1. JULIUS CAESAR & THE GALLIC WARS 58-50 BC

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. The Siege of Alesia

10. ROME (HBO SERIES) What to look for in this clip – Roman tactics in combat – Weaponry & armor – Roman vs. barbarian fighting styles