Bagaudy. Caesar's Gallic War Rebellions in Gaul 4th 5th century

At the beginning of 54 BC, it seemed that the war was over, the deed was done - Gaul resigned itself to the Roman dictates. But someone, and Caesar, who had time to feel inwardly where he was and among whom, was aware of how shaky everything was and what a small spark was enough to blaze.

Wide sections of Gallic society were not going to put up with the new realities - it seemed, for what reason? They didn't have a very clear idea of who they were dealing with.

The backbone of the emerging Roman dominion were those "parties", groups of nobility, who themselves benefited from relying on alien power in order to take a leading position in their tribes. And Caesar skillfully used all his political talent: whom he needed to support, whom he needed to push against his foreheads. He took tribal specifics into account: where he appointed "kings", where he transformed the aristocratic elite into a "senate", somewhere in favor remained traditional tribal leaders and their entourage. To make his life easier, he used the ancient practice of the Gauls, when the weaker tribes became “clients” of the stronger ones: such guardians were proclaimed, in particular, the Aedui and Rhemians. There will be someone to look after - after all, these are old Roman friends.

In the anxieties and worries about the conquered areas, Caesar always remembered the main thing - about Rome. And there fateful events unfolded. Having served in 55 BC a joint consulship with Pompey, Krass went to governorship in Syria. There he dreamed of the laurels of Alexander the Great - he planned to conquer the Parthian kingdom. And next in line are Bactria and India ...

But the Parthians treated the conquerors like Kutuzov. After the successes of 54 BC, when a number of cities were captured, Krase set off on a new campaign, decisive as he planned it. Together with him, at the head of a detachment of riders was a son - Publius Krase, who had insignia for valor in Gaul, where he fought under Caesar.

The Parthians habitually retreated to the waterless Mesopotamian steppes, Krase rushed after him, rejoicing at the conquered expanses - and found himself in a trap. At Carrah, clouds of fine riders and archers surrounded him and began to exterminate the legionnaires from a safe distance. Crassus Jr. rushed at them with his detachment, but it was difficult for the light Gallic cavalry to resist the Parthians protected by armor. In a desperate impulse, the Gauls jumped to the ground, pierced the stomachs of enemy horses - but this was a dying courage. Their commander was also killed.

The army had to either die ingloriously or capitulate. While negotiating the surrender, old Krase was treacherously killed. Of the Romans, few survived - most of those who were not captured died on the way back. And the Hellenistically educated Parthian ruler during the feast, while reading the "Bacchae" of Euripides, showed the head of the unlucky conqueror of Asia to the enthusiastic courtiers.

Caesar's position became more difficult. Previously, he was like a link between Crassus and Pompey, who often clashed. In addition, his daughter Julia, who was married to Pompey, died unexpectedly - she was sincerely loved by her father, her husband, and, it seems, the Roman plebs.

Caesar offered Pompey his great-niece (the sister of the future emperor Octavian Augustus) as a new wife, and he himself intended to marry his daughter. But he refused such a combination, and his wife was the daughter of Quintus Metella Scipio, a clear enemy of Caesar.

In 52 BC, another nuisance. Caesar's interests in Rome were effectively defended by a noble Roman, a favorite of the Roman crowd, Clodius. The Commonwealth was stifling. Once Clodius, disguised as a woman, entered Caesar's house for a sacrament in honor of the feast of the Good Goddess - looking for a meeting with his wife Pompey. There was a trial in the case of sacrilege - men were strictly forbidden to attend the sacrament. But Clodius was unexpectedly acquitted. He was spared by Caesar himself, who already had great influence in Rome. Apparently, with a trained eye, the politician figured out that a forgiven ladies' man could be of great use. He did not forgive his wife, although he loved her, and there was no guilt on her. “Caesar's wife should be beyond suspicion,” this is how the husband motivated his severity, and this is where this phrase came from, which is repeated from century to century, when it is necessary and when it is not necessary.

Clodius, indeed, began to faithfully defend the interests of Caesar and did this for about ten years. He even moved from the category of patricians to plebeians - to make it easier to sow confusion. In the then Rome, every political grouping or just influential people had numerous hordes of clients, freedmen, slaves and lured Roman punks serving them. The supporters of the monopoly power of the “strong hand” had such, and the times * 38 * nimble defenders of the decrepit republic (they included both nostalgic romantics and people who made their bet on their own minds). These gangs constantly staged battles among themselves on the streets of Rome and had considerable weight in the alignment of political forces. Clodius, an unscrupulous adventurer and idol of the mob, was in such an environment like a fish in water, and for Caesar a very valuable person. But suddenly he is killed in a random skirmish.

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And from such important concerns of Caesar, things are distracting closer and more terrible. Still, it flared up.

The first sparks flew in 54 BC. That year was lean, and the proconsul deployed his legions throughout Gaul - so it was easier for them to feed themselves. Fifteen cohorts (one and a half legions) were stationed in the region of the Aburons (between the Meuse and the Rhine). But as soon as they settled in their camp, the Gauls attacked. The Romans recaptured it without difficulty. After that, the leader of the Ambiorix tribe came to the Roman commanders Sabin and Kota and assured that he had nothing to do with it, that he personally owed a lot to Caesar. The tribe decided to attack without his knowledge. And he warned: soon the rest of the Gauls would join the uprising, and the Germans were already coming to the rescue. Therefore, he strongly advised me to join the larger forces.

And he got his way. At dawn the next day, the army left the camp in a stretched column, weighed down by a huge convoy - and became easy prey for the Gauls. The commanders died, the few survivors tried to fortify themselves in the abandoned camp. Until the night they somehow held out, but then every one of them committed suicide. It was then that Caesar swore not to shave his beard.

Ambiorix lost no time - raised other tribes. The legion commanded by Quintus Cicero, brother of the famous orator, was besieged in his camp. But this one did not succumb to any tricks and managed to let Caesar know about his plight. He did not keep himself waiting, and with a 7,000th detachment, with skillful actions, he defeated 60,000 Gauls.

Caesar strained all his diplomatic abilities, all his ability to persuade - just to prevent a chain reaction. To whom he made promises, to whom he intimidated. And let's give him his due: he admitted that what happened was to be expected, that everything was to blame - the severity of Roman rule. But a harsh yoke was not yet imposed on the Gauls, it seemed to them out of habit. s 4-2" Not *

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The next year, 53 BC, Caesar decided to start with punitive expeditions. But at the beginning of spring, as usual, he convened a general Gallic congress at his headquarters. Seeing that some of the leaders of the tribes did not appear and, realizing that this was open disobedience, he moved the event to the center (geographical) of Gaul - to the city of the Parisians Lutetia (Paris). This tribe did not participate in the uprising.

At the congress there were again persuasions and threats, after the congress there were again campaigns and battles. The Germans came to the aid of the Gauls, and the Romans again visited across the Rhine along beautiful bridges built in a few days.

It is noteworthy: having invaded the country of the instigators of the Aburon rebellion, Caesar appealed to all neighboring Gallic communities with an appeal: come and rob. And they came, willingly came. The devastation was terrible. The Aburons have disappeared from history altogether.

At the next congress, which took place in the fall in Ducortor (Reims), an investigation was carried out to identify the main perpetrators of the indignation, and one of them, Akkon, was subjected to a painful execution.

It seems to be quieter. Having secured food supplies for the army, Caesar went to Upper Italy (Cisalpine Gaul) for the winter. There he learned that the Senate had elected Pompey consul, endowing him with emergency powers: he made it possible to recruit conscripts throughout Italy. Caesar immediately recruits new legions in the Province, but he did not need them where he might have expected. The Gauls also heard about what was happening in Rome, they decided that Caesar was not up to them now, he would not return, and perked up. They were wrong, and 52 BC was the bloodiest in the Gallic epic.

It began in the region of the Carnauts, the spiritual center of the Gauls, where druids from all over Gaul gathered every year. In the city of Tsenab (Orleans), all Roman citizens were mercilessly killed.

The Arvern tribe joined the uprising. This had a particularly great effect on the Gauls. The Arverni were the strongest and richest of all in southern Gaul, and still kept their allegiance to Rome - so their example was contagious. And most importantly, the young leader Vercingetorig advanced among the Arverns.

Of course, Gaulish names are very difficult, but it is worth remembering. Because its owner managed to raise Gaul to a nationwide * -zn 40 * uprising, and not to a rebellion of disparate tribes, albeit a simultaneous one (the German historian Mommsen suggested that just as the Greeks realized their national community only during the invasion of the Persians, so did the Gauls first imbued with it, rebelling together under the leadership of Vercingetorix). It was also a military talent, commensurate with Caesar. Soon he was proclaimed king.

He didn't waste time. He gathered the forces of twelve neighboring communities and sent them to the Province, while he himself went to raise other tribes.

But then, unexpectedly, Caesar appears with an army reinforced by new legions. He acts no less energetically than his rival: through seemingly impassable mountain snowdrifts, he makes his way to the territory of his native tribe.

There he does not stay long - too risky. Moves to other rebellious tribes, and everywhere he is successful. Tsenab (Orleans), where Roman citizens were exterminated, was severely punished: given to soldiers for looting and set on fire.

And then Vercingetorix chooses a new war strategy. Frontal battles with steel Roman cohorts must be avoided. On the side of the Gauls, superiority in cavalry - therefore, success must be sought in quick attacks on small detachments engaged in the extraction of food and its transportation. Deprive the Romans of supplies, haunt them with frequent raids, bleed them in petty skirmishes.

And we must accustom ourselves to the idea that for the sake of the common good one has to sacrifice relatives and friends. If necessary, burn their villages and even cities - so that they do not become shelter and strongholds for the Romans.

All this is similar to the guerrilla war that the Britons fought across the English Channel against Caesar. But Vercingetorix also managed to adopt from the Romans the tactics of using quickly erected and well-fortified camps.

The Gallic leaders approved of his plan. In one day, twenty villages and cities of the Biturig tribe were on fire. But the Bituriges were able to pray for their beauty and pride, the city of Avarica (Burgess): it was one of the most beautiful and richest cities in all of Gaul. They promised that they would never hand him over to the enemy.

Soon the opportunity came to test the strength of this oath - Caesar laid siege to the city. The siege was really given to the Romans very hard. The soldiers were straining, conducting siege work in the swampy area. Vercingetorig was always nearby, his flying squads constantly disturbed.

But all the achievements of Roman engineering were used: shafts, covered galleries, mobile towers, throwing machines. The besieged tried to get rid of this threat with a sudden nightly sortie, but were repulsed, although the battle continued until the morning. The situation was becoming hopeless.

Caesar decided to attack. The city was taken, and there was no mercy from the bursting soldiers to anyone - neither women, nor the elderly, nor children. Of the forty thousand inhabitants of the unfortunate city, no more than five hundred survived.

But the uprising after that did not subside, on the contrary, it flared up even more. And the authority of Vercingetorix only increased after the tragedy: the Gauls were convinced of the superiority of his plan over the strategy of large battles.

Caesar was in for another unpleasant surprise: a civil war began to brew within the tribe of the Aedui, the most faithful Roman allies. Even in the Province it became restless. In search of additional forces, the proconsul sent messengers across the Rhine, to the recently subjugated Germanic tribes, with a request to send cavalry units and light infantry. And the Germans did not fail to rush to the smell of blood.

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The denouement came near the city of Alesia, located on a high hill. Vercingetorig, who decided to defend the city, deployed his army not only inside the walls, but also around the hill. Recently, in a similar situation, he succeeded at Gergovia - there the Romans were forced to retreat.

The approaching legions began to erect a line of siege fortifications 17 kilometers long. The Gauls interfered with the work with their cavalry raids, and one day a large cavalry battle unfolded. It was not the first time that German horsemen brought success to the Romans - the Gauls could not fight with them.

Vercingetorig made a bold decision - he sent his cavalry warriors to spread the call throughout Gaul to go to the rescue of the besieged city. To tell that the 80,000-strong army of supplies locked there has only a month left, and if it dies, it will be a universal disaster. The Congress of Leaders sent orders to all communities as to how many soldiers to send. At least 250,000 people were expected to arrive.

But Caesar, having learned about this, also makes an unusual decision: he orders the construction of a 20-kilometer outer line of defense - from a militia threatening from the outside.

In Alesia, indeed, supplies soon came to an end, famine began. At the military council it was terrible proposal: to feed the defenders of all unfit for defense. But the majority did not like it, a softer decision was made: to send the extra ones out of the city.

And so a huge crowd of emaciated citizens, who not so long ago provided their homes for a common cause, moved towards the Roman trenches. They begged to be turned into slaves - if only they would be fed. But Caesar was relentless and sent everyone back.

Finally, the general Gallic army flocked in sufficient numbers. The defenders perked up. Twice the Romans were ardently attacked from both sides, from the city and from outside, but held out.

The third battle was decisive - the rivals understood that everything was at stake, hit or miss. The pressure of the Gauls was desperate, Caesar himself rushed into the cabin in a purple cloak at the head of the cavalry cohorts. The scales fluttered, and then reinforcements came - but not to the Gauls, but to the Romans.

The victory was complete. The position of the besieged became hopeless, the militia pushing from the outside began to disperse - it was too diverse, and therefore not very stable.

Surrender followed the next day. Vercingetorix, in his best armor, on a smartly dressed horse, rode around the dais on which Caesar was seated, tore off his armor and sat at his feet.

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What was in store for him? Six years in a damp Roman prison, waiting bitterly for Caesar to finally get around to celebrating his triumph.

Oh, it will be an incredible sight! Caesar celebrated four triumphs in a row: Gallic, Alexandrian, Pontic and African. His chariot was accompanied by forty huge elephants, carts carried piles of gold and thousands of golden wreaths, mountains of other treasures, decorations made of precious woods, ivory, tortoiseshell.

The victor was accompanied by loyal comrades-in-arms - his soldiers. They, as usual, sang funny mocking songs: “Hey, Romans, hide your wives! We're bringing a bald womanizer!" The hero of the day was really greedy for love pleasures all his life, and many Roman matrons reciprocated him - even Muttia, the wife of Gnei

Gaul had long accumulated strength to revolt against the conquerors. The uprising began in 54 and covered most of the Gallic governorship. However, its power was seriously reduced by the fact that the tribes of the Gauls acted separately and at different times, without a single leader in the person of a capable military leader. At the head of the most serious performance of the Gauls was the tribal leader Ambiorix. He considered it an auspicious occasion that the Roman troops in the north of Gaul were stationed not in one, but in eight fortified camps. Not far from the city of Aduatuca, the Gauls suddenly attacked the Roman garrison on the march of one of the camps commanded by Quintus Titurius Sabinus and Lucius Avrunculeus Cotta. During the battle, the attackers killed all the Romans - one and a half legions (15 cohorts).

After this victory, the rebels laid siege to the fortified camp of Quintus Cicero, but they failed to take the Romans by surprise here. They repulsed the attack successfully. Moreover, the governor of Gaul managed to send a letter asking for help. Having received such news, Gaius Julius Caesar, who was at that time in Central Gaul, with only 7 thousand legionnaires at hand, hastened to the rescue of Quintus Cicero. In a clash with the rebels, the governor won. Then, by a successful maneuver, the siege was lifted from the Roman camp. Realizing that now he was unable to fight the army of Ambiorix and other Gallic rebel leaders, Caesar retreated from the north of the country, but managed to gather his army together. By the spring of 53, he already had 10 legions under his command, and he could begin to suppress the uprising in the governorship.

Without much difficulty, the Romans captured the rebellious cities of Vellaunodun, Genabum, Novidunum. The rebels everywhere retreated, waging a guerrilla war, devastating their own land, so as not to give the enemy food and fodder. Caesar, at the head of a 50,000-strong Roman army, besieged the city of Avericum (modern Bourges in France) - the center of the rebellious Gauls, led by the leader Vercingetoriga. The Romans were never able to take Avericum by attack, the Gauls repelled all assaults. When the besieged ran out of food, the army of the Gauls, led by their leader, secretly left the fortress. Only then were the Caesarian legions able to break into the city and kill its garrison along with the inhabitants.

In 52, the leader of Vercingetorix crossed his weapons with the Gallic governor. It happened under the walls of the city of Gergovia, which the Romans besieged, however, without any hope of success. Caesar decided to retreat, as his army began to experience great difficulties in delivering food. But before leaving, he made the last assault, which the Gauls repulsed. On the battlefield, the Romans left more than 700 legionnaires and 46 centurions. In the same year, at the head of the same 50,000-strong army, Caesar besieged the fortress city of Alesia, which stood on the top of Mount Auxua not far from the sources of the Seine. Alesia was defended by 90 thousand foot and 15 thousand cavalry Gauls under the command of Vercingetoriga. The Romans surrounded the besieged fortress with two lines of fortifications, each of which reached a length of 22-23 kilometers. Now the rebels could neither escape from the siege ring, nor receive help from outside.

The Belgian tribes, having gathered a large army, decided to come to the aid of the besieged Alesia, but were defeated by the Roman legions in battle. The news of the defeat of the Belgians so demoralized the defenders of the city that the next day they capitulated. The captive leader of the rebellious Gauls was sent to Rome to participate in the military triumph of Gaius Julius Caesar, where Vercingetoriga was executed as a rebel after five years of imprisonment and everyday humiliation. After the fall of fortress Alesia and the surrender of the main forces of the rebel Gauls to the mercy of the winner, the Roman conquests of Gaul (in whose territory modern France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland are located) ended. The last centers of uprising of the Gallic tribes were extinguished in the year 50.

About his war against the rebellious Gauls, who outnumbered the Romans, but not the ability to fight, Gaius Julius Caesar told his descendants in the "Notes on the Gallic War", written in the third person. Here is one excerpt from Caesarian memoirs: “The situation was difficult, and there were no reinforcements. Then Caesar snatched the shield from one of the soldiers in the back ranks and rushed forward. He called the centurions by name and loudly cheered on the other warriors, yelling at them to push forward in a chain (this way it would be easier for them to use their swords). His example strengthened their spirits and gave them hope. Despite the danger, each of the warriors tried to show himself in front of his commander with better side". In 51, Gaul was finally pacified and became a Roman possession for at least half a millennium. The Eternal City has not seen so many cheap slaves in the city's slave markets for a long time. Victories over the Gauls contributed to the growth of Gaius Julius Caesar's popularity in ancient Rome.

Including the territory between the river Po and the Alps (Cisalpine Gaul, Gallia Cisalpina) and between the Rhine, the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees, Atlantic Ocean. (Transalpine Gaul, Gallia Transalpina). In ancient times, in the west of Gaul, between the rivers Rhone and Garonne, the Iberian tribe of the Aquitani lived, and to the east of them - the Ligures. The main territory of Gaul from the 6th century BC. was inhabited by the Celts who came from the east, whom the Romans called the Gauls (hence the name). To the north of the Seine River lived Belgae, closer to the Rhine - mixed tribes of Celts and Germans. A large number of tribes lived in Gaul, whose names later formed the basis of local place names, for example, Paris arose on the habitat of the Parisian tribe. Around 220 B.C. the territory between the Po and the Alps was conquered by the Romans, turned into the province of Cisalpine Gaul with the main city of Mediolanum (Milan) and divided into Cispadanian Gaul and Transpadanian Gaul Under Caesar in the middle of the 1st century BC. the population of Cisalpine Gaul received the rights of Roman citizenship, it became part of Italy, although it retained its former name.

In the 120s BC. the Romans began a war with the tribes of the south of Transalpine Gaul, which ended with the formation of about 120 BC. on the territory of modern Provence, a Roman province with a center in Narbo-Marcius (Narbonne). In 58-51 BC. Legions of Julius Caesar Gaul was completely conquered. In 16 B.C. under Augustus, Transalpine Gaul was divided into four provinces: Narbonne Gaul, Lugdun Gaul, Aquitaine, Belgica. Later, the territory of Gaul was divided into fourteen provinces. The Gauls repeatedly rebelled against Roman rule (52-51 BC, 12 BC, 21 AD). The largest of these was the uprising of Civilis in 69-70 AD.
The spread of Roman forms of economy strengthened the economy of Gaul. At the end of the 1st-2nd centuries AD. the number of slave-owning villas multiplied, the big cities: Narbo-Marcius (Narbonne), Lugdunum (Lyon), Nemauzus (Nimes), Arelat (Arles), Burdigala (Bordeaux). High level reached Agriculture, metallurgy, ceramic and textile production, foreign and domestic trade. The economic recovery, based on the exploitation of slaves and colonies, was short-lived. From the beginning of the 3rd century, crafts and trade began to decline, the cities became impoverished, and at the same time, large-scale land ownership grew. By the middle of the 3rd century, the crisis was aggravated by the onslaught of the Germanic tribes on Gaul. In 258, in the conditions of the complicated external and internal situation of the Roman Empire, Gaul, together with Britain and Spain, separated from Rome and created an independent empire headed by Postumus (ruled 258-268). The Gallic Empire lasted 15 years. Its last ruler, Tetricus (270-273), being unable to cope with the soldier mutinies and the outbreak of the Bagaud uprising, surrendered to the Roman emperor Aurelian, and Gaul was again reunited with the Roman Empire. In the 4th century, the territory of Gaul was divided into seventeen provinces, which were part of the Gallic and Viennese dioceses. As a result of the barbarian invasions of the territory of Gaul on the Rhine in 406, the state of the Burgundians arose, in 418, as federates, the Visigoths received part of Aquitaine from Rome. Since that time, the Germans captured one part of Gaul after another. The conquest of Gaul was completed Frankish king Clovis, who annexed territories north of the Loire River to his kingdom in 486.

Vercingetorig or Vercingetorix(lat. Vercingetorix) (c. 72 BC - 46 BC) - the leader of the Celtic Arvern tribe in central Gaul, who opposed Julius Caesar in the Gallic War. His name in Gaulish means "lord over" (ver-rix) "warriors" (cingetos). The son of the leader of the Arverni Keltilla, who was executed on charges of wanting to rule all of Gaul. According to some reports, he studied in Britain with the druids. According to Dion Cassius, he was a friend of Caesar. During the Gallic War, Vercingetorix led an uprising of the united Gallic tribes against Caesar, who actually conquered all of Gaul, in 52 BC. e.

Rome and Gaul

In the middle of the 1st century BC. e. The Romans attributed three territories to independent Gaul: Aquitaine, Belgia and Gaul proper. In the southern part of modern France in 121 BC. The Romans organized the province of Gallia Narbonne. This area was mainly inhabited by Celtic tribes who maintained close ties with their tribesmen in the north. The lack of land in Italy prompted the Romans and Italics to develop the territories of Narbonne Gaul. Already by the 80s BC. e. the Romans were actively engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry in the province, and by the 60s BC. e. known about their numerous confiscations of arable land and pastures. In addition, the Romans began to completely dominate the financial sphere of the province. In the spring of 58 BC. e. Gaius Julius Caesar became governor of Gaul (three provinces - Narbonne Gaul, Cisalpine Gaul and Illyricum). Caesar received from the Senate the right of military command for five years, the ability to recruit legions and appoint assistant legates of his choice. The ambitious politician gave Gaul a huge place in his plans, which was favored by the explosive situation that had developed here by that time.

"Turtle" from shields. The capture of the German fortification by attack is depicted. According to the relief on the column of M. Aurelius Antoninus in Rome

Even before the outbreak of the Gallic War, the Belgian-British alliance and the confederation led by the Arverni fought for influence among the tribes. The position of the Arverns was greatly shaken when, in 121 BC. e. they were defeated by the Romans. The Edui, who had made an alliance with Rome, on the contrary, significantly strengthened their positions. Therefore, by the beginning of the Gallic War, the greatest political significance there was a confrontation between the Aedui allied to Rome against the Sequans. In most other tribes, there were both supporters of rapprochement with the Aedui (and, accordingly, with Rome), and their opponents. However, almost all information about the political development of Gaul and about the relations between the tribes is known only from Caesar's Notes on the Gallic War. Around 63 B.C. e. the Aedui waged war with the Sequans over a strategically important corridor leading from the Rhine valley to the upper Rhone. The Sequans initially suffered defeat and attracted 15,000 German mercenaries from the Suebi tribe, led by Ariovist, to participate in the war. Soon, Ariovistus turned his weapon against the Sequans who had called him and took away part of the territory from them, and called the Germans to the occupied lands. Soon their number here reached 120 thousand people. The Celts feared that Ariovistus might continue to seize the Gallic territories, but could not do anything; according to one version, it was for the expulsion of Ariovistus that the Helvetii were called. The opinions of the Gauls were divided. One party, led by the Aedui leader Divitiacus, planned to turn to the Romans for protection. The other, led by Divitiak's brother, Edui Dumnorig, and also by the Sequan Kastik, proposed using the help of the Helvetii against the Germans. This powerful and wealthy Celtic tribe, living in the northwestern part of modern Switzerland, before the growing onslaught of the Germans, decided to leave their possessions and settle in the southwestern part of Aquitaine. To this end, the Helvetians collected large stocks of food and burned their cities and villages.

War of Rome with the Helvetii and Ariovistus

Since the shortest route to the places planned for settlements ran through the territory of the Narbonne province, the Helvetians turned to Rome with a request for free passage. The Romans, only in 62-61 BC. e. who suppressed the Allobroge uprising in the province, feared a resumption of unrest and refused their request. The Helvetii tried to break through by force, but Caesar, already in the early spring of 58 BC. e. hurried to leave for the provinces, took a number of defensive measures here. Finding the path through the province blocked, the Helvetians moved around - through the regions of the Sequani and Aedui. Dumnorig obtained permission for them to pass freely. However, the violence that the Helvetians committed on the way turned the Aedui in favor of the party of Divitiacus. As a Roman ally, he turned to Caesar for protection. Caesar hastened to seize on a convenient pretext for military action. At the beginning of the summer, he transferred three legions from Cisalpine Gaul across the Alps in addition to the legion stationed in the territory of Narbo. In addition, he recruited two more legions of volunteers. Having now an army of six legions, that is, 25-30 thousand people, Caesar rushed after the Helvetii. June 6, 58 BC e. he attacked the Tigurins that were part of them during their crossing over the Arar. The surprise attack was successful: the Gauls were defeated and suffered heavy losses. Constantly pursuing the enemy, Caesar, a few days later, was able to impose a decisive battle on the Helvetians somewhere near the capital of the Aedui, Bibracte, possibly near modern Montmore.

Negotiations between Caesar and Divicon after the Battle of Arara. art.Karl Jauslin

At the beginning of the battle, the Helvetians were able to strongly push the Romans from their positions, but then military happiness turned away from them. The battle ended with a complete victory for the Romans. About 80 thousand Helvetians and their allies were killed on the battlefield, the survivors were forced to return to the places of their original settlement and rebuild the previously destroyed settlements. After the victory over the Helvetians, Caesar convened a general Gallic meeting in Bibrakt, at which representatives of the most influential tribes brought him a complaint about the actions of Ariovistus. Ariovistus refused his invitation to come to headquarters, which confirmed the worst suspicions against him. Caesar soon became aware that the Garudas, who had recently arrived from beyond the Rhine, were devastating the border lands of the Aedui, and on the other side of the river, the huge forces of the Suebi were standing, waiting for the crossing. In an effort to prevent their connection with the main forces of Ariovista, Caesar went on a campaign at the end of August of the same year. He managed to occupy the capital of the Sequans, Vezontion (Besançon), before the main forces of the Germans approached him. Ariovistus waited for Caesar's approach at the "Burgundy Gate" at present-day Belfort. The personal meeting of the military leaders was not successful. Ariovistus refused to accept Caesar's mediation and rejected his demands for freedom for the Gauls. For several days, light skirmishes took place between the opponents. The decisive battle took place on September 10, 58 BC. e. At the beginning of the battle, the Germans managed to push the Romans on one of the flanks, but Caesar promptly brought in reserves, which decided the outcome of the case in his favor. About 80 thousand Germans died on the battlefield and during their flight to the banks of the Rhine. Ariovistus with a few close associates managed to cross the river and escape. His further fate is unknown.

Caesar in Gaul

The Roman victory over the Helvetii and Ariovistus seriously changed the political situation in Gaul. The palm among the Gallic tribes passed into the hands of the Aedui and the pro-Roman party behind them. The Belgae living in the north of Gaul were unhappy with these circumstances. They terminated the friendship agreement previously concluded with the Aedui and began to prepare for war. Caesar regarded the preparations of the Belgae as a threat to the new order he had created. In the spring of 57 B.C. e. he recruited two new legions in Cisalpine Gaul and, with all the forces that were with him, invaded Belgica. The Remes, who lived between the Aisne and the Marne, assured him of their support and offered to help. The Levi (Tul), Mediomatricians (Metz) and the Trevers living in the Moselle Valley declared their neutrality. Frightened Belga, one tribe after another, began to express their obedience to him. The Nervii, who tried to resist, were defeated and completely destroyed in the Battle of the Sambre River. According to Caesar, out of 60 thousand men capable of bearing arms, only 500 survived, of the 600 most distinguished senators - only three. Their death forced the recognition of the Roman domination of the atrebates (Artois) and Veromandui (Vermandois). The Aduatuks, who tried to defend themselves at Namur, suffered a severe defeat. After that, 33 thousand defeated were sold into slavery. Simultaneously with this campaign, Publius Licinius Crassus, with one legion, accepted the surrender of Veneti, Osisms, Coriosolites, Aesubians and Redons. So by the end of the summer of 57 BC. e. a significant part of Gaul recognized the dominance of Roman weapons. Simultaneously with this campaign, Publius Licinius Crassus, with one legion, accepted the surrender of Veneti, Osisms, Coriosolites, Aesubians and Redons. So by the end of the summer of 57 BC. e. a significant part of Gaul recognized the dominance of Roman weapons.

In the spring, the Veneti (Morbihan) came out against the Romans, joined by the maritime army communities conquered last year. Caesar with the main forces invaded Armorica, and his legate Decimus Brutus, at the head of a newly built fleet, subjugated the coast and defeated the ships of the Veneti on the sea. As punishment for the resistance, Caesar ordered the execution of the entire Senate of the Veneti, and the prisoners sold into slavery. Caesar's legate Quintus Titurius Sabinus with three legions passed with fire and sword through the territory of Normandy up to the banks of the Seine, and Publius Crassus with twelve cohorts subjugated the territory of Aquitaine from the Garonne to the foot of the Pyrenees. In the decisive battle, the Aquitanian militia suffered such losses that only a quarter of its 50 thousand people survived. In the autumn of 56 B.C. e. Caesar himself went to Belgica against the Morins and Menapii, who lived along the Scheldt and in the lower reaches of the Rhine. With his approach, the barbarians hastened to retreat into dense forests and swamps. Limiting himself to the robbery of dwellings and fields, Caesar gave the order to the troops to return to winter quarters. In the winter of 55 B.C. e. Germanic tribes The Usipetes and Tencters, expelled from their homeland by the Suebi, crossed the Rhine in its lower reaches and found refuge in the lands of the Menapii. The refugees, who, according to Roman information, numbered 430 thousand, turned to Caesar with a request to give them land. Caesar sought to prevent the further uncontrolled crossings of the Germans across the Rhine and therefore gave them only three days to return back. Then, using as a pretext an attack by a detachment of barbarians on his foragers, he ordered the German leaders who had come for negotiations to be detained, and ordered the soldiers to massacre all the people who had accumulated in a huge camp. Many people died, including the elderly, women and children.

Gallic uprising

In the winter of 54-53 BC. e. the Gauls finally realized the danger that threatened them and began to act together. Roman troops, numbering six legions, at that time were in winter quarters in the lands of the Belgians. conspirators, including decisive role the leader of the Trevers, Indutiomar, and the leader of the Eburons, Ambiorig, played, decided to attack them separately.

The uprising began in the district of the Eburones. Ambiorig with his people attacked 15 cohorts wintering near Aduatuki (Tongeren), commanded by the legates Quintus Titurius Sabinus and Lucius Avrunculei Kotta. The attack turned out to be a complete surprise for the Romans, but they managed to beat off the first assault of the rebels. Then Ambiorix, who until then was considered a faithful ally of the Romans, called the legates to negotiations and promised them a free retreat to his own. When the Romans went beyond the walls of the camp, the Gauls ambushed them on the march. The entire squad was destroyed. After this success, the rebels besieged the camp of Quintus Cicero on the Sambre. He barely managed to repel the first attack and held the camp until the approach to the rescue of Caesar, who wintered with three legions nearby in Samarobriv (Amiens). In the ensuing battle, Caesar's 7,000 Roman legionaries put 60,000 Gauls to flight. With the news of this defeat, the uprising began to decline. Indutiomar, who besieged the camp of Titus Labienus with his Trevers, allowed himself to be drawn into the battle until the Germans crossed the Rhine, was defeated and killed. After this, the Germans returned to their home, and the Trevers submitted to the Roman arms. In the spring of 53 B.C. e. Caesar made up for the loss personnel, gaining three new legions and receiving another one from Pompey. With these forces during the summer campaign, he brutally cracked down on the rebellious Eburons, again pacified Belgica and once again crossed the Rhine to fully punish the Germans. For the winter, two of his legions were stationed at the border of the Trevers, two at the Lingons, and the main group, which included six legions, at Agedinka (Sans), in the lands of the recently pacified Senons. Caesar himself went to Cisalpine Gaul to observe the course of events in Rome.

Vercingetorix

“This very influential young man, whose father once stood at the head of all Gaul and was killed by his fellow citizens for his desire for royal power, gathered all his clients and easily set them on fire for an uprising. Having learned about his plans, the Arverns grabbed their weapons. His uncle Gobannition and the rest of the princes, who did not find it possible now to try their luck, opposed him, and he was expelled from the city of Gergovia. However, he did not abandon his intention and began to recruit the poor and all sorts of rabble from the villages. With this gang, he goes around the community and attracts supporters everywhere, calling to arms to fight for general freedom. Having thus gathered a large force, he drives out of the country his opponents, who recently expelled him. His followers proclaim him king. He sends embassies everywhere, conjures the Gauls to be faithful to their oath. Soon the Senons, Parisians, Pictons, Kadurki, Turons, Aulerks, Lemoviks, Andes and all other tribes on the coast of the Ocean enter into an alliance with him. By unanimous decision, they handed him the main command. Endowed with this power, he demands hostages from all these communities; orders to put in the shortest possible time a certain number of soldiers; determines how many weapons and by what date each community should produce at home. - Caesar. Notes on the Gallic War, Book VII, 4.

The signal for the uprising was the attack of the Carnut tribe on Kenab (or Tsenab; modern Orleans) and the murder of all the Romans in it (mostly merchants) - the attackers hoped that the Roman Republic, seized by a political crisis after the assassination of the politician Publius Clodius Pulchra, would not be able to effectively respond . On a prearranged day, February 13, 52 BC. e. the Carnuts killed all the Romans who were there in Kenaba. This massacre was to serve as a signal for a general action. The total number of rebels was 80 thousand people. Vercingetorig, taking command of part of the allied troops, went to the region of the Bituriges, who then joined the uprising. Another army, with Senon Drappet at the head, was to block Titus Labienus with his legions in Agedinka. Cadurc Lucterius, with a third army, invaded the region of the Ruthenians, Arecomic Volci, and Tolosates, threatening the Narbonne province. It is believed that Vercingetorix not only became the leader of the rebels before the massacre at Cenabe, but also planned the entire rebellion, including the unusual start of the war in the winter, which forced Caesar, otherwise wintering south of the Alps, to make his way to the legions stationed in Gaul through the snow-capped mountains of the Cevennes. The plan of the Gallic leader was to block the Roman legions in the north and invade Narbonne Gaul in the south; according to this plan, Caesar would have to send all his forces to protect the Roman province, and Vercingetorix with the main army would have to operate unhindered in central Gaul.

Romans under the yoke thin.Charles Gabriel Gleyre

Caesar's position was extremely difficult. At the end of February, he managed to repel the immediate threat to Narbon, after which, through the country occupied by the rebels, he arrived in Agedink to the legions wintering there. From here, Caesar went to Kenab to punish the Carnuts for their massacre. The city was plundered and burned, and all its inhabitants were killed.

After that, Caesar crossed the Loire and entered the country of the Bituriges. Vercingetorig, using his advantage in the cavalry, switched to tactics guerrilla war. The Gauls themselves burned dozens of their cities and villages in order to deprive the enemy of food. They spared only Avaric (Burgess), the capital of the Bituriges, the most beautiful city of Gaul, which stood at the crossroads of the most important trade routes.

Caesar laid siege to Avaric and took the city after a heavy siege that lasted 25 days. As punishment for the resistance, the soldiers killed all its inhabitants. Of the 40 thousand people, only 500 survived, who managed to get to the Gallic camp. Overestimating the significance of this victory, in April 52 BC. e. Caesar decided to go on the offensive, dividing his forces. Titus Labienus with four legions was sent to the lands of the Senones and Parisians in order to disrupt communication between the rebels and to keep the Belgi in obedience. Caesar himself, with six legions, moved to the capital of the rebels, Gergovia. The city was located on a high hill, Vercingetorig blocked all approaches to the walls. While the siege of Gergovia continued, unrest began among the Aedui, who had remained faithful to Rome all these years. If the Aedui had joined the uprising, the troops of Labienus, who were besieging Lutetia (Paris) at that time, would have been cut off from their main forces. In order to prevent such a turn of events, Caesar was forced to lift the siege of Gergovia, having made an unsuccessful assault attempt before leaving. The Romans were repulsed from the walls and suffered heavy losses. This defeat prompted the Aedui to make an alliance with Vercingetorix, since, among other trophies, hostages fell into his hands, ensuring the loyalty of their communities to the alliance with the Romans. After this, the uprising in Gaul acquired a general character.

Defeat at Alesia

After Vercingetorig forced the Romans to retreat from Gergovia, besieged by them, he was unanimously recognized as the supreme military leader at the general Gallic congress in Bibrakt, the capital of the Aedui tribe, the last to go over to the side of the uprising; only two tribes remained loyal to Rome (Lingons and Rems). At the Bibracte convention, Vercingetorix also declared that the Gauls should continue to avoid a pitched battle, disrupting Caesar's communications and supply lines. It was decided to make Alesia a stronghold (near modern Dijon; the exact location was determined as a result of excavations initiated by order of Napoleon III). The leader of the Celts again spoke out in support of the spread of the uprising to Narbonne Gaul and began to send his troops there. However, when the rebels tried to enlist the support of the Celts of this province, the largest tribe of the Allobroges resolutely refused to cooperate with them, and the cousin of the proconsul Lucius Julius Caesar soon recruited 22 cohorts of militia in the province and successfully resisted all invasion attempts.

Despite their initial success, the rebels were eventually surrounded in the fortress of Alesia in central Gaul. Alesia was located on a steep hill in the middle of the valley and was well fortified. Vercingetorix probably hoped to repeat the scenario that worked with Gergovia, but the Romans proceeded with a planned siege instead of attempting an assault. To do this, Caesar had to disperse his troops along the erected siege walls with a total length of 11 miles. The siege was also special because of the numerical superiority of the besieged over the besiegers: in Alesia, according to Caesar, 80 thousand soldiers were hiding. The Gallic commander tried to lift the siege by attacking the legionaries who were building fortifications, but the attack was repulsed. Part of the rebel cavalry managed to break through the ranks of the Romans and, on the instructions of Vercingetorix, spread the news of the siege throughout Gaul, urging the tribes to gather a militia from all capable of carrying weapons and go to Alesia. Although Vercingetorig called for help from other Gallic tribes, Julius Caesar organized a double ring of siege around Alesia, which allowed him to break apart the besieged and their allies who came to their rescue. After all attempts to break through the Roman fortifications failed, the rebels surrendered due to the famine that gripped Alesia. When the food supplies were running out and the Gauls calculated that they would have enough food for a month, Vercingetorix ordered many women, children and old people to be taken out of the city, although the Gaul Critognathus allegedly offered to eat them. Most of those who were forced to leave Alesia belonged to the Mandubian tribe, which provided their city to Vercingetorix. Caesar ordered not to open the gates for them.

Reconstruction of the Roman fortifications near Alesia

Although at the end of September a huge Gallic militia approached Alesia, led by Commius, Viridomarus, Eporedorig and Vercassivellaun, the first two attempts to break through the fortifications ended in favor of the Romans. On the third day, the 60,000th (according to Caesar) detachment of Gauls attacked the Roman fortifications in the northwest, which were the weakest because of the rugged terrain. This detachment was led by Vercassivelaun, a cousin of Vercingetorig. The rest of the troops made diversionary attacks, preventing the proconsul from drawing all his forces to repulse the main attack. The outcome of the battle at the northwestern fortifications was decided by the reserves sent and led by Caesar, drawn by Titus Labienus to the flank of 40 cohorts, as well as the cavalry that bypassed the enemy from the rear - the Gauls were defeated and fled. As a result, the next day Vercingetorix laid down his arms. Plutarch describes the details of the surrender of the commander as follows: “Vercingetorig, the leader of the entire war, having put on the most beautiful weapons and richly decorated his horse, rode out of the gate. Having circled around the dais on which Caesar was sitting, he jumped off his horse, tore off all his armor and, sitting at the feet of Caesar, remained there until he was taken into custody to save him for the triumph. Vercingetorix, among other trophies, was taken to Rome, where he spent five years imprisoned in the Mamertine prison, waiting for the triumph of Caesar, and after participating in triumphal procession in 46 BC. e. was strangled (according to other sources, he died in prison).

Post-war organization of Gaul

Vercingetorix capitulates to Caesar. L. Royer

After the capture of Vercingetorix, the uprising of the Gauls declined sharply. In the winter of 52-51 BC. e. punitive expeditions were undertaken by the Romans against the Bituriges, Carnuts and Bellovaci. The Aremorian communities were subjugated. Labienus devastated the regions of the Trevers and Eburons. The largest enterprise was the siege of Uxellodun (Puy d'Issolue), which was defended by Drappet and Lucterius. The city was taken only when the Romans deprived its defenders of water. By the spring of 50 BC. e. the last sprouts of the Gallic opposition were strangled. Gallia paid dearly for her resistance. In his report to the Senate, Caesar reported that in nine years he had to fight with three million people, of whom he exterminated one million, put one million to flight, and captured and sold one million. He destroyed 800 Gallic fortresses and conquered 300 tribes. The amount of gold seized by Caesar was so great that the price of it in Rome fell by a third. The status of Roman allies in conquered Gaul was retained only by the Rhemes, Lingones and Aedui. The rest of the tribes were obliged to hand over the hostages and pay taxes. The uprisings that the Gauls raised were ruthlessly suppressed. In 22 BC. e. Augustus transferred the province of Narbonne under the control of the senate, and divided the rest of Gaul into three parts: Aquitaine, the province of Lugdun and Belgica, in which his legates ruled. Lugdun (Lyon) became the common capital of the Gallic provinces; representatives of 60 Gallic communities gathered here every year. Romanization of the country went so fast that already in 16 BC. e. the Romans moved the troops stationed here to the line of the Rhine, instructing the governor of Germany to command them. The only garrison in the territory of Gaul remained 1200 warriors of the cohorts of the city guards of Lugdun. And in 36, Emperor Claudius granted the Gauls the right of Latin citizenship.

Roman conquest of Gaul in 58-50 BC. e. - one of the most famous military campaigns ancient world. And above all - thanks to the "Notes" of Gaius Julius Caesar, in which the military leader informs readers in detail about the progress and results of his campaigns. The development of archeology allows us to more clearly imagine how events developed in Gaul, and even supplement Caesar's presentation with new facts.

The political situation in Gaul on the eve of the Roman conquest

In the spring of 58 BC. e. Gaius Julius Caesar became governor of Gaul. By that time, he had a brilliant political career, ambition, and huge debts. Caesar received from the Senate the right of military command for five years, the ability to recruit legions and appoint assistant legates of his choice. The ambitious politician gave Gaul a huge place in his plans, which was favored by the explosive situation that had developed here by that time.

Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BC). Bust from the Antique Collection, Berlin

From ancient times, the country was divided into warring parties: at the head of one were the powerful Arverns and their allies, the Sequans, at the head of the other, the Aedui. The position of the Arverns was greatly shaken when, in 121 BC. e. they were defeated by the Romans. The Edui, who had made an alliance with Rome, on the contrary, significantly strengthened their positions.

Around 63 B.C. e. the Aedui waged war with the Sequans over a strategically important corridor leading from the Rhine valley to the upper Rhone. The Sequans initially suffered defeat and attracted 15,000 German mercenaries from the Suebi tribe, led by Ariovist, to participate in the war. The Germans came to Gaul from distant lands beyond the Rhine and had a reputation for brave and experienced warriors.

As a result, the Aedui suffered from them heavy defeat in the battle of Magetobriga (possibly at modern Amaj, 75 km from Besançon). The Sequans took possession of the disputed territories and settled here the Ariovistus warriors, who were supposed to play the role of a border buffer between them and the Aedui.

The leader of the Suebi, not limited to what had been achieved, began to transfer more and more detachments of the Germans across the Rhine. Soon their number here reached 120 thousand people. For their resettlement, Ariovistus demanded that the Sequans cede part of their possessions to him, and also began to take land from neighboring Gallic communities.

Helvetii

The opinions of the Gauls were divided. One party, led by the Aedui leader Divitiacus, planned to turn to the Romans for protection. The other, led by Divitiak's brother, Edui Dumnorig, and also by the Sequan Kastik, proposed using the help of the Helvetii against the Germans.

This powerful and wealthy Celtic tribe, living in the northwestern part of modern Switzerland, before the growing onslaught of the Germans, decided to leave their possessions and settle in the southwestern part of Aquitaine. To this end, the Helvetians collected large stocks of food and burned their cities and villages.

Statue of a Gallic warrior from Vacher in southern France, 1st century AD. e.

Finding the path through the province blocked, the Helvetians moved around - through the regions of the Sequani and Aedui. Dumnorig obtained permission for them to pass freely. However, the violence that the Helvetians committed on the way turned the Aedui in favor of the party of Divitiacus. As a Roman ally, he turned to Caesar for protection.

Caesar hastened to seize on a convenient pretext for military action. At the beginning of the summer, he transferred three legions from Cisalpine Gaul across the Alps in addition to the legion stationed in the territory of Narbo. In addition, he recruited two more legions of volunteers. Having now an army of six legions, that is, 25-30 thousand people, Caesar rushed after the Helvetii.

June 6, 58 BC e. he attacked the Tigurins that were part of them during their crossing over the Arar. The surprise attack was successful: the Gauls were defeated and suffered heavy losses. Constantly pursuing the enemy, Caesar, a few days later, was able to impose a decisive battle on the Helvetians somewhere near the capital of the Aedui, Bibracte, possibly near modern Montmore.

Caesar's campaign against Ariovistus

After the victory over the Helvetians, Caesar convened a general Gallic meeting in Bibrakt, at which representatives of the most influential tribes brought him a complaint about the actions of Ariovistus. Ariovistus refused his invitation to come to headquarters, which confirmed the worst suspicions against him.

Caesar's war with the Helvetii and the campaign against Ariovistus, 58 BC. e.

Caesar soon became aware that the Garudas, who had recently arrived from beyond the Rhine, were devastating the border lands of the Aedui, and on the other side of the river, the huge forces of the Suebi were standing, waiting for the crossing. In an effort to prevent their connection with the main forces of Ariovista, Caesar went on a campaign at the end of August of the same year. He managed to occupy the capital of the Sequans, Vezontion (Besançon), before the main forces of the Germans approached him. Ariovistus waited for Caesar's approach at the "Burgundy Gate" at present-day Belfort. The personal meeting of the military leaders was not successful. Ariovistus refused to accept Caesar's mediation and rejected his demands for freedom for the Gauls.

For several days, light skirmishes took place between the opponents. The decisive battle took place on September 10, 58 BC. e. At the beginning of the battle, the Germans managed to push the Romans on one of the flanks, but Caesar promptly brought in reserves, which decided the outcome of the case in his favor. About 80 thousand Germans died on the battlefield and during their flight to the banks of the Rhine. Ariovistus with a few close associates managed to cross the river and escape. His further fate is unknown.

Campaign against the Belgae

Caesar regarded the preparations of the Belgae as a threat to the new order he had created. In the spring of 57 B.C. e. he recruited two new legions in Cisalpine Gaul and, with all the forces that were with him, invaded Belgica. The Remes, who lived between the Aisne and the Marne, assured him of their support and offered to help. The Levi (Tul), Mediomatricians (Metz) and the Trevers living in the Moselle Valley declared their neutrality.

The rest of the Belgae, among whom the most important role was played by the Bellowacs (Bove), gathered a militia of 300 thousand people. These huge forces approached Caesar's fortified camp, which was pitched on a hill on the banks of the Aisne near modern Craon. A direct assault on the camp was hampered by the nearby swamp. Small skirmishes took place on its banks.

Over time, the Belga began to feel the need for supplies, their militia began to disintegrate. Caesar rushed in pursuit of the retreating and pursued them to Noviodun, 3.5 km from modern Soissons. Frightened Belga, one tribe after another, began to express their obedience to him. The Nervii, who tried to resist, were defeated and completely destroyed in the Battle of the Sambre River. According to Caesar, out of 60 thousand men capable of bearing arms, only 500 survived, of the 600 most distinguished senators - only three. Their death forced the recognition of the Roman domination of the atrebates (Artois) and Veromandui (Vermandois). The Aduatuks, who tried to defend themselves at Namur, suffered a severe defeat. After that, 33 thousand defeated were sold into slavery.

Simultaneously with this campaign, Publius Licinius Crassus, with one legion, accepted the surrender of the Veneti, Osisms, Coriosolites, Aesubians, and Redons in the maritime regions of Brittany. So by the end of the summer of 57 BC. e. a significant part of Gaul recognized the dominance of Roman weapons.

Caesar's campaign against the Belgae in 57 BC. e.

Conquest of Armorica and Aquitaine

Winter 57-56 BC. e. Roman legions held out in Gaul, settling into apartments along the Loire. In the spring, the Veneti (Morbihan) came out against the Romans, joined by the maritime army communities conquered last year. Caesar with the main forces invaded Armorica, and his legate Decimus Brutus, at the head of a newly built fleet, subjugated the coast and defeated the ships of the Veneti on the sea. As punishment for the resistance, Caesar ordered the execution of the entire Senate of the Veneti, and the prisoners sold into slavery.

Caesar's legate Quintus Titurius Sabinus with three legions passed with fire and sword through the territory of Normandy up to the banks of the Seine, and Publius Crassus with twelve cohorts subjugated the territory of Aquitaine from the Garonne to the foot of the Pyrenees. In the decisive battle, the Aquitanian militia suffered such losses that only a quarter of its 50 thousand people survived.

Caesar's conquest of Armorica and Aquitaine, 56 BC campaign e.

In the autumn of 56 B.C. e. Caesar himself went to Belgica against the Morins and Menapii, who lived along the Scheldt and in the lower reaches of the Rhine. With his approach, the barbarians hastened to retreat into dense forests and swamps. The Romans had to cut through wide clearings and dismantle the rubble on the roads. Limiting himself to the robbery of dwellings and fields, Caesar gave the order to the troops to return to winter quarters.

Caesar crosses the Rhine

In the winter of 55 B.C. e. The German tribes of the Usipetes and Tencters, expelled from their homeland by the Suebi, crossed the Rhine in its lower reaches and found refuge in the lands of the Menapii. The refugees, who, according to Roman information, numbered 430 thousand, turned to Caesar with a request to give them land.

Caesar sought to prevent the further uncontrolled crossings of the Germans across the Rhine and therefore gave them only three days to return back. Then, using as a pretext an attack by a detachment of barbarians on his foragers, he ordered the German leaders who had come for negotiations to be detained, and ordered the soldiers to massacre all the people who had accumulated in a huge camp. Many people died, including the elderly, women and children.

The bridge over the Rhine was a true engineering marvel for its time. The flooring, covered with fascines, was supported by oak piles driven into the bottom of the river at a distance of 12 m from one another. To protect the bearing pillars of the bridge, bulls were built upstream. All work took no more than 10 days

Not satisfied with this result, Caesar decided to undertake a campaign beyond the Rhine. On his orders, in the area of present-day Koblenz, where the river is 0.5 km wide, engineering units erected a wooden bridge. The coastal communities of the Ubii declared their submission, but the Sugambri, who had taken in the surviving Usipetes and Tencters, preferred to retire deep into their country. The Suevi also cleared the coastal regions and retreated into the thicket of their forests. Caesar did not pursue them, setting fire to the captured coastal settlements. On the 18th day of the campaign, his troops returned.

British expedition

Since Gaul remained calm, in August 55 BC. e. Caesar decided to undertake an expedition to Britain. Two legions were used in it. Having driven away detachments of barbarians with the fire of throwing machines, Caesar landed and fortified himself on the coast of the island. The Britons retreated deep into their country, skillfully waging a guerrilla war and destroying the Roman detachments moving away from the coast. On the 18th day after landing, Caesar sailed back to Gaul.

In July 54 BC. e. another invasion attempt followed, this time with four legions and 1,800 Gallic horsemen, who were transported on 800 ships. The Britons again did not accept a decisive battle, but instead retreated before their superior enemy. Meanwhile, part of the Roman ships were broken by a storm. From Gaul came bad news about the impending uprising there. Satisfied with receiving hostages and a formal expression of submission, September 20, 54 BC. e. Caesar left the island again.

Caesar's expedition to the Rhine and campaign in Britain in 55 BC. e.