and Belgium and parts of the Netherlands. The Gauls are panic-stricken. At the same time the Gallic cavalry attacks the Roman lines farther down the plain. Finally, Book VII, the longest in Caesar's narrative, describes how, in 52 B.C., Caesar manages to withstand the revolt of fourteen of the Gallic tribes. They stay atop the wall and call for more Romans to join them. The capture is so fast that Teutomatus, king of the Nitiobriges, barely escapes. While the battle rages, a messenger arrives and reports to the Aedui that their army is in Caesar's power. He is to bring his troops to the foot of the hill and stop the enemy if they pursue the Roman troops. After losing three cities, Vercingetorix calls a convention of his followers and tells them their tactics must be changed; they must prevent the Romans from getting forage, a fairly easy task at this time of year when there is virtually no forage in the fields; everything has been cut and placed within the homesteads. Book Summary: The title of this book is The Landmark Julius Caesar: The Complete Works and it was written by Kurt A. Raaflaub (Editor), Robert B. Strassler (Series Editor). Lucius Fabius and his three men are killed and thrown from the wall. This chapter or section of the book had a very insightful look into how Caesar handled himself as an emperor, and the many important reforms that he made. I.--Gaul being tranquil, Caesar, as he had determined, sets out for ... begin to organize their plans for war more openly and daringly. Caesar feels that their departure will do more harm than good but does not want to seem distrustful, so gives them permission to go, reminding them of all he has done for the Aedui, and that he freed them from oppression and humiliation. They immediately flee to Aristius, claiming that the state had nothing to do with all that has happened, and they order an inquiry. He tells his men to leave, that he cannot save himself, but perhaps he can save them. He pushes his troops until they see the column of Aedui, then sends the cavalry ahead to stop them and orders that there be no killing. He then orders his troops to call in a thirty-day supply of grain and forage. The text indexing is from the printed book, and may or may not match that found in the Loeb's Classical Library. Labienus, because he cannot build a road through the marsh, moves his army back to Metiosedum, where he seizes fifty boats, ties them together to form a bridge and moves his troops so quickly across that Metiosedum is taken without a fight. Their next move is to send 10,000 men into the town. This is, of course, seen from the town and the muleteers are mistaken for the real cavalry. This period of revolt follows the earlier Gallic battles at Bibracte, Vosges, and Sabis. Caesar, no longer able to do without the rest of his forces, left Brutus in command while he went to Vienna where his cavalry was stationed. Heading towards the Boii, Caesar left two legions at Agendicum. Then, when their cavalry has fled, the archers are surrounded and killed. Caesar's foraging parties are kept under surveillance and whenever any are widely scattered, Vercingetorix orders them attacked. There is risk in the plan, but all chiefs present agree that it is better to die in battle than fail to try to regain their previous power and liberty. [4.1] The following winter (this was the year in which Cn. This text is an excerpt from the book VII of The Gallic War, a book which narrates the military events of the year 52 BCE and which ends with the Roman victory at Alesia against Vercingetorix.Concerning the redaction of The Gallic War and of the book VII in particular, it remains a debated issue. Caesar sees that his men are fighting with the odds against them and sends a message to Titus Sextius, who has been left to guard the smaller camp. In desperation, he assigns each of the fifty boats to a Roman knight and orders that at night they move in silence four miles downstream and wait for him there. In a cavalry battle the next day, the united Romans and the German cavalry manage to kill great numbers and put to flight many more. The particular course takes up the passages required by the AP exam from Caesar's Gallic Wars. Gallic Wars Book 7 (52 B.C.E.) Vercingetorix replies that it was they who had insisted on moving the camp, and that they had no need of horses on marshy ground. On the other hand, he does not want to attempt a blockade until he secures his own grain supply. The Romans are tired by their long charge and, unfortunately, are also outnumbered. Chapter 7 In the mean time Lucterius the Cadurcan, having been sent into the country of the Ruteni, gains over that state to the Arverni. No longer are the residents of Noviodunum as fearful of the Romans; they take up arms again and try to close their gates; manning their walls at the same time, they hope to reclaim their city from the Roman invaders. Luckily, their camp is near one of the bridges that Vercingetorix has destroyed and when the legions have departed and Vercingetorix' troops have followed on the other side, Caesar orders the bridge rebuilt. The full work is split into eight sections, Book 1 to Book 8, each varying in size from approximately 5,000 to 15,000 words. - Caesar, Crassus and Pompey and The First Triumvirate, M.A., Linguistics, University of Minnesota. The next day, the Gauls attacked from both sides. The Romans pitched camp and when the townspeople tried to escape at night via a bridge across the Loire River, Caesar's troops took possession of the town, pillaged and burned it, and then headed across the Loire bridge into the Biturgies' territory. They are so confused, in fact, that after they find themselves in trouble, they are unable to recognize the friendly Aeduan forces that come to help them. Pompey and M. Crassus were consuls), those Germans [called] the Usipetes, and likewise the Tenchtheri, with a great number of men, crossed the Rhine, not far from the place at which that river discharges itself into the sea. Vercingetorix had used the Roman system of demanding hostages to ensure loyalty and ordered a levy of troops from each of these groups. Motivations. The Helvii attempt to fight the enemy but are finally conquered and their chief, Gaius Valerius Donnotaurus is killed. Caesar changed his direction and advanced into the territory of the Helvii, then on to the borders of the Arverni. The townspeople then fear they will have absolutely no way of escape if they wait any longer, so they throw away their weapons and run to the far side of the town. Later, he marches downstream with his other three legions and goes to meet the boats. They send for Vercingetorix to save them now that the war has gone against them, and he turns from his battle with the Bituriges and speeds toward the Arverni. In the meantime, he instructs the men behind the mantlets to prepare themselves. One of Gaul's most colorful historical figures is Vercingetorix, who acted as war chief for all the Gallic tribes who were trying to throw off the Roman yoke during the Gallic Wars. When they reached Alesia, the Romans surrounded the hilltop city. About Caesar: Gallic War VI. The town is on a great height and is difficult to approach, so he knows he cannot take it by storm. 04:11. The two young men have killed the Roman troops and traders at Noviodunum, divided the money and horses, and sent the hostages to Bibracte; then the town was burned so that it would be of no use to the Romans. Labienus, meanwhile, leaves the new recruits at Agedincum to guard the equipment and moves his four legions to Lutetia (Paris), but is pitted against Camulogenus, an old but superior soldier. Clearing a roadway through six feet of snow in the Cevennes mountains is a massive feat when one considers that it had to be done by manual labor. In charge are Commius, Viridomarus, Eporedorix, and Vercassivellaunus. Gallic Wars, (58–50 bce ), campaigns in which the Roman proconsul Julius Caesar conquered Gaul. Lucius Fabius, a centurion in the Eighth Legion, has sworn to be first to climb the wall and is assisted up by three of his men. The Romans needed some to gather timber and food. The enemy are quickly put to flight and the Germans pursue them all the way to their wall. © 2020 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. They also confiscate the property of Litaviccus and his brothers and send deputies to Caesar to clear themselves. He cannot change his original plan for it would be difficult to get through the mountains, but he is anxious about Labienus and his legions. The Gauls have archers mixed with their cavalry and these, for a time, check the Romans. Just before dawn, however, the enemy gets reports of the Roman movements and decides that the legions are probably crossing in three places. The enemy does not pursue, and in three days the Roman army reaches the river Allier, rebuilds the bridge and crosses over. Book 8 was written by Aulus Hirtius, after Caesar's death. It is a first hand account of the final titanic struggle between two nations, one fighting for … Caesar, meanwhile, is sure of success; in only a short time the town will be his. In it, Caesar has placed all the Gallic hostages, his grain, his money, most of his army's equipment, and many horses that have been purchased in Spain and Italy. Meanwhile, Vercingetorix had thousands of cavalry from the Aedui and Segusiani. Caesar sent ahead messages to the Boii to encourage them to resist. Especially during the winter when there was little to forage, having food could decide the outcome of a battle. Caesar then finds sufficient supplies for his troops and decides first to march toward the Senones. Some are killed there as they crush through the narrow gates and others are killed by the cavalry waiting outside for them. By this time the Gauls realized their freedom was at stake and having the Romans around to arbitrate and help them against other invaders meant the loss of freedom and heavy demands in terms of soldiers and supplies. Caesar decided against Cotus and in favor of Convitolitanis. The Gauls from outside attacked at night by throwing things from a distance and alerting Vercingetorix to their presence. They also build up the scaffolding on their walls to keep it on a level with the Roman turrets. The Romans put torturous devices on the outside that could injure an army pressing against it. His book Commentarii de Bello Gallico (Commentaries on the Gallic War, often called The Conquest of Gaul), was a propaganda piece (written in 53 BCE) justifying his military and political actions during a nine year campaign in Gaul (and a short jaunt into Britain). He commands the Gauls to destroy all their property so that the Romans will find no forage. Wary of sudden attack, though, Caesar explains to his men that the enemy has an advantage of position and, rather than appear rash, he moves the troops back to camp and prepares for the siege of the town. He will, he says, make up for the loss by bringing to their side the rest of Gaul; the combination will be unbeatable! As it turns out, the weakness is to his advantage, for the enemy commits itself to attack, and Labienus is able to send the cavalry around behind the enemy force and is successful in disrupting it. If they wish, he continues, they can take back the title of king they have given him, but he asks them to consider whether or not they have profited from his leadership. The Gauls pass news of the war from field to field and by evening the story of the attack reaches Arverni, about 160 miles away. The diversion, besides providing relief from the battle scenes, also prepares us for the jealousy within the tribe and figures in the betrayal later. Any plots the Aedui might have had are aborted by the rapidity with which he joins his legions. Distressed that his cavalry has been destroyed, Vercingetorix begins to move the rest of his army toward Alesia, a town of the Mandubii. The various chiefs meet and their first task is to make sure Caesar is kept from joining his army, which seems easy enough with the legions in winter quarters and the knowledge that they will not leave without their commander-in-chief. 55 B.C. Between such arguments and bribes made to the Aedui by the allies of Vercingetorix, the Aedui were convinced. Next stop was the Aedui, one of Rome's main allies in Gaul, and where two of Caesar's legions were wintering. He fights until all his men, including himself, are annihilated. The Romans are indeed in trouble, but the Tenth Legion prevents the Gauls from pursuing the harried soldiers and, when they reach level ground, they turn and face the enemy. They too have an able intelligence staff and have learned of Caesar's approach and have hidden the wagons and baggage in nearby dense woods. When Caesar heard about the alliance, he realized it was a threat, so he left Italy and set out for Transalpine Gaul, a Roman province since 121 B.C., but he didn't have his regular army, although he did have some German cavalry and troops he had in Cisalpine Gaul. Caesar's men headed to Gergovia. When the Germans started to kill the Averni, they fled. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. Instead a solemn oath is taken. Vercingetorix first orders hostages from the other states and requires 15,000 horsemen to assemble. Each morning, he meets with the various chiefs in council, then exercises the troops. They obviously think that Caesar will be unable to leave Rome to return to the army and that the army will be ineffectual without him. They next find a safe camp and send for the remainder of the army. Rumors of Caesar's difficulties spread and Labienus decides his problem is more than merely winning this battle. And so, the Romans entered the town and massacred the inhabitants. He sent other troops against the Helvii whom he defeated while he led his mena and allies against the Allobroges. He sends the small boats upstream and instructs them to make much noise also. Vercingetorix has the escapees assigned to their separate tribal camps along his lines. He headed towards Gergovia, providing protection for some Roman citizens on the way. The Gauls, who have been decoyed to the other side of town, hear the shouting and return to the side where the Romans are attacking. Perhaps because they lacked the support of the Aedui, the Biturgies gave in to Vercingetorix. Caesar's assault position is inside a double ring of fortifications. He also figured he would take the opportunity to gain provisions for his troops. He stops to consider and camps in a thick wood. When he gives the signal to move, he also sends the Aedui under his command up another side of the hill. But he is faced with a dilemma: if he sends for his legions, they might be attacked without their general and, if he goes to them, he might be betrayed by the tribes to whom he entrusts his personal safety. Caesar's defense is immediate. The Biturgies were dependents of the Aedui and the Aedui were allies of Rome ("Brothers and Kinsmen of the Roman People" 1.33). Sizable units captured include Cotus and other generals, including Cavarillus and Eporedorix. One in the company of Caesar learned of Litavicus' actions and told Caesar. The Bituriges, for example, would have remained on Caesar's side had not the Adenans failed to help them. Book VI of Caesar's description of his campaigns in Gaul deals with events of 53 BC, teh year after his major expedition to Britain. Vercingetorix calls a council and says he will do whatever they think best: they may kill him to please the Romans or they may surrender and present him to the enemy alive. Tribes which Caesar has fought earlier, and many with whom he has been at peace, combine and try their luck against the mighty Roman general. Caesar ordered their weapons, horses, and hostages. He merely points out, before letting them ride away, all that he has done for them and their people. The enemy fights with new hope because they see burning the Roman turrets that once gave cover to the working parties.