Caesars Gallic Wars

Sanders baby buggy Dr. Bishop Western Civilization 103-104 11/20/12 Caesars Conquest Caesar is known as atomic number 53 of the greatest military principal in history. His was General and later, Ruler of capital of Italy during its peak years. Caesar is known for his military schema and oppression of much of ancient atomic number 63. Where Caesar make a propose for himself was his seduction of the salientians. Caesars subjugation of toad frog consisted of gentle universes gentle numerous causas throughout Federal Europe the most notable beness the encounters of Avaricum, Gergovia, and the final battle in Alesia.Caesar and Vercin learnorix, the attr mapor of the toads, were two similar in ambition. How does Caesar bazaar strategic wholly(prenominal) in eithery once morest Vercin push backorix and the toad frogs at the battles of Avaricum, Gergovia and, Alesia? Caesars conquest of frog was indeed his most embarrassing one. frog consisted of dozens of tribes an d much of the territory universe Northern Europe had never been explored out front by the roman prints. A great descend of pressure was put on Caesar by himself to conquer anuran.He was in deep semipolitical debt to capital of Italy and its attractors, and he saw the conquest of Gaul to the best commission to get out of debt and make a name for himself. Caesar making the original 1Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey agnizeed the power of the resource and became consul for the year 59 B. C. During this year he was do, G everywherenor of Illyricum, or Dalmatia, and of Gaul, that is to say of frog Cisalpina (Pg. 40), this land is really known as a Province that Caesar acquired. Caesar having acquired these lands, absolutely not slayicially having control, sought to conquer the inhabitants.Caesar is depict as, In per parole he was tall-stalked and slight, solely well-knit and, if he was as licentious as the mussiness of his contemporaries, his constitution, modify b y abstemious habits, was capable of sustaining grandiloquent bowel move handsts. His broad dome- c atomic number 18 skull his calm and penetrating look his aqui subscriber tune nose his monolithic notwithstanding finely moulded jaw, expressed, like no another(prenominal) human countenance, a rich and harmonised nature, a intellect, run forion, will moving in accord. And, if his vices were common, his generosity, his forbearance, his 2equanimity, his magnanimity were his own.He believed, with an unwavering faith, that above himself in that location was a power, without whose aid the haleest judgement, the most persevering calculation might fail. That power was donation and Caesar was assured that Fortune was ever on his grimace (Pg. 41). Caesar was extremely ambitious and ref utilisationd to be undermined by his enemies, this is probably why his conquest against everywherewhelming odds was so successful. As Caesar dealt with his issues in capital of Italy, there was word that impertinently acquired obligations in Gaul were going to be marched on by the Helvetti.Caesar go forth capital of Italy as briefly as possible, sculpture through the Alps to r distributively the province of Geneva (Cisalpine/Transalpine province). Caesar hordes linked up with the legion of that province and reverseed the duo or Rhine preeminent to Geneva. Helvetii send requests to pass through, but Caesar denied them. Caesar waited out the requests as levies were created and hardly denied the crossing of the Helvetii. Some tried to ride themselves over, but failed miserably in doing so. Caesar concoct congest pull togethering more legions for his command.Caesar scatter his legions with Lieutenants into different lands of Gual, with his plan being to sort out the already disbanded Gallic tribes. Caesar returned to Rome and acquire great praise for his victory over the Helvetii. Caesar marches back to fightds labor unionern Europe in 58 B. C where Ariovis tus and his massive hordes of Germanic s old(a)iers, had be get by a terror to Caesars campaign against the Gauls outside the townshipshipspeople of Vesontio. The legions wanting(p) rest and supplies and fearing Ariovistus, was taking its toll on Caesars men.A threat amongst the legionnaires ensued Caesar immediately puts to work his persona. self-aggrandizing a riveting speech to the legions, he regained the confidence overwhelmingly. There scarcely some(prenominal) miles separating Caesar and Ariovistus, but some Cavalry skirmishes took purport as Caesar tried time and again to lunge the Germanics to fight. Ariovistus requested some(prenominal) meetings with Caesar, the number 1 resulting in failure collectible to overlook of compromises, and the second because Caesar never attended. Ariovistus ref utilise to fight in the beginning the New Moon, Caesar inventing this out flak catchered azoic forcing the Germans to fight.Caesar having command of the right wing of the legions, had be after on polish uping the opposing Germans left(a) wing which was supposedly their weak point. Ariovistus and the German horde fell upon the roman letters legions cursorily leaving huge gaps between the legions. This pr nonethelessted the roman print javelins to be thrown. The Germans formed a, 3phalanxes (Pg. 66), which was a beleaguer of men inclosing themselves in a protect debate. The romishs make quick dismemberment of this skirt of shields as the Romans, Dug their swords follow up into them (Pg. 66), confidential in constitution to the German left wing falling back.The left wing of the Roman legion however was beginning to burst up setting. In command of the Caesars horse sawhorse was Publius Crassus, the son of the famed triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus. Publius Crassus led the 3rd line of the cavalry in and pronto rerouted the German barrage on the Roman left wing. This led to the victory over Ariovistus and the Germanic phalanx. With later victorious campaigns over Aquitani, Usipetes, Tencteri and Atuatuca from 56-54 B. C. Caesar believes Gaul is win and return to Rome to gain political power. While Caesar believed Gaul to be, tranquillized (Pg. 29), or instead under control as Caesar had plotted to make all of Gaul a Roman province. The Gallic chieftains discussed in great detail of what was to become of Gaul if something was not done. A rumor quickly spread through Gaul in 52 B. C that Clodius had been murdered and knockdown-dragout riots broke out all over Gaul. The Gallic chieftains of Carnute made quick use of time go Caesar was politic in Rome a miniscule assort of Carnutes stormed into the town of Cenabum and killed Roman merchants and a provisions officer of Caesars as well.In the Gallic town of Gergovia, a young Gallic dire came to power. His name was Vercingetorix and he quickly fabricated dominance throughout Gaul. Vercingetorix was very plastic and ambitious, much like Caesar. He soon uni ted all Gaul sparking a massive rebellion in 52 B. C. Caesar ob serviced Vercingetorix and saw that he was immensely becoming a huge threat. Roman provinces in peril began to fall due to lack of supplies, But Caesar moved fleetly from Rome to rescue the provinces. Caesar stopped the attack of Narbo. Caesar still needed to regroup with his legions in the north.Caesars being the lifelike military attracter he was, planned to march north through push-down stores of 4Cevennes into the land of Vercingetorix, where the land Agedincum was. The transit was rough for Caesars men under the virulent conditions of winter, but to Caesars advantage, Vercingetorix did not realize where the Romans were or where they were going. As Romans came through the mountains, Caesars horsemen move over the country in small parties, carrying fire and sword (Pg. 135), Caesar anticipated that Vercingetorix would come to Agedincums relieve, and he did so reluctantly eon Caesar proceeded north to regroup with his legions.Once Caesar had cumulateed his legions he awaited Vercingetorix next move. Vercingetorix re stretch forthed from the Romans strategic maneuvering, decided to go south eastmosterly, enemy of Caesars opinion and beleaguering Gorgobina an allies of Caesars provinces. Vercingetorix figured this, To striking at Caesars allies would be equivalent to striking at Caesar himself (Pg. 136). This indeed was true it was imperative that Caesar could not support the trust of his allies, but Caesar as well k sensitive that engage coulombs of miles south without enough supplies would put his legions at risk of starvation. Caesar contemplated this and decided to relieve Gorgobina.Caesar sooner of taking the same route he took to come north he went rough in attempt for revenge for the butcher of Roman citizens. Caesar went about it, More-over, by destroy the lands of Carnutes and Bituriges, he might count on forcing Vercingetorix to relax his hold on Gorgobina (Pg. 13 7). Caesar captured Vellaunodunum and approached Cenabum with storm as Romans set 5Cenabum ablaze as supplies were given up to the legions eyepatch Caesar marched forward to Avaricum. Vercingetorix believed the only way to weaken Caesars oncoming through his land was to burn and destroy any resources ahead of Caesar.The Gauls did not ask for the news very optimistically. Burning down towns and crops was a harsh method of retardent down the Romans, but Vercingetorix got the Gauls to agree, with this speech he made, They must make up their minds to forfeit their own interest for the national weal. all hamlet, every barn where the enemy could find advancender must be burned-out to the res publica. Even the towns must be destroyed, salve those which were impregnable, lest they should tempt men who ought to be in the field to go to them for shelter, and lest the Romans plunder their stores (Pg. 139).The Gauls still however thought to defend Avaricum rather than burn it to the ground. Avaricum was surrounded by protects and marshes and moats. Caesar made his encampment south of Avaricum several hundred yards out. Caesar realized the only way to military forgo Avaricum was to build military blockade towers and terraces. The marshes could not serve as proper platforms so, in establish to provide a secure foundation, the ground was cleared of obstructions and leveled as far as possible by men running(a) privileged stout huts (Pg. 140). Wooden shields protect men relaying material through, lines of sheds (Pg. 40), as it was verbalise to pack chance uponn several weeks to creation the towers. The effects of Vercingetorix burning of Gallic resources began to take its toll on Caesars legions. The Romans supplies began to dwindle and as Caesar sent men out to gather supplies and resources, Vercingetorix had patrols keep track of Caesars movements. Caesar was surrounded and while they waited to attack Avaricum, his men killed the cattle for food. Caes ar did all he could to keep his legions spirits up, he would tell them, He would abandon the military blockade (Pg. 141), but the legionnaires were stubbornly loyal.A small attack was made on the towers, but only set the construction a daylight behind. The following day Caesar conducted his siege of Avaricum. The siege took no time at all with the Romans climbing the walls, they realized it was pointless to go down into the city, but rather, They lined the wall round and not a man of them would come down. Throwing apart their weapons, the Gauls ran for their lives through the town to its furthest extremity and there many jostling one another in the narrow gateways, were slaughtered, while others, who shouldered their way out were cut down by the cavalry (Pg. 146).This was indeed a slaughterhouse by the Romans no one was spared not man women or child. The Romans found a multitude of resources such(prenominal) as maize and other supplies. The Gauls were outraged by this butcher a t 6Avaricum. Caesar had hoped to discipline the Gallic disdain with this victory, but it did quite the opposite. Vercingetorix following the abattoir made a speech and a promise to Gaul. This speech gave Gaul a new found enragement and confidence. Caesar marched south to Gergovia, Vercingetorix homeland. Once Vercingetorix got word of Caesars movement he quickly destroyed all link on the river leaving only the bottom intact.As the Gauls caught up with Caesar, the Romans found it impossible to liven up the bridges with the Gauls watching. Caesar was strained to come up with another diversion under the cover of phantasma he moved opposite of one of the bridges, and in the morning, he took forty out of the 6ty cohorts, composing his force arrayed them in six-spot divisions, so that seen from a distance, they would look like the six legions (Pg. 149). With Caesar outwitting Vercingetorix, he moved south toward the mountain of Gergovia.As Caesar approached Gergovia a cavalry s kirmish ensues, but the Gallic cavalry of Vercingetorix is forced back in the stronghold of Gergovia. Gergovia was going to prove to be another difficult siege due to its geography, The town stood on an unsubdivided plateau, which formed the summit, extending about seven furlongs from east to west, and six hundred yards wide (Pg. 150). The town also had an outer wall as well, but the weak point appeared to be the southern wall. There were two braggart(a) encampments in Gergovia, the smallest was on the southern wall, while the main encampment was on the steepest part of Gergovian wall.Caesar under the cover of wickedness had several divsions move up the southern wall having Vercingetorix think that was where the main attack would be. Caesars complete attack actually occurred on the east or steepest side with Vercingetorix pear-shapedst encampment was. The Gauls were caught off guard, but the Romans deceived by their armour, took them for enemies the Gauls were closing in up th em on every side (Pg. 158). As the Romans became overwhelmed they came back down the southern agglomerateside, the Gauls followed blindly, as the Gauls were struck by left and right flanks of Caesars 710th legion.The battle on the hill was devastating on sides, 46 centurions and nigh 700 legionnaires dead and thousands wounded. Caesar disbanded the siege and tried to return to Rome to regroup and gather supplies and men. After the Gergovia the people of Gaul still had their faith in Vercingetorix, he was re- elect Commander and Chief. Caesar is further planning his campaign decided to enlist a large number of German cavalry to his assortment. During the entire Gallic Wars, Caesar has been outnumbered almost 3 to 1 and sometimes 4 to 1 odds, but Caesars strategy is what has been proving key in battles the whole tone of men over numbers.As Caesar marches toward the provinces, Vercingetorix in a sudden ignorant act of boldness ascends his metrical unit and small cavalry head on att acking Caesars Roman legions. Caesar staying calm, He sent his cavalry, in ternion divisions, to repel the triple attack (Pg. 168). The Gauls recede to Alesia with Caesars legions following close behind night and day. As the Romans reach Alesia Caesar informs his men that this battle will be a, toilsome effort (Pg. 170). Caesar realized that Alesia could only be interpreted by what he called, a line of investment, fully nine miles in length, along which a ring of camps was constructed (Pg. 70), this was a serial of circumvallations trenches, ramparts, entrenchments, and barriers built around Alesia with cavalry on low ground and legion human foot on high slopes. The Romans being fewer in number did not fork over enough men or cavalry to guard the surrounding blockade of Alesia. Vercingetorix realizing that he was being closed in with quadruple Roman legions linking up with Caesars six legions, Vercingetorix had to get help somehow. Under the cover of darkness Vercingetorix s ent out Gauls to every region and, bring back with them every man who could wield a sword (Pg. 171). He also reminded them not to abandon the Gallic cause.Caesar had been given news of Vercingetorix call for replacement armies, by group of deserters. Caesar understood that he too was surrounded by all of Gaul, but it was still uncertain whether the abatement armies would show up for Vercingetorix. Unlike the Romans who had proven loyalty and precision in battle, the Gauls even though united, were still undisciplined and lacked the expertness of a Roman legionnaire. Caesar see the potency threat from the surrounding mountains proceeded to build entrenchments and barriers to his piece and on the western slope of Alesia where an return meadow was located.Caesars men made haste with the construction of barriers and traps like, five rows of strong boughs were stock-still in each, with one end jut out above ground, sharpened and with the branches projecting so as to form a kind -hearted of 8abatis (Pg. 139/Part I). Caesar also had traps under the ground surface, In front of them and rising a few inches above the ground, but by choice concealed by brushwood, were sharp pointed logs plant in small pits (Pg. 139/Part I), as there were also barbed spikes untruth under the turf. Caesar moved quickly to gather as much corn and resources as he could, knowing that this battle may very well be the last.Meanwhile inside the wall of Alesia Vercingetorix had the grain thrown into a single stock as the grain would be dispersed among the soldiers rather than the citizens. A council of Gallic Chieftains gathered at an congregation to discuss Vercingetorix situation in Alesia and how he had requested a, worldwide levy (Pg. 173), or a mass of armies combined. It was heavily debated because many tribes were at conflict with Germanic tribes or resolving domestic problems some simply refused to send any army. In all about 43 tribes joined in with a massive cavalry as w ell.Four generals were given command of the 250,000 Gauls as it was give tongue to there was, No one leader of sufficient eminence to command universal respect (Pg. 174), this would be proven decisively. As the relief army of Gaul marched towards Alesia, long time away, the city was going into famine. The chieftains proposed the method of cannibalism as give tongue to, That their fathers, when driven into the fastnesses by the Cimbri and Teutoni, had sustained career by feeding upon the flesh of those who were unusable for warfare (Pg. 175). It was rather decided that the weak, young, and old were citizens of the town, were to be exiled.The hopeless looking women and children, and antique came down to the Roman blockade. Caesars blockade veto no-one to pass through the exiled inhabitants were not taken in, instead Caesar had them sent back or stay between the lines of the wall and blockade to perish. The relief army soon arrives outlet through the mountain valley, they could be seen from miles away as a mass of cavalry and infantry. Commius leading the Gallic mass launched a cavalry assault on Caesars stomach defenses as Vercingetorix attacked from the inside defenses from 9Alesia.The Roman legions held strong repelling the Gallic cavalry with Caesars brilliant protective military strategy. The Romans formed a compact body of infantry and hang-up the Gallic cavalrys onslaught into disarray. The one major advantage the Caesar had over all the Gauls it was the reliable communication he had with his commanders of his legions. The Romans were on point and deadly, as the first day was won by Caesar. A 24 hour period of cease fire took place, and this time under the cover of darkness the Gauls launched a surprise attack on the Roman blockade victimisation loud shouts to alert the rest of the Gallic army.The Gauls try to siege the blockade walls with grappling-hooks and ladders they attempted to overpower the blockades. In between the defensive lines the Gauls were dismembered by the wooden spikes and traps placed along the lines. Two sections of the Gallic army failed to sustain with the rest of the mass due to unworthy 10communication during the night. Roman artillery took apart the Gauls in between the defenses as casualties mounted because of sad effectiveness during the night raid. The Gauls retreated ahead dawn, fearing a flank from the right.Vercingetorix and Caesar refused to give into each other with casualties piling up on both parties, neither side budged. The soldiers of both sides were describes as they fought, Every man fought like a hero for they knew that from the heights around friends and enemies alike were anxiously watching (Pg. 176). Vercingetorix and the Gauls planned for a final assault on the Romans. Vercingetorix discovered a weak gunpoint in the Roman blockade where Caesars men were unable to build a barrier. The Gauls with no delay assaulted the weak point with 60,000 Gallic warriors against only two legions.The Romans became heavily overwhelmed and in disarray with 60,000 Gauls attacking from the rear and Vercingetorix army attacking from the inner walls. The Romans in panic and disorganization were described as, painfully disconcert by the roar of battle in their rear for both on the inner and the outer line men felt, as they fought, that they would perish if their comrades behind suffered the enemy to break through (Pg. 178). It was difficult for the Roman legions to mass together due to the overwhelming Gallic numbers. Vercassivellaunus, commanding the 60,000 Gauls from the rear continually sent fresh infantry in.The Gallic infantry was disposable due the sheer numbers. Caesar seeing the disarray of the Romans and his cavalry sent Labienus with six cohorts to hold their ground till they were forced to fight in open ground. In astonishing fashion Caesar mounting horseback went down the Roman line as it was depicted, riding down between the lines on to the plain, he harangu ed his weary soldiers and adjured them not to give in (Pg. 179), continuing he said, further one short hour, and the prize was won (Pg. 179). It was not until Caesar himself on horseback galloped steadfast, leading the last head on assault.A new found zealous came over the Roman legions as they followed behind Caesar, they disbanded the Gauls in a mass, scattering across the land. The Gauls to appease the Romans would have Vercingetorix give himself up and die. Vercingetorix gave himself up volitionally out of respect for Caesar, being an booster of his military brilliance. It was said that Vercingetorix, took off his armour, fit(p) down his sword, and bowed himself at Caesars feet (Pg. 180). Caesar had no admiration for Vercingetorix as it came with a great cost. Caesar had him imprisoned in a dungeon, and then executed six ears later. The subjugation of Gaul propelled Caesars political power tremendously. In 49 B. C he was elected dictator or emperor of Rome and soon after Civ il war broke out eventually leading to Caesars killing. Caesar outwitted the ambitious and powerful, yet inexperienced Vercingetorix profoundly in the battles of Avaricum, Gergovia, and Alesia. Caesar conquered Gaul in such extraordinary fashion, that it still leaves some historians in amazement. Caesar outmaneuvered a quarter million Gauls and strategically dismantling them.Caesars reasoning for this long and knockout conquest of Gaul was to dig himself and Rome out of the debt that had amounted. His conquest of Gaul was also an attempt, a successful one at that, to further his political career and long pillow his power. His victory in Rome, as said before, put Caesar on a foot surpassing Pompey and Crassus and making him the favorite amongst Roman people. Works Cited Holmes, Thomas. Caesars conquest of Gaul. 1899. Print. . Julius, Caesar, W. A. McDevitte , and W. S. Bohn. The Gallic Wars . 1st. Print. . Julius, Caesar, W. A. McDevitte , and W. S. Bohn.The Gallic Wars . 3rd. Pr int. . Julius, Caesar, W. A. McDevitte , and W. S. Bohn. The Gallic Wars . 4th. Print. . Julius, Caesar, W. A. McDevitte , and W. S. Bohn. The Gallic Wars . 8th. Print. . Holmes, Thomas. Caesars Conquest of GaulAn Historical Narrative (being Part I of the Larger Work on the resembling Subject). Part 1. Macmillan, 1 The First Triumvirate was between the Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey. An trammel to help bolster power for Caesar in particular. 2 Equanimityone of Caesars great attributes being that he was very calm and collected in battle. 3 Phalanxes was a battle formation with consisted of shields and spears. The Romans used it very effectively against all. pic 4 The Cevennes Mountains are in south-central France. It is known as Hidden France by some. 5 Cenabums put to death was Caesars attempt at revenge as the town was pillaged. 6 The massacres of Cenabum and Avaricum specifically, was because of the difficulty Caesar had sieging the towns, thus thwarting led to the killings. 7 T he Roman 10th host was known as the Legio X Equestris and was one of Caesar more famous legions. 8 Abatis were used as barriers they had long sharpened pointed logs. 9 tally to Napolean I (Precis des guerres de Cesar, 1836, p. 110), more than litre days must have slip by between the departure of Vercingetorixs cavalry and the arrival of the relieving army (Pg. 175) 10 Gaul having 4 commanding armies that totaled in a quarter million men made it Qy LiAOUaaaA ? ? n w ? o? UO? UAU? oAo_oRoRERhw? h42aCJJaJhw? h. CJJaJjhyg? 0Jhw? hwCJJaJhw? hoCJextremely difficult for Vercingetorix to communicate successfully outside the walls.