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Published byHugh George Modified over 9 years ago
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JULIUS CAESAR & THE GALLIC WARS 58-50 BC
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Gaul Before Caesar 5 th Century BCE – Migration of Celtic (Gallic) tribes into Po River region caused conflict w/ Roman settlers 390 BCE – Gauls defeat a Roman army and sack Rome Romans begin advance into Gaul after Punic Wars
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A Brief Pre-Gallic Wars Bio of Julius Caesar Born around 100 BC From a noble but poor family – Claimed that he was descended from the gods Nephew of Marius through marriage – Connection allowed him to rise from low status – Marius greatly influenced Caesar Started his military career in Asia Minor – Gained a reputation for bravery in battle Managed to gain governorships in new territories, including Gaul in 58 BCE
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The Gallic Wars: 58-50 BC Julius Caesar’s extraordinary campaign to conquer Gaul, which won him wealth, glory, and power (Cummins 63). Read about it in Caesar’s Conquest of Gaul
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Caesar’s Successes in Gaul In 9 years, he conquered about 300,000 sq. miles of W. Europe – Includes parts of modern day France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany & England. Gave him immense wealth, power and influence in Roman politics Gained loyalty of his troops
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Conflict in Gaul Cenabum (Orleans, France) 52 BC – Gauls surprise and slaughter a group of Roman citizens – Caesar moved quickly in winter to put down Gallic resistance to Roman rule Gauls used guerilla strategy – Burned farms and villages to deny Romans supplies in winter Romans and German auxillaries ruthlessly slaughtered Gallic civilians in response – Siege of Avaricum, only 800 of 40,000 Gauls escaped siege
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Vercingetorix Gallic chieftain who united Gallic tribes – Charismatic leader Traveled countryside encouraging Gauls to rise up against Romans Eventually surrendered to Caesar after the Siege of Alesia
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Fighting Styles GAULS Emphasized fighting individually rather than by unit Not uniformly armed (depended on wealth) Experienced in raiding neighboring tribes Main tactic vs. Romans – Hit-n-run or seek refuge in fortified hilltop towns ROMANS Emphasized unit cohesion Uniformly armed Well trained and disciplined Main tactic vs. Gauls – Hold shield over head and thrust upward with sword (Gauls were taller w/ long slashing swords
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The Siege of Alesia
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ROME (HBO SERIES) What to look for in this clip – Roman tactics in combat – Weaponry & armor – Roman vs. barbarian fighting styles
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