The Gallic Wars Essay Example

following chapters are about the battle between Ceasar and the Belgic communities. There is war with the Atrebates, Nervii, Menapii, Ambiani, Morini, Veliocasses, Caleti, Condrusi, Viromandui, Aduatuci, Caeroesi, Eburones, and the Paemani. Ceasar’s army is experienced and has better supplies than the other tribes. Ceasar’s army is divided into powerful legions that are led by capable commanders. The battle against the Aduatuci is waged through several small encounters.

The Aduatuci survey the consequences of the war against Ceasar and the Nervii and decide to hide in a fortress. The fortress is built on a rocky hill with a pathway that is only two hundred feet wide. The fortress is well protected and initially seems impregnable. As Ceasar’s army approaches, the Aduatuci are afraid, and they make a peace deal with Ceasar. They promise to surrender all their weapons in return for his mercy and protection. The Aduatuci, however, go behind Ceasar’s back and hide some weapons which they use to attack Ceasar’s army at night. Ceasar, being the shrewd leader that he is, had foreseen such an attack and is well prepared. His army retaliates quickly and destroys the Aduatuci soldiers. The following day, Ceasar’s army attacks the fort and captures the citizens. In total, more than fifty three thousand citizens are taken as slaves or sold.

Book three commences as Ceasar send Servius Galba with the Twelfth Legion to open a travel route through the Alps for Roman traders, who now have to pay heavy tolls. After several successful engagements, the Galba and the roman soldiers open the route. The Gauls start their usual cat and mouse games, and they plan to attack Galba’s

remaining legion. Battle soon ensues between the Gauls and the romans. Galba’s legion is small in comparison to the enemy troops. Galba’s army fights fiercely and manages to ward off the attackers. The Veneti, a powerful seafaring nation that controls most of navigation on the open sea beyond their coasts, decide to imprison Silus and Velanius, Roman commanders. The Gauls follow their example and hold Trebius and Terrasidius. The Gauls also pledge to collaborate with the Veneti in a collective combat against Rome. Soon, other states join, and the coast is united. Ceasar learns of these acts of treachery and begin to prepare for war. He orders for warships to be built, seamen to be drafted from the provinces, and then sets off to join the army. Ceasar has two reasons for waging war against the venetians; firstly, to avenge the kidnap of his commanders, and consolidate his power and prove to the rebels that they were still under Roman rule.