Caesars Gallic Wars

Sanders Walker Dr. Bishop Western cultivation 103-104 11/20/12 Caesars supremacy Caesar is known as hotshot of the greatest legions leaders in history. His was General and later, Ruler of capital of Italy during its peak years. Caesar is known for his military strategy and conquest of much of antique atomic twist 63. Where Caesar do a name for himself was his conquest of the frogs. Caesars conquest of frog consisted of some(prenominal) campaigns through bring out northern Europe the most notable cosmos the bookings of Avaricum, Gergovia, and the nett battle in Alesia.Caesar and Vercingetorix, the leader of the Gauls, were twain similar in ambition. How does Caesar join strategic totallyy against Vercingetorix and the Gauls at the battles of Avaricum, Gergovia and, Alesia? Caesars conquest of Gaul was thus his most thorny unitary. Gaul consisted of dozens of tribes and much of the territory being Northern Europe had never been explored before by the ro creations. A great amount of atmospheric pressure was draw up on Caesar by himself to e reallyplace dress Gaul.He was in deep policy-making debt to capital of Italy and its leaders, and he saw the conquest of Gaul to the best elan to get out of debt and make a name for himself. Caesar making the show eon 1Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey gained the power of the election and became consul for the year 59 B. C. During this year he was do, g everyplacenor of Illyricum, or Dalmatia, and of Gaul, that is to say of Gallia Cisalpina (Pg. 40), this set ashore is really known as a Province that Caesar acquired. Caesar having acquired these lands, al one(a) not gainicially having control, sought to conquer the inhabitants.Caesar is described as, In person he was tall and slight, that strong and, if he was as licentious as the chain reactor of his contemporaries, his constitution, fortified by abstemious habits, was capable of sustaining prodigious efforts. His broad dome-like skull h is calm and penetrating eyeball his aqui position nose his capacious yet finely moulded jaw, expressed, like no other human countenance, a rich and harmonious nature, a intellect, passion, put forward 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 preceding(prenominal) himself there was a power, without whose aid the strongest judge custodyt, the most diligent calculation cleverness fail. That power was issue and Caesar was assured that Fortune was ever on his side (Pg. 41). Caesar was extremely aspiring(prenominal) and refused to be beneathmined by his enemies, this is probably why his conquest against overwhelming odds was so successful. As Caesar dealt with his issues in capital of Italy, there was word that risingly acquired obligations in Gaul were going to be marched on by the Helvetti.Caesar go forth Rome as currently as possible, cuttin g through the Alps to flip over the province of Geneva (Cisalpine/Transalpine province). Caesar legions linked up with the legion of that province and destroyed the bridge or Rhine leadership to Geneva. Helvetii sent requests to pass through, alone Caesar denied them. Caesar waited out the requests as levies were created and simply denied the crossing of the Helvetii. Some tried to pull up themselves over, except failed miserably in doing so. Caesar crossed back rumpleing much legions for his pretermit.Caesar dispersed his legions with Lieutenants into different regions of Gual, with his plan being to divide the already disbanded Gallic tribes. Caesar returned to Rome and received great praise for his victory over the Helvetii. Caesar bourne back towards northern Europe in 58 B. C where Ariovistus and his sightive hordes of Germanic soldiers, had become a threat to Caesars campaign against the Gauls outside the towns spate of Vesontio. The legions leave outing rest and su pplies and fearing Ariovistus, was taking its ships bell on Caesars men.A panic amongst the legionnaires ensued Caesar now puts to work his persona. Giving a riveting speech to the legions, he regained the arrogance overwhelmingly. There solo several(prenominal)(prenominal) miles separating Caesar and Ariovistus, tho umteen Cavalry skirmishes took part as Caesar tried time and again to force the Germanics to fight. Ariovistus requested several meetings with Caesar, the first resulting in failure referable to lack of compromises, and the second because Caesar never attended. Ariovistus refused to fight before the New Moon, Caesar finding this out rounded early forcing the Germans to fight.Caesar having ascertain of the right wing of the legions, had mean on attacking the opposing Germans go forth wing which was supposedly their irresolute point. Ariovistus and the German horde fell upon the roman type legions quickly leaving huge gaps between the legions. This prevented t he papistic javelins to be thrown. The Germans organize a, 3phalanxes (Pg. 66), which was a fence of men inclosing themselves in a shielded wall. The Romans made quick dismemberment of this wall of shields as the Romans, Dug their swords go crossways into them (Pg. 66), track to the German left wing falling back.The left wing of the Roman legion however was beginning to moderate up ground. In command of the Caesars sawhorse was Publius Crassus, the son of the famed triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus. Publius Crassus led the 3rd line of the buck in and quickly rerouted the German onslaught on the Roman left wing. This led to the victory over Ariovistus and the Germanic army. With later victorious campaigns over Aquitani, Usipetes, Tencteri and Atuatuca from 56-54 B. C. Caesar believes Gaul is won and return to Rome to gain semipolitical power. time Caesar believed Gaul to be, tranquillized (Pg. 29), or quite an under control as Caesar had think 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 account quickly spread through Gaul in 52 B. C that Clodius had been murdered and violent riots broke out all over Gaul. The Gallic chieftains of Carnute made quick use of time while Caesar was quieten in Rome a small group of Carnutes stormed into the town of Cenabum and killed Roman merchants and a commissariat officer of Caesars as puff up.In the Gallic town of Gergovia, a teen Gallic noble came to power. His name was Vercingetorix and he quickly assumed authority throughout Gaul. Vercingetorix was very impressionable and ambitious, much like Caesar. He soon united all Gaul sparking a massive rebellion in 52 B. C. Caesar observed Vercingetorix and saw that he was vastly becoming a huge threat. Roman provinces in peril began to fall due to lack of supplies, But Caesar go swiftly from Rome to rescue the provinces. Caesar stopped the assault of Narbo. Caesar st ill needed to reorganise with his legions in the north.Caesars being the brilliant military leader he was, planned to march north through sets of 4Cevennes into the land of Vercingetorix, where the land Agedincum was. The journey was rough for Caesars men under the harsh 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 sweep over the country in small parties, carrying fire and sword (Pg. 135), Caesar evaluate that Vercingetorix would come to Agedincums relieve, and he did so reluctantly while Caesar proceeded north to regroup with his legions.Once Caesar had gathered his legions he awaited Vercingetorix next move. Vercingetorix recovered from the Romans strategic maneuvering, indicatestrong to go south, opposite of Caesars position and beleaguering Gorgobina an allies of Caesars provinces. Vercingetorix figured this, To rack up at Caesars allie s would be equivalent to striking at Caesar himself (Pg. 136). This indeed was true it was imperative that Caesar could not lose the trust of his allies, but Caesar also knew that pursuing cs of miles south without rich supplies would put his legions at endangerment of starvation. Caesar contemplated this and decided to relieve Gorgobina.Caesar instead of taking the same route he took to come north he went around in onrush for penalize for the massacre of Roman citizens. Caesar went about it, More-over, by ravaging the lands of Carnutes and Bituriges, he might count on forcing Vercingetorix to relax his have on Gorgobina (Pg. 137). Caesar captured Vellaunodunum and approached Cenabum with rage as Romans set 5Cenabum ablaze as supplies were given up to the legions while Caesar marched beforehand to Avaricum. Vercingetorix believed the only way to weaken Caesars onslaught through his land was to burn and destroy any resources ahead of Caesar.The Gauls did not receive the news very optimistically. Burning pop out towns and crops was a harsh method of slowing down the Romans, but Vercingetorix got the Gauls to agree, with this speech he made, They must make up their minds to yield their own interest for the national weal. Every hamlet, every(prenominal) barn where the foeman could find provender must be burned to the ground. Even the towns must be destroyed, save 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 instead than burn it to the ground. Avaricum was surrounded by walls and marshes and moats. Caesar made his encampment south of Avaricum several hundred yards out. Caesar realized the only way to siege Avaricum was to pee-pee siege towers and terraces. The marshes could not serve as proper platforms so, in order to provide a secure foundation, the ground was cleared of obstruc tions and leveled as far as possible by men working inside stout huts (Pg. 140). woody shields protected men relaying material through, lines of sheds (Pg. 40), as it was said to have taken several weeks to construct 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 kine for food. Caesar did all he could to keep his legions spirits up, he would tell them, He would abandon the siege (Pg. 141), but the legionnaires were stubbornly loyal.A small attack was made on the towers, but only set the construction a daylight stooge. 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 d own into the city, but rather, They lined the wall round and not a man of them would come down. Throwing away 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 get up their way out were cut down by the buck (Pg. 146).This was indeed a massacre by the Romans no one was spared not man women or child. The Romans found a multitude of resources such as maize and other supplies. The Gauls were outraged by this massacre at 6Avaricum. Caesar had hoped to break the Gallic pride with this victory, but it did quite the opposite. Vercingetorix following the massacre 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 bridges on the river leaving only the bottom intact.As the Gauls cau ght up with Caesar, the Romans found it impossible to repair the bridges with the Gauls watching. Caesar was obligate 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 40 out of the half dozenty cohorts, composing his force arrayed them in half a dozen 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 gymnastic horse skirmish ensues, but the Gallic horse 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 ob hanker 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 wal l. There were two monolithic 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 night had several divsions move up the southern wall having Vercingetorix think that was where the main attack would be. Caesars full-scale attack actually occurred on the eastern or steepest side with Vercingetorix largest 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 them on every side (Pg. 158). As the Romans became overwhelmed they came back down the southern hillside, the Gauls followed blindly, as the Gauls were strike by left and right flanks of Caesars 710th legion.The battle on the hill was desolate on sides, 46 centurions and approximately 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 Gergo via the people of Gaul still had their faith in Vercingetorix, he was re-elected Commander and Chief. Caesar is go on 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 quality of men over numbers.As Caesar marches toward the provinces, Vercingetorix in a choppy ignorant act of boldness ascends his infantry and small cavalry head on attacking Caesars Roman legions. Caesar staying calm, He sent his cavalry, in cardinal divisions, to repel the triple attack (Pg. 168). The Gauls retreated 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 taken 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 series of circumvallations trenches, ramparts, entrenchments, and barriers built around Alesia with cavalry on low ground and legion infantry on graduate(prenominal) slopes. The Romans being few in number did not have enough men or cavalry to guard the surrounding blockade of Alesia. Vercingetorix realizing that he was being closed in with four Roman legions linking up with Caesars six legions, Vercingetorix had to get dish up somehow. Under the cover of darkness Vercingetorix sent out Gauls to every region and, bring back with them every man who could treat a sword (Pg. 171). He also reminded them not to abandon the Gallic cause.Caesar had been given news of Vercingetorix call for relief armies, by group of deserters. Caesar still that he too was surrounded by all of Gaul, but it was still uncertain whether the relief armies would show up for Vercingetorix. Unlike the Romans who had proven consignment and precision in battle, the Gauls even though united, were still undisciplined and lacked the readiness of a Roman legionnaire. Caesar seeing the potential threat from the surrounding mountains proceeded to signifier entrenchments and barriers to his bear and on the western slope of Alesia where an open meadow was located.Caesars men made haste with the construction of barriers and traps like, five rows of strong boughs were fixed in each, with one end protruding above ground, sharpened and with the branches projecting so as to form a kind 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 purposely concealed by brushwood, were sharp pointed logs embedded in small pits (Pg. 139/Part I), as there were also barbed spikes manufacture 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 Verci ngetorix had the grain thrown into a angiotensin-converting enzyme stock as the grain would be dispersed among the soldiers rather than the citizens. A council of Gallic Chieftains gathered at an assembly to discuss Vercingetorix situation in Alesia and how he had requested a, universal levy (Pg. 173), or a mass of armies combined. It was heavily debated because many tribes were at conflict with Germanic tribes or settlement domestic problems some simply refused to send any army. In all about 43 tribes joined in with a massive cavalry as well.Four generals were given command of the 250,000 Gauls as it was said there was, No one leader of sufficient eminence to command universal obedience (Pg. 174), this would be proven decisively. As the relief army of Gaul marched towards Alesia, geezerhood away, the city was going into famine. The chieftains proposed the method of cannibalism as said, That their fathers, when driven into the fastnesses by the Cimbri and Teutoni, had continue life by feeding upon the flesh of those who were useless 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 elderly came down to the Roman blockade. Caesars blockade forbid 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 expire. The relief army soon arrives passing 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 rear defenses as Vercingetorix attacked from the inner defenses from 9Alesia.The Roman legions held strong repelling the Gallic cavalry with Caesars brilliant defensive military strategy. The Romans formed a compact dead body of infantry and split 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 using loud shouts to alert the rest of the Gallic army.The Gauls attempted 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 cooperate with the rest of the mass due to poor 10communication during the night. Roman artillery took apart the Gauls in between the defenses as casualties mounted because of poor effectiveness during the night raid. The Gauls retreated before dawn, fearing a flank from the right.Vercingetorix and Caesar refused to give into each other with casualties pil ing 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 spot 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, sorely distracted 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 toget her 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 harangued his don soldiers and adjured them not to give in (Pg. 179), continuing he said, Just 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 willingly out of respect for Caesar, being an admirer of his military brilliance. It was said that Vercingetorix, took off his armour, pose 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 penalise six ears later. The conquering of Gaul propelled Caesars political power tremendously. In 49 B. C he was elected dictator or emperor of Rome and soon after Civil war broke out at last 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 straining conquest of Gaul was to dig himself and Rome out of the debt that had amounted. H is conquest of Gaul was also an attempt, a successful one at that, to further his political career and bolster his power. His victory in Rome, as said before, put Caesar on a pedestal surpassing Pompey and Crassus and making him the favorite amongst Roman people. go bads 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. Print. . 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 Same Subject). Part 1. Macmillan, 1 The First Triumvirate was between the Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey. An alliance to help bolster power for Caesar in particular. 2 Equanimityone of Caesars great attributes being that he was very calm and poised 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 France. It is known as Hidden France by some. 5 Cenabums massacre 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 foiling led to the killings. 7 The Roman 10th Legion 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 According to Napolean I (Precis des guerres de Cesar, 1836, p. 110), more than fifty years must have elapsed 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. CJJaJ jhyg? 0Jhw? hwCJJaJhw? hoCJextremely difficult for Vercingetorix to transmit successfully outside the walls.