{ Overview of the Gallic War AP LATIN

 Crucial to Caesar’s career  Aided in the breakdown of government that would consume the Roman Republic Role of Gallic War

 58 BC : Arrival of Caesar in Gaul  Military glory provided him with a great deal of political capital in Roman politics  Needed money  Plunders from conquered cities, local population sold into slavery  Source of publicity and glory  CAESAR NEEDED A WAR Gallic War

 Moral code of Romans  Based on the customs of ancestors (Aeneas)  Legal, religious, moral Mos maiorum

 Helvetii wanted to migrate from their homes to another non-Roman territory  Wanted to pass through Roman territory to get there: Caesar said NO  Migration of the Helvetii provided a danger to the Roman territories – so Caesar justified his involvement to prevent the Helvetii from moving  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

 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

 Various campaigns in Gaul  Against the Belgae in N. Gaul  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

 Caesar moves military operations into German territory  Build a bridge across the Rhine to demonstrate strength  Sends military to Britain  Necessary conquests? Or just to build popularity? BOOK 4

 Begin to experience setbacks  Storms on way to Britain  Revolt of the Belgae  Continued revolts  Caesar describes customs, politics, and religion of Gauls (view of foreigners BOOK 5 AND 6

 Conspiracy of Vercingetorix  Gauls try to drive Romans from territory  Conquered at Alesia BOOK 7

 Written by Aulus Hirtius  Final details of surpressing the revolt  Last native stronghold taken at Uxellodunum BOOK 8

 9 YEARS TOTAL  Caesar emerged from this war with:  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