Transcript Caesar*s de Bello Gallico - School District of Clayton

Book 2: Chapter 1-15
The Belgae
 While Caesar was in winter quarters in Gaul, he was
informed by Labienus that all the Belgae were entering
into a confederacy against the Roman people
 They feared that Gaul was subdued and the Roman army
would lead against them
 They were instigated by several of the Gauls
 The government in Gaul was generally seized upon by
very powerful people
 Caesar levied two new legions and conducted them
into the territory of the Gauls, neighbors of the Belgae,
to learn what was going on among the Belgae
 It was reported back to Caesar that the Belgae were
raising an army and that he should not hesitate to
proceed towards them
 Caesar moves his camp and arrives at the territories of
the Belgae
 The Remi, closest to the
Belgae, sent two
principals to Caesar to
tell him that they would
 Surrender themselves to
the protection of the
Roman people
 Not enter a confederacy
against the Roman
people
 Would both obey
Caesar’s commands and
aid him with supplies
 The Bellovaci: the most powerful among the Belgae
in valor, influence, and number of men
 The Suessiones: their nearest neighbors and
possessed a very extensive/fertile country
 The Nervii: the most warlike and furthest away in
distance
 After thanking the Remi, Caesar ordered the whole
senate to assemble before him and leads him army to
Bibrax, a town of the Remi.
 There was a marsh between Caesar’s army and the




enemy
The enemy: was waiting to see if Caesar’s army would
surpass the size of their army
Caesar’s army: were ready in arms to attack them while
disordered
Caesar leads his cavalry over the bridge and hurries
towards the enemy, killing a great number of them
The enemy resolved to assemble from all quarters to
defend those into whose territories the Romans should
first march an army; they agree to enjoy the stores of
their own province and led to a resolution
 Since Caesar was unaware of the enemy’s reason for
departing, he sent his cavalry to harass their rear,
killing a great number of them as they were fleeing
 On the next day, Caesar then led his army into the
territory of the Suessiones and hurried to their town of
Noviodunum. The Suessiones then sent ambassadors
to Caesar respecting a surrender that the Suessiones be
spared.
 Then Caesar led his army against the Bellovaci. The
Bellovacian citizens extended their hands to Caesar
and promised to throw themselves under his power,
never contend in arms against the Roman people, and
begged for peace from the Romans. Caesar listened to
their pleas, however demanded 600 hostages.
 Lastly, Caesar moved from the Bellovaci to the
territory of the Ambiani, who immediately
surrendered all their possessions.
 Unfortunately on the other hand, the Nervii
condemned the rest of the Belgae who had
surrendered themselves to the Roman people. The
Nervii refused to accept any condition of peace with
Rome.