In this book, besides observing caesar s guile, it is well to note labienus, who demonstrates initiative and intelligence as he handles difficult positions. Julius caesars commentaries on the gallic war book 1. Labienus, as he had been ordered by caesar not to come to an engagement unless caesars own forces were seen near the enemys camp, that the attack upon the enemy might be made on every side at the same time, was, after having taken. Roman, not quite eighteen english miles a wall, to the height of sixteen feet, and a trench, from the lake of geneva, which flows into the river rhone, to mount jura, which separates the territories of the sequani from those of the helvetii. The study of antiquity and the middle ages 6,850 views. I cant do that now but will certainly enjoy trying and already some of book 1 sounds familiar even if i now have to look at the excellent translation. The gallic wars has been divided into the following sections.
Caesar, as he neither wished that the conference should, by an excuse thrown in the way, be set aside, nor durst trust his life to the cavalry of the gauls, decided that it would be most expedient to take away from the gallic cavalry all their horses, and thereon to mount the legionary soldiers of the tenth legion, in which he placed the. Gaius julius caesar july 100 bc 15 march 44 bc was a roman general and statesman and a distinguished writer of latin prose. Translation of caesars gallic wars primary source for much of early celtic preroman britain. The works of julius caesar, parallel english latin tr. Bohn book 1 chapter 1 all gaul is divided into three parts, one of which the belgae inhabit, the aquitani another, those who in their own language are called celts, in our gauls, the third. The gallic wars by julius caesar the internet classics archive. In this book, besides observing caesars guile, it is well to note labienus, who demonstrates initiative and intelligence as he handles difficult positions.
The gallic wars by julius caesar, part of the internet classics archive. Galba is to open a travel route through the alps for roman traders, who now have to pay heavy tolls. He played a critical role in the gradual transformation of the roman republic into the roman empire. Quizlet flashcards, activities and games help you improve your grades. Romes war against the gallic tribes lasted from 58 bc to 50 bc and culminated in the decisive battle of alesia in 52 bc, in which a complete roman victory resulted in the expansion of the roman republic over the whole of gaul mainly presentday france and belgium. Digitizing sponsor msn contributor robarts university of toronto language english. Induced by these considerations, and influenced by the authority of orgetorix, they determined to provide such things as were necessary for their expeditionto buy up as great a number as possible of beasts of burden and wagonsto make their sowings as large as possible, so that on their march plenty of corn might be in storeand to establish peace and friendship with the neighboring states.
Macdevitts translation was one of the simplest ones, with no annoying overly procaesar or overly progaulish prefaces, poor english. The main problem with the gallic wars, in overall, is that only exist one source, so the special parts of this book is what the author writes as context, consequences and some other topics such as slaves and supplies, this is what makes this book a good one, but still, nothing really mindblowing. Background versus battleground in caesars gallic wars jstor. The gaul that caesar refers to is sometimes all of gaul except for the roman province of gallia narbonensis. From ancient to medieval latin, then on to modern english ive a slightly different take on chapter 1, book 4. Gallic war, is julius caesars firsthand account of the gallic wars, written as a thirdperson narrative. I thought it would be boring, but since i am fascinated by julius caesar, the peoples dictator, i read it anyway. In the first 10 minutes i provide 5 campaignbattle maps which are directly related to the events in book 1 58 b. I did caesars gallic war book 5 for o level latin 50 years ago. If you cant get a copy of caesar s own writings in english, this is a great way to learn about the campaign and some other general information of the time.
The most famous roman of alls firsthand account of his wars of conquest in gaul most of presentday france, belgium and switzerland and an account of his invasion of britain. Claudio consulibus, discedens ab hibernis caesar in italiam, ut quotannis facere consuerat, legatis imperat quos legionibus praefecerat uti quam plurimas possent hieme naves aedificandas veteresque reficiendas curarent. The helvetii still proceed to carry out their designs. I did caesar s gallic war book 5 for o level latin 50 years ago. A brief description of the great divisions of gaul, and of their inhabitants. I would give this 4 stars were it not for the fact the format of the book is a little plain and there are numerous typos, which is inevitably my fault since i purchased a rather cheap edition, but price was not the only thing influencing my decision. Caesars commentaries are an outstanding account of extraordinary events by one of the most exceptional men in the history of the world. A different take on caesars gallic war, chapter 1, book 4. Jan 17, 20 in the first 10 minutes i provide 5 campaignbattle maps which are directly related to the events in book 1 58 b. Ea quae secuta est hieme, qui fuit annus gnaeo pompeio, marco crasso consulibus, usipetes germani et item tencteri magna cum multitudine hominum flumen rhenum. This site contains latin text, notes, vocabulary, and media for selections from the gallic war by julius caesar, intended for readers of latin a note on the text. The gallic wars by julius caesar book one chapter 1 all gaul is divided into three parts, one of which the belgae inhabit, the aquitani another, those who in their own language are called celts, in our gauls, the third.
Commentaries on the gallic war is julius caesars firsthand account of the gallic wars, written as a. The latin text given here generally conforms with the oxford classical text of 1900 by renatus dupontet, except for the following 1. Caesars conquest of gaul, completed by 51 bc, extended romes territory to the english channel and the rhine. The national endowment for the humanities provided support for entering this text. The ambitious designs of the helvetii under orgetorix, and the suspicious death of the latter. The painting depicts the surrender of the gallic chieftain after the battle of alesia 52 bc.
Oct 06, 2007 a different take on caesars gallic war, chapter 1, book 4 from ancient to medieval latin, then on to modern english ive a slightly different take on chapter 1, book 4. Macdevitts translation was one of the simplest ones, with no annoying overly pro caesar or overly progaulish prefaces, poor english. Commentaries on the gallic war, also bellum gallicum english. The commentaries of caesar on the gallic war, books 18. This complete edition of caesar s commentaries contains all eight of caesar s books on the gallic war as well as all three of his books on the civil war masterfully translated into english by w.
Induced by these considerations, and influenced by the authority of orgetorix, they determined to provide such things as were necessary for their expeditionto buy up as great a number as possible of beasts of burden and wagonsto make their sowings as large as possible, so that on their march plenty of corn might be in storeand to establish peace and friendship with the. May 30, 2017 commentaries on the gallic war, by gaius julius caesar audio book duration. Gaius julius caesar commentaries on the gallic war translated by w. Oct 27, 2006 i did caesar s gallic war book 5 for o level latin 50 years ago. Suetonius in his biography of julius caesar states that the gallic and civil wars were written by caesar, and that the 8th book of the gallic wars was written by aulus hirtius. All these differ from each other in language, customs and laws. Vercingetorix throws down his arms at the feet of julius caesar.
Caesar s conquest of gaul, completed by 51 bc, extended romes territory to the english channel and the rhine. The gallic wars by julius caesar the internet classics. The commentaries of caesar on the gallic war, books 1 8 presented in a new format featuring both latin and english, with new vocablulary presented in line as its encountered. Caesar became the first roman general to cross both when. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Caesar gallic war and millions of other books are available for instant. Gallic wars cliffsnotes study guides book summaries. Iulius, 10244 bce, statesman and soldier, defied the dictator sulla. Commentaries on the gallic war audiobook by gaius julius. Wonderful bw illustrations bruno bramanti clean nice solid shape not a library book. Caesar, inasmuch as he kept in remembrance that lucius cassius, the. Caesar s commentaries are an outstanding account of extraordinary events by one of the most exceptional men in the history of the world. Commentaries on the gallic war, by gaius julius caesar audio book duration.
Kevin li latin 12ap caesar book one english chapters 1 7 translation and notes chapter 1 all of gaul is divided into three parts, one of which the belgae inhabit, the aquitani another, the third, those who in their own language are called celts, in ours, gauls. In it caesar describes the battles and intrigues that took place in the nine years he spent fighting the germanic peoples and celtic peoples in gaul that opposed roman. The gallic wars were a series of military campaigns waged by the roman proconsul julius caesar against several gallic tribes. Romes war against the gallic tribes lasted from 58 bc to 50 bc and culminated in the decisive battle of alesia in 52 bc, in which a complete roman victory resulted in the expansion of the roman republic over the whole of gaul mainly presentday france and. Gaul as a whole, contrasted with gaul in the narrower sense, or celtic gaul. This complete edition of caesars commentaries contains all eight of caesars books on the gallic war as well as all three of his books on the civil war masterfully translated into english by w. Caesars gallic warde bello gallico, english translation by w. Commentaries on the gallic war is julius caesar s firsthand account of the gallic wars, written as a thirdperson narrative. Google earth interactive map of all places and tribes mentioned in the selections, antonio salinas tactical maps for the bg, various historical maps, audio and video, harper and tolmans list of caesarian idioms, an introduction to caesar, the gallic war, and the roman army by arthur tappan walker, sihlers lexicon of the latinity of caesars gallic war, et alia. The river garonne separates the gauls from the aquitani. Gallic wars, 5850 bce, campaigns in which the roman proconsul julius caesar conquered gaul. Clad in the bloodred cloak he usually wore as his distinguishing mark of battle, caesar led his troops to victories throughout the province, his major triumph being the defeat of the gallic army led by the chieftain vercingetorix, in 52 bce. As for the battle narrative itself, it concerns an early revolt of several tribes, quelled by caesar and labienus. Clad in the bloodred cloak he usually wore as his distinguishing mark of battle, caesar led his troops to victories throughout the province, his major triumph being the defeat of the gallic army led by.
This new 2017 edition of the gallic wars from enhanced media. I read the loeb edition of caesar, the gallic war, translated by h. It was the best book i had ever reada real page turner. This work is licensed under a creative commons attributionsharealike 3. Book vi, the shortest of the hooks in the gallic wars, relates caesars adventures during 53 b. Much of caesars life is known from his own accounts of his military campaigns, and from other contemporary sources, mainly the. Julius caesar the gallic wars leather bound january 1, 1993 by. At that time i could read the latin and get the meaning and almost a running translation in my head. Commentaries on the gallic war is julius caesars firsthand account of the gallic wars, written as a thirdperson narrative. There is also an 8th book, written by aulus hirtius. Caesar, a the close of the late campaign, sent servius galba into the territories of the nantuates, veragri, and seduni, with permission to winter there, if expedient. Gallic wars cliffsnotes study guides book summaries, test. Nov 20, 2002 a very easy to read summary of the gallic wars.
Book vi, the shortest of the hooks in the gallic wars, relates caesar s adventures during 53 b. Rome didnt control the entirety of the territory, so. Ea quae secuta est hieme, qui fuit annus gnaeo pompeio, marco crasso consulibus. Each latin paragraph is displayed with its english translation on the facing page, making this an easy and enjoyable read for students and enthusiasts alike. The gallic wars is one of the earliest examples of a military science manual, detailing arms technology, tactical maneuvers, battlefield politics, espionage, intelligence and even the role played by luck in ground and sea campaigns. Book 1 chapters 17 learn with flashcards, games, and more for free. And see the picture of early british life that can be painted f. Best translation of the gallic war by julius caesar.
Labienus, as he had been ordered by caesar not to come to an engagement unless caesar s own forces were seen near the enemys camp, that the attack upon the enemy might be made on every side at the same time, was, after having taken. In 58 bce, caesar headed for gaul, a region roughly encompassing presentday france and belgium and parts of the netherlands. The translation flowed very easily but sometimes deceptively so. David brown caesar destroys the quarter of the helvetian force by surprising them while they are crossing a river ceasars legions finally meet the helvetians in an open battle on a mountain in the aedui territory. In it caesar describes the battles and intrigues that took place in the nine years he spent fighting local armies in gaul that opposed roman domination. Commentaries on the gallic war by gaius julius caesar. Julius caesar wrote commentaries on the wars he fought in gaul between 58 and 52 b. Before leaving for italy, caesar sends servius galba with the twelfth legion and some cavalry to the districts of the nantuates, the veragri, and the seduni.
1360 294 85 1250 72 713 176 964 1257 895 62 1564 149 1396 72 987 1503 1313 463 690 1161 1348 251 249 624 1494 1186 163 1337 701 697 1406 986 410 1126 1496 755 1328 1426 984