Gallic War |
Translator: W. A. McDevitte
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| 351 |
Quae ne opinio Gallorum confirmaretur , Caesar Marcum Antonium quaestorem suis praefecit hibernis ; ipse equitum praesidio pridie Kal . Ianuarias ab oppido Bibracte proficiscitur ad legionem XIII , quam non longe a finibus Aeduorum collocaverat in finibus Biturigum , eique adiungit legionem XI , quae proxima fuerat . Binis cohortibus ad impedimenta tuenda relictis reliquum exercitum in copiosissimos agros Biturigum inducit , qui , cum latos fines et complura oppida haberent , unius legionis hibernis non potuerint contineri quin bellum pararent coniurationesque facerent .
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That this notion might not be confirmed among the Gauls, Caesar left Marcus Antonius, his questor, in charge of his quarters, and set out himself with a guard of horse, the day before the kalends of January, from the town Bibracte , to the thirteenth legion, which he had stationed in the country of the Bituriges, not far from the territories of the Aedui, and joined to it the eleventh legion which was next it. Leaving two cohorts to guard the baggage, he leads the rest of his army into the most plentiful part of the country of the Bituriges; who, possessing an extensive territory and several towns, were not to be deterred, by a single legion quartered among them, from making warlike preparation, and forming combinations. |
| 352 |
Repentino adventu Caesaris accidit , quod imparatis disiectisque accidere fuit necesse , ut sine timore ullo rura colentes prius ab equitatu opprimerentur quam confugere in oppida possent . Namque etiam illud vulgare incursionis hostium signum , quod incendiis aedificiorum intellegi consuevit , Caesaris erat interdicto sublatum , ne aut copia pabuli frumentique , si longius progredi vellet , deficeretur , aut hostes incendiis terrerentur . Multis hominum milibus captis perterriti Bituriges ; qui primum adventum potuerant effugere Romanorum , in finitimas civitates aut privatis hospitiis confisi aut societate consiliorum confugerant . Frustra : nam Caesar magnis itineribus omnibus locis occurrit nec dat ulli civitati spatium de aliena potius quam de domestica salute cogitandi ; qua celeritate et fideles amicos retinebat et dubitantes terrore ad condiciones pacis adducebat . Tali condicione proposita Bituriges , cum sibi viderent clementia Caesaris reditum patere in eius amicitiam finitimasque civitates sine ulla poena dedisse obsides atque in fidem receptas esse , idem fecerunt .
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By Caesar's sudden arrival, it happened, as it necessarily must, to an unprovided and dispersed people, that they were surprised by our horse, while cultivating the fields without any apprehensions, before they had time to fly to their towns. For the usual sign of an enemy's invasion, which is generally intimated by the burning of their towns, was forbidden by Caesar's orders; lest if he advanced far, forage and corn should become scarce, or the enemy be warned by the fires to make their escape. Many thousands being taken, as many of the Bituriges as were able to escape the first coming of the Romans, fled to the neighboring states, relying either on private friendship, or public alliance. In vain; for Caesar, by hasty marches, anticipated them in every place, nor did he allow any state leisure to consider the safety of others, in preference to their own. By this activity, he both retained his friends in their loyalty, and by fear, obliged the wavering to accept offers of peace. Such offers being made to the Bituriges, when they perceived that through Caesar's clemency, an avenue was open to his friendship, and that the neighboring states had given hostages, without incurring any punishment, and had been received under his protection, they did the same. |
| 353 |
Caesar militibus pro tanto labore ac patientia , qui brumalibus diebus itineribus difficillimis , frigoribus intolerandis studiosissime permanserant in labore , ducenos sestertios , centurionibus tot milia nummum praedae nomine condonanda pollicetur legionibusque in hiberna remissis ipse se recipit die XXXX Bibracte . Ibi cum ius diceret , Bituriges ad eum legatos mittunt auxilium petitum contra Carnutes , quos intulisse bellum sibi querebantur . Qua re cognita , cum dies non amplius decem et octo in hibernis esset moratus , legiones XIIII et VI ex hibernis ab Arare educit , quas ibi collocatas explicandae rei frumentariae causa superiore commentario demonstratum est : ita cum duabus legionibus ad persequendos Carnutes proficiscitur .
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Caesar promises his soldiers, as a reward for their labor and patience, in cheerfully submitting to hardships from the severity of the winter, the difficulty of the roads, and the intolerable cold, two hundred sestertii each, and to every centurian two thousand, to be given instead of plunder: and sending his legions back to quarters, he himself returned on the fortieth day to Bibracte . While he was dispensing justice there, the Bituriges send embassadors to him, to entreat his aid against the Carnutes, who they complained had made war against them. Upon this intelligence, though he had not remained more than eighteen days in winter quarters, he draws the fourteenth and sixth legion out of quarters on the Saone , where he had posted them as mentioned in a former Commentary, to procure supplies of corn. With these two legions he marches in pursuit of the Carnutes. |
| 354 |
Cum fama exercitus ad hostes esset perlata , calamitate ceterorum ducti Carnutes desertis vicis oppidisque , quae tolerandae hiemis causa constitutis repente exiguis ad necessitatem aedificiis incolebant ( nuper enim devicti complura oppida dimiserant ) , dispersi profugiunt . Caesar erumpentes eo maxime tempore acerrimas tempestates cum subire milites nollet , in oppido Carnutum Cenabo castra ponit atque in tecta partim Gallorum , partim quae coniectis celeriter stramentis tentoriorum integendorum gratia erant inaedificata , milites compegit . Equites tamen et auxiliarios pedites in omnes partes mittit quascumque petisse dicebantur hostes ; nec frustra : nam plerumque magna praeda potiti nostri revertuntur . Oppressi Carnutes hiemis difficultate , terrore periculi , cum tectis expulsi nullo loco diutius consistere auderent nec silvarum praesidio tempestatibus durissimis tegi possent , dispersi magna parte amissa suorum dissipantur in finitimas civitates .
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When the news of the approach of our army reached the enemy, the Carnutes, terrified by the suffering of other states, deserted their villages and towns (which were small buildings, raised in a hurry, to meet the immediate necessity, in which they lived to shelter themselves against the winter, for, being lately conquered, they had lost several towns), and dispersed and fled. Caesar, unwilling to expose his soldiers to the violent storms that break out, especially at that season, took up his quarters at Genabum , a town of the Carnutes; and lodged his men in houses, partly belonging to the Gauls, and partly built to shelter the tents, and hastily covered with thatch. But the horse and auxiliaries he sends to all parts to which he was told the enemy had marched; and not without effect, as our men generally returned loaded with booty. The Carnutes, overpowered by the severity of the winter, and the fear of danger, and not daring to continue long in any place, as they were driven from their houses, and not finding sufficient protection in the woods, from the violence of the storms, after losing a considerable number of their men, disperse, and take refuge among the neighboring states. |
| 355 |
Caesar tempore anni difficillimo , cum satis haberet convenientes manus dissipare , ne quod initium belli nasceretur , quantumque in ratione esset , exploratum haberet sub tempus aestivorum nullum summum bellum posse conflari , Gaium Trebonium cum duabus legionibus , quas secum habebat , in hibernis Cenabi collocavit ; ipse , cum crebris legationibus Remorum certior fieret Bellovacos , qui belli gloria Gallos omnes Belgasque praestabant , finitimasque his civitates duce Correo Bellovaco et Commio Atrebate exercitus comparare atque in unum locum cogere , ut omni multitudine in fines Suessionum , qui Remis erant attributi , facerent impressionem , pertinere autem non tantum ad dignitatem sed etiam ad salutem suam iudicaret nullam calamitatem socios optime de re publica meritos accipere , legionem ex hibernis evocat rursus undecimam ; litteras autem ad Gaium Fabium mittit , ut in fines Suessionum legiones duas quas habebat adduceret , alteramque ex duabus ab Labieno arcessit . Ita , quantum hibernorum opportunitas bellique ratio postulabat , perpetuo suo labore in vicem legionibus expeditionum onus iniungebat .
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Caesar, being contented, at so severe a season, to disperse the gathering foes, and prevent any new war from breaking out, and being convinced, as far as reason could foresee, that no war of consequence could be set on foot in the summer campaign, stationed Caius Trebonius, with the two legions which he had with him, in quarters at Genabum : and being informed by frequent embassies from the Remi, that the Bellovaci (who exceed all the Gauls and Belgae in military prowess), and the neighboring states, headed by Correus, one of the Bellovaci, and Comius, the Atrebatian, were raising an army, and assembling at a general rendezvous, designing with their united forces to invade the territories of the Suessiones, who were put under the patronage of the Remi: and moreover, considering that not only his honor, but his interest was concerned, that such of his allies, as deserved well of the republic, should suffer no calamity; he again draws the eleventh legion out of quarters, and writes besides to Caius Fabius, to march with his two legions to the country of the Suessiones; and he sends to Trebonius for one of his two legions. Thus, as far as the convenience of the quarters, and the management of the war admitted, he laid the burden of the expedition on the legions by turns, without any intermission to his own toils. |
| 356 |
His copiis coactis ad Bellovacos proficiscitur castrisque in eorum finibus positis equitum turmas dimittit in omnes partes ad aliquos excipiendos ex quibus hostium consilia cognosceret . Equites officio functi renuntiant paucos in aedificiis esse inventos , atque hos , non qui agrorum colendorum causa remansissent ( namque esse undique diligenter demigratum ) , sed qui speculandi causa essent remissi . A quibus cum quaereret Caesar quo loco multitudo esset Bellovacorum quodve esset consilium eorum , inveniebat Bellovacos omnes qui arma ferre possent in unum locum convenisse , itemque Ambianos , Aulercos , Caletos , Veliocasses , Atrebatas ; locum castris excelsum in silva circumdata palude delegisse , impedimenta omnia in ulteriores silvas contulisse . Complures esse principes belli auctores , sed multitudinem maxime Correo obtemperare , quod ei summo esse odio nomen populi Romani intellexissent . Paucis ante diebus ex his castris Atrebatem Commium discessisse ad auxilia Germanorum adducenda ; quorum et vicinitas propinqua et multitudo esset infinita . Constituisse autem Bellovacos omnium principum consensu , summa plebis cupiditate , si , ut diceretur , Caesar cum tribus legionibus veniret , offerre se ad dimicandum , ne miseriore ac duriore postea condicione cum toto exercitu decertare cogerentur ; si maiores copias adduceret , in eo loco permanere quem delegissent , pabulatione autem , quae propter anni tempus cum exigua tum disiecta esset , et frumentatione et reliquo commeatu ex insidiis prohibere Romanos .
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As soon as his troops were collected, he marched against the Bellovaci: and pitching his camp in their territories, detached troops of horse all round the country, to take prisoners, from whom he might learn the enemy's plan. The horse, having executed his orders bring him back word, that but few were found in the houses: and that even these had not stayed at home to cultivate their lands (for the emigration was general from all parts) but had been sent back to watch our motions. Upon Caesar's inquiring from them, where the main body of the Bellovaci were posted, and what was their design: they made answer, "that all the Bellovaci, fit for carrying arms, had assembled in one place, and along with them the Ambiani, Aulerci, Caletes, Velocasses, and Atrebates, and that they had chosen for their camp, an elevated position, surrounded by a dangerous morass: that they had conveyed all their baggage into the most remote woods: that several noblemen were united in the management of the war; but that the people were most inclined to be governed by Correus, because they knew that he had the strongest aversion to the name of the Roman people: that a few days before Comius had left the camp to engage the Germans to their aid whose nation bordered on theirs, and whose numbers were countless: that the Bellovaci had come to a resolution, with the consent of all the generals and the earnest desire of the people, if Caesar should come with only three legions, as was reported, to give him battle, that they might not be obliged to encounter his whole army on a future occasion, when they should be in a more wretched and distressed condition; but if he brought a stronger force, they intended to remain in the position they had chosen, and by ambuscade to prevent the Romans from getting forage (which at that season was both scarce and much scattered), corn, and other necessaries. |
| 357 |
Quae Caesar consentientibus pluribus cum cognosset atque ea quae proponerentur consilia plena prudentiae longeque a temeritate barbarorum remota esse iudicaret , omnibus rebus inserviendum statuit , quo celerius hostis contempta sua paucitate prodiret in aciem . Singularis enim virtutis veterrimas legiones VII , VIII , VIIII habebat , summae spei delectaeque iuventutis XI , quae octavo iam stipendio tamen in collatione reliquarum nondum eandem vetustatis ac virtutis ceperat opinionem . Itaque consilio advocato , rebus eis quae ad se essent delatae omnibus expositis animos multitudinis confirmat . Si forte hostes trium legionum numero posset elicere ad dimicandum , agminis ordinem ita constituit , ut legio septima , octava , nona ante omnia irent impedimenta , deinde omnium impedimentorum agmen , quod tamen erat mediocre , ut in expeditionibus esse consuevit , cogeret undecima , ne maioris multitudinis species accidere hostibus posset quam ipsi depoposcissent . Hac ratione paene quadrato agmine instructo in conspectum hostium celerius opinione eorum exercitum adducit .
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When Caesar was convinced of the truth of this account from the concurring testimony of several persons, and perceived that the plans which were proposed were full of prudence, and very unlike the rash resolves of a barbarous people, he considered it incumbent on him to use every exertion, in order that the enemy might despise his small force and come to an action. For he had three veteran legions of distinguished valor, the seventh, eighth and ninth. The eleventh consisted of chosen youth of great hopes, who had served eight campaigns, but who, compared with the others, had not yet acquired any great reputation for experience and valor. Calling therefore a council, and laying before it the intelligence which he had received, he encouraged his soldiers. In order if possible to entice the enemy to an engagement by the appearance of only three legions, he ranged his army in the following manner, that the seventh, eighth, and ninth legions should march before all the baggage; that then the eleventh should bring up the rear of the whole train of baggage (which however was but small, as is usual on such expeditions), so that the enemy could not get a sight of a greater number than they themselves were willing to encounter. By this disposition he formed his army almost into a square, and brought them within sight of the enemy sooner than was anticipated. |
| 358 |
Cum repente instructas velut in acie certo gradu legiones accedere Galli viderent , quorum erant ad Caesarem plena fiduciae consilia perlata , sive certaminis periculo sive subito adventu sive exspectatione nostri consili copias instruunt pro castris nec loco superiore decedunt . Caesar , etsi dimicare optaverat , tamen admiratus tantam multitudinem hostium valle intermissa magis in altitudinem depressa quam late patente castra castris hostium confert . Haec imperat vallo pedum XII muniri , loriculam pro [ hac ] ratione eius altitudinis inaedificari ; fossam duplicem pedum denum quinum lateribus deprimi directis ; turres excitari crebras in altitudinem trium tabulatorum , pontibus traiectis constratisque coniungi , quorum frontes viminea loricula munirentur ; ut ab hostibus duplici fossa , duplici propugnatorum ordine defenderentur , quorum alter ex pontibus , quo tutior altitudine esset , hoc audacius longiusque permitteret tela , alter , qui propior hostem in ipso vallo collocatus esset , ponte ab incidentibus telis tegeretur . Portis fores altioresque turres imposuit .
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When the Gauls, whose bold resolutions had been reported to Caesar, saw the legions advance with a regular motion, drawn up in battle array; either from the danger of an engagement, or our sudden approach, or with the design of watching our movements, they drew up their forces before the camp, and did not quit the rising ground. Though Caesar wished to bring them to battle, yet being surprised to see so vast a host of the enemy, he encamped opposite to them, with a valley between them, deep rather than extensive. He ordered his camp to be fortified with a rampart twelve feet high, with breastworks built on it proportioned to its height and two trenches, each fifteen feet broad, with perpendicular sides to be sunk: likewise several turrets, three stories high, to be raised, with a communication to each other by galleries laid across and covered over; which should be guarded in front by small parapets of osiers; that the enemy might be repulsed by two rows of soldiers. The one of whom, being more secure from danger by their height might throw their darts with more daring and to a greater distance; the other which was nearer the enemy, being stationed on the rampart, would be protected by their galleries from darts falling on their heads. At the entrance he erected gates and turrets of a considerable height. |
| 359 |
Huius munitionis duplex erat consilium . Namque et operum magnitudinem et timorem suum sperabat fiduciam barbaris allaturum , et cum pabulatum frumentatumque longius esset proficiscendum , parvis copiis castra munitione ipsa videbat posse defendi . Interim crebro paucis utrimque procurrentibus inter bina castra palude interiecta contendebatur ; quam tamen paludem nonnumquam aut nostra auxilia Gallorum Germanorumque transibant acriusque hostes insequebantur , aut vicissim hostes eadem transgressi nostros longius summovebant . Accidebat autem cotidianis pabulationibus ( id quod accidere erat necesse , cum raris disiectisque ex aedificiis pabulum conquireretur ) , ut impeditis locis dispersi pabulatores circumvenirentur ; quae res , etsi mediocre detrimentum iumentorum ac servorum nostris adferebat , tamen stultas cogitationes incitabat barbarorum , atque eo magis , quod Commius , quem profectum ad auxilia Germanorum arcessenda docui , cum equitibus venerat ; qui , tametsi numero non amplius erant quingenti , tamen Germanorum adventu barbari nitebantur .
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Caesar had a double design in this fortification; for he both hoped that the strength of his works, and his [apparent] fears would raise confidence in the barbarians; and when there should be occasion to make a distant excursion to get forage or corn, he saw that his camp would be secured by the works with a very small force. In the mean time there were frequent skirmishes across the marsh, a few on both sides sallying out between the two camps. Sometimes, however, our Gallic or German auxiliaries crossed the marsh, and furiously pursued the enemy; or on the other hand the enemy passed it and beat back our men. Moreover there happened in the course of our daily foraging, what must of necessity happen, when corn is to be collected by a few scattered men out of private houses, that our foragers dispersing in an intricate country were surrounded by the enemy; by which, though we suffered but an inconsiderable loss of cattle and servants, yet it raised foolish hopes in the barbarians; but more especially, because Comius, who I said had gone to get aid from the Germans, returned with some cavalry, and though the Germans were only 500, yet the barbarians were elated by their arrival. |
| 360 |
Caesar , cum animadverteret hostem complures dies castris palude et loci natura munitis se tenere neque oppugnari castra eorum sine dimicatione perniciosa nec locum munitionibus claudi nisi a maiore exercitu posse , litteras ad Trebonium mittit , ut quam celerrime posset legionem XIII , quae cum T . Sextio legato in Biturigibus hiemabat , arcesseret atque ita cum tribus legionibus magnis itineribus ad se veniret ; ipse equites in vicem Remorum ac Lingonum reliquarumque civitatum , quorum magnum numerum evocaverat , praesidio pabulationibus mittit , qui subitas hostium incursiones sustinerent .
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Caesar, observing that the enemy kept for several days within their camp, which was well secured by a morass and its natural situation, and that it could not be assaulted without a dangerous engagement, nor the place inclosed with lines without an addition to his army, wrote to Trebonius to send with all dispatch for the thirteenth legion which was in winter quarters among the Bituriges under Titus Sextius, one of his lieutenants; and then to come to him by forced marches with the three legions. He himself sent the cavalry of the Remi, and Lingones , and other states, from whom he had required a vast number, to guard his foraging parties, and to support them in case of any sudden attack of the enemy. |
| 361 |
Quod cum cotidie fieret ac iam consuetudine diligentia minueretur , quod plerumque accidit diuturnitate , Bellovaci delecta manu peditum cognitis stationibus cotidianis equitum nostrorum silvestribus locis insidias disponunt eodemque equites postero die mittunt , qui primum elicerent nostros , deinde circumventos aggrederentur . Cuius mali sors incidit Remis , quibus ille dies fungendi muneris obvenerat . Namque hi , cum repente hostium equites animadvertissent ac numero superiores paucitatem contempsissent , cupidius insecuti peditibus undique sunt circumdati . Quo facto perturbati celerius quam consuetudo fert equestris proeli se receperunt amisso Vertisco , principe civitatis , praefecto equitum ; qui cum vix equo propter aetatem posset uti , tamen consuetudine Gallorum neque aetatis excusatione in suscipienda praefectura usus erat neque dimicari sine se voluerat . Inflantur atque incitantur hostium animi secundo proelio , principe et praefecto Remorum interfecto , nostrique detrimento admonentur diligentius exploratis locis stationes disponere ac moderatius cedentem insequi hostem .
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As this continued for several days, and their vigilance was relaxed by custom (an effect which is generally produced by time), the Bellovaci, having made themselves acquainted with the daily stations of our horse, lie in ambush with a select body of foot in a place covered with woods; to it they sent their horse the next day, who were first to decoy our men into the ambuscade, and then when they were surrounded, to attack them. It was the lot of the Remi to fall into this snare, to whom that day had been allotted to perform this duty; for, having suddenly got sight of the enemy's cavalry, and despising their weakness, in consequence of their superior numbers, they pursued them too eagerly, and were surrounded on every side by the foot. Being, by this means thrown into disorder they returned with more precipitation than is usual in cavalry actions, with the loss of Vertiscus the governor of their state, and the general of their horse, who, though scarcely able to sit on horseback through years, neither, in accordance with the custom of the Gauls, pleaded his age in excuse for not accepting the command, nor would he suffer them to fight without him. The spirits of the barbarians were puffed up, and inflated at the success of this battle, in killing the prince, and general of the Remi; and our men were taught by this loss, to examine the country, and post their guards with more caution, and to be more moderate in pursuing a retreating enemy. |
| 362 |
Non intermittunt interim cotidiana proelia in conspectu utrorumque castrorum , quae ad vada transitusque fiebant paludis . Qua contentione Germani , quos propterea Caesar traduxerat Rhenum ut equitibus interpositi proeliarentur , cum constantius universi paludem transissent paucisque resistentibus interfectis pertinacius reliquam multitudinem essent insecuti , perterriti non solum ei qui aut comminus opprimebantur aut eminus vulnerabantur , sed etiam qui longius subsidiari consuerant , turpiter refugerunt , nec prius finem fugae fecerunt saepe amissis superioribus locis quam se aut in castra suorum reciperent , aut nonnulli pudore coacti longius profugerent . Quorum periculo sic omnes copiae sunt perturbatae ut vix iudicari posset , utrum secundis minimisque rebus insolentiores an adverso mediocri casu timidiores essent .
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In the mean time daily skirmishes take place continually in view of both camps; these were fought at the ford and pass of the morass. In one of these contests the Germans, whom Caesar had brought over the Rhine , to fight, intermixed with the horse, having resolutely crossed the marsh, and slain the few who made resistance, and boldly pursued the rest, so terrified them, that not only those who were attacked hand to hand, or wounded at a distance, but even those who were stationed at a greater distance to support them, fled disgracefully; and being often beaten from the rising grounds, did not stop till they had retired into their camp, or some, impelled by fear, had fled further. Their danger threw their whole army into such confusion, that it was difficult to judge whether they were more insolent after a slight advantage or more dejected by a trifling calamity. |
| 363 |
Compluribus diebus isdem in castris consumptis , cum propius accessisse legiones et Gaium Trebonium legatum cognossent , duces Bellovacorum veriti similem obsessionem Alesiae noctu dimittunt eos quos aut aetate aut viribus inferiores aut inermes habebant , unaque reliqua impedimenta . Quorum perturbatum et confusum dum explicant agmen ( magna enim multitudo carrorum etiam expeditos sequi Gallos consuevit ) , oppressi luce copias armatorum pro suis instruunt castris , ne prius Romani persequi se inciperent quam longius agmen impedimentorum suorum processisset . At Caesar neque resistentes adgrediendos tanto collis ascensu iudicabat , neque non usque eo legiones admovendas ut discedere ex eo loco sine periculo barbari militibus instantibus non possent . Ita , cum palude impedita a castris castra dividi videret , quae transeundi difficultas celeritatem insequendi tardare posset , atque id iugum quod trans paludem paene ad hostium castra pertineret mediocri valle a castris eorum intercisum animum adverteret , pontibus palude constrata legiones traducit celeriterque in summam planitiem iugi pervenit , quae declivi fastigio duobus ab lateribus muniebatur . Ibi legionibus instructis ad ultimum iugum pervenit aciemque eo loco constituit unde tormento missa tela in hostium cuneos conici possent .
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After spending several days in the same camp, the guards of the Bellovaci, learning that Caius Trebonius was advancing nearer with his legions, and fearing a siege like that of Alesia , send off by night all who were disabled by age or infirmity, or unarmed, and along with them their whole baggage. While they are preparing their disorderly and confused troop for march (for the Gauls are always attended by a vast multitude of wagons, even when they have very light baggage), being overtaken by day-light, they drew their forces out before their camp, to prevent the Romans attempting a pursuit before the line of their baggage had advanced to a considerable distance. But Caesar did not think it prudent to attack them when standing on their defense, with such a steep hill in their favor, nor keep his legions at such a distance that they could quit their post without danger: but, perceiving that his camp was divided from the enemy's by a deep morass, so difficult to cross that he could not pursue with expedition, and that the hill beyond the morass, which extended almost to the enemy's camp, was separated from it only by a small valley, he laid a bridge over the morass and led his army across, and soon reached the plain on the top of the hill, which was fortified on either side by a steep ascent. Having there drawn up his army in order of battle, he marched to the furthest hill, from which he could, with his engines, shower darts upon the thickest of the enemy. |
| 364 |
Barbari confisi loci natura , cum dimicare non recusarent , si forte Romani subire collem conarentur , paulatim copias distributas dimittere non possent , ne dispersi perturbarentur , in acie permanserunt . Quorum pertinacia cognita Caesar XX cohortibus instructis castrisque eo loco metatis muniri iubet castra . Absolutis operibus pro vallo legiones instructas collocat , equites frenatis equis in statione disponit . Bellovaci , cum Romanos ad insequendum paratos viderent neque pernoctare aut diutius permanere sine periculo eodem loco possent , tale consilium sui recipiendi ceperunt . Fasces , ubi consederant ( namque in acie sedere Gallos consuesse superioribus commentariis Caesaris declaratum est ) , per manus stramentorum ac virgultorum , quorum summa erat in castris copia , inter se traditos ante aciem collocarunt extremoque tempore diei signo pronuntiato uno tempore incenderunt . Ita continens flamma copias omnes repente a conspectu texit Romanorum . Quod ubi accidit , barbari vehementissimo cursu refugerunt .
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The Gauls, confiding in the natural strength of their position, though they would not decline an engagement if the Romans attempted to ascend the hill, yet dared not divide their forces into small parties, lest they should be thrown into disorder by being dispersed, and therefore remained in order of battle. Caesar, perceiving that they persisted in their resolution, kept twenty cohorts in battle array, and, measuring out ground there for a camp, ordered it to be fortified. Having completed his works, he drew up his legions before the rampart and stationed the cavalry in certain positions, with their horses bridled. When the Bellovaci saw the Romans prepared to pursue them, and that they could not wait the whole night, or continue longer in the same place without provisions, they formed the following plan to secure a retreat. They handed to one another the bundles of straw and sticks on which they sat (for it is the custom of the Gauls to sit when drawn up in order of battle, as has been asserted in former commentaries), of which they had great plenty in their camp, and piled them in the front of their line; and at the close of the day, on a certain signal, set them all on fire at one and the same time. The continued blaze soon screened all their forces from the sight of the Romans, which no sooner happened than the barbarians fled with the greatest precipitation. |