Julius Caesar wrote commentaries on the wars he fought in Gaul between 58 and 52 B.C., in seven books one for each year. This series of annual war commentaries is referred to by various names but is commonly called De bello Gallico in Latin, or The Gallic Wars in English.

When was Commentaries on the Gallic war written?

Annual reports by Julius Caesar of his campaigns in Gaul and Britain between 58 and 52 bce, published in Latin in the 50s bce, plus a supplement for 51 and 50 bce by Caesar's genera! Aulus Hirtius, published in the mid-40s bce.

Why did Julius Caesar start the Gallic Wars?

But historians agree he fought the Wars primarily to boost his political career and to pay off his debts. ... The Wars began with conflict over the migration of the Helvetii in 58 BC, which drew in neighboring tribes and the Germanic Suebi. By 57 BC, Caesar had resolved to conquer all of Gaul.

When did Caesar write his commentaries?

Caesar's Commentaries may refer to one of two works written by Julius Caesar: Commentarii de Bello Gallico, concerning Caesar's campaigns in Gaul and Britain, 58–50 BC. Commentarii de Bello Civili, concerning his participation in the Roman Civil War of 49–48 BC.

Did Julius Caesar write the Gallic Wars?

Julius Caesar wrote commentaries on the wars he fought in Gaul between 58 and 52 B.C., in seven books one for each year. This series of annual war commentaries is referred to by various names but is commonly called De bello Gallico in Latin, or The Gallic Wars in English.

Caesar in Gaul - Roman History DOCUMENTARY

16 related questions found

When did the Gauls defeat Rome?

After the Gauls defeated the Romans at the confluence of the Tiber and the Allia rivers, the Gauls marched on to Rome. In late July 390 BCE, the undefended city fell to the invaders to be burnt and sacked.

Who led the Gauls in the Gallic Wars?

Beginning in 58 bce, Julius Caesar waged two military campaigns and suppressed a widespread revolt in an attempt to conquer and pacify the tribes of Gaul.

When did Rome invade Gaul?

An invasion by Germanic Cimbri and Teutones was defeated by Marius in 102, but 50 years later a new wave of invasions into Gaul, by the Helvetii from Switzerland and the Suevi from Germany, triggered Roman conquest of the rest of Gaul by Julius Caesar in 58–50 bc.

Why did Caesar write the commentaries?

Caesar's books were intended as an aid for future historians - that's why they are officially called Commentaries, and not History of the Gallic War - but the author often leaves out information that historians would have found interesting.

What was the most important reason Caesar created the Bellum Gallicum?

Driven by Roman Politics

The most powerful motive behind the invasion was not trouble with the Gauls. It was the state of Roman politics. The expansion of the Roman Empire had led to great wealth and power for a small faction of the elite.

What are the 3 parts of Gaul?

According to Julius Caesar, Gaul was divided into three parts: Gallia Celtica, Belgica, and Aquitania. Archaeologically, the Gauls were bearers of the La Tène culture, which extended across all of Gaul, as well as east to Raetia, Noricum, Pannonia, and southwestern Germania during the 5th to 1st centuries BC.

What did Caesar do in Gaul?

Caesar was appointed governor of the vast region of Gaul (north-central Europe) in 58 B.C., where he commanded a large army. During the subsequent Gallic Wars, Caesar conducted a series of brilliant campaigns to conquer and stabilize the region, earning a reputation as a formidable and ruthless military leader.

Did the Romans defeat the Gauls?

The Gauls defeated the Romans at Faesulae, but later the Romans defeated the Gauls at Telamon. 223-193 BC: After this came a concerted Roman policy aimed at conquering Gallic territories south of the Alps. Rome invaded the territory of the Insubres in 223 BC, and took Clastidium, Acerrae and Mediolanum in 222 BC.

How does Caesar describe Gauls?

In Caesar's account, the Gauls are described as somewhat lazy, fiercely independent, and prone to violence, although not as warlike as their Germanic neighbors. In Book VI, Caesar writes: In Gaul, not only every tribe, canton, and subdivision of a canton, but almost every family, is divided into rival factions.

What were the Gauls known for?

The area they originally inhabited was known as Gaul. Their Gaulish language forms the main branch of the Continental Celtic languages. The Gauls emerged around the 5th century BC as the bearers of La Tène culture north of the Alps. ... After this, Gaul was made a province of the Roman Empire.

Why did Julius Caesar write in third person?

Quite simply, it is Caesar's way of elevating himself above everybody else, god like almost. He is the only character in the play to speak of himself in the third person. In his mind, he is already emperor of Rome, and all that remains is the formal ceremony.

How long is Caesar's Gallic Wars?

The Commentarii cover the Gallic Wars over a period of 8 years, beginning with conflict over the migration of the Helvetii in 58 BC, which drew in neighboring tribes and the Germanic Suebi. By 57 BC, Caesar had resolved to conquer all of Gaul, and led campaigns in the east, where the Nervii nearly defeated him.

How many manuscripts does the Gallic Wars have?

De bello gallico is apparently the only work associated with Caesar to have been much used by medieval writers, with 16 independent manuscripts known from the 12th to the 14th centuries. There are, however, 54 15th-century manuscripts and it was one of the first classical texts to be printed, in Rome in 1469.

What is Alesia called today?

Alesia, ancient town situated on Mont Auxois, above the present-day village of Alise-Sainte-Reine in the département of Côte d'Or, France.