Overview of the
Gallic War
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AP LATIN
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Crucial to Caesar’s career
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Aided in the breakdown of government that
would consume the Roman Republic
Role of Gallic War
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58 BC : Arrival of Caesar in Gaul
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Military glory provided him with a great deal of
political capital in Roman politics
Needed money
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Plunders from conquered cities, local population
sold into slavery
Source of publicity and glory
CAESAR NEEDED A WAR
Gallic War
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Moral code of Romans
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Based on the customs of ancestors (Aeneas)
Legal, religious, moral
Mos maiorum
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Helvetii wanted to migrate from their homes to
another non-Roman territory
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Migration of the Helvetii provided a danger to the
Roman territories – so Caesar justified his
involvement to prevent the Helvetii from moving
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Wanted to pass through Roman territory to get
there: Caesar said NO
If the Helvetii move, then the vacant lands would
open to invasion to the Germans – an even more
warlike and barbaric people
MINOR THREAT – PROTECT ROME’S INTERESTS
(Defensive War?)
Engages Germans: chief Ariovistus
Conquest of Gaul:
BOOK 1
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Did he combine Rome’s “interests” with his
own when going to war in Gaul?
Leadership characteristics – success when
personal goals and public goals align
Caesar’s Character
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Various campaigns in Gaul
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Against the Belgae in N. Gaul
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Almost exterminates the Nervii tribe
Senate decrees prayers and sacrifices to gods for
Caesar’s success
At the end of the third book, Caesar has effective
military control over the entire territory
BOOK 2 AND 3
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Caesar moves military operations into German
territory
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Build a bridge across the Rhine to demonstrate
strength
Sends military to Britain
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Necessary conquests? Or just to build
popularity?
BOOK 4
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Begin to experience setbacks
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Storms on way to Britain
Revolt of the Belgae
Continued revolts
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Caesar describes customs, politics, and religion
of Gauls (view of foreigners
BOOK 5 AND 6
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Conspiracy of Vercingetorix
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Gauls try to drive Romans from territory
Conquered at Alesia
BOOK 7
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Written by Aulus Hirtius
Final details of surpressing the revolt
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Last native stronghold taken at Uxellodunum
BOOK 8
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9 YEARS TOTAL
Caesar emerged from this war with:
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a large, loyal, well-trained army
many riches
Political capital from well-publicized victories
Enough strength to challenge Pompey and the
Senate
Conquest of Gaul