Commentaries on the Gallic War · Chapters
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Chapter companions for Commentaries on the Gallic War by Julius Caesar.
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Chapter 1
Book I
Caesar confronts Ariovistus, a German king, over control of Gaul. After a tense conference and cavalry skirmishes, Caesar rallies his hesitant troops with a speech, then uncovers internal Aeduan treachery led by Dumnorix, who conspires with the Helvetii against Rome.
Chapter 2
Book II: The War Against the Belgae
Caesar learns that the Belgae are forming a confederacy against Rome, fearing Roman domination after the conquest of Celtic Gaul. He raises two new legions and marches swiftly into Belgic territory. The Remi surrender to Caesar and provide intelligence on the Belgic forces. Caesar defeats the Belgae confederacy in a series of engagements, including a fierce battle against the Nervii, and accepts the surrender of the Suessiones and Bellovaci, sparing them at the request of Divitiacus.
Chapter 3
Book III: The Alpine Campaign, the Venetic War, and the Conquest of Aquitania
Caesar dispatches Galba to secure Alpine passes; Galba's legion is besieged at Octodurus but manages a desperate breakout. Caesar then turns to the Veneti, whose strongholds and unique ships resist Roman assault until a naval battle under Decimus Brutus destroys their fleet. Meanwhile, Sabinus subdues the Unelli through a ruse, and Crassus conquers the Sotiates and other Aquitanian tribes, overcoming a coalition led by former Sertorian officers.
Chapter 4
Book IV: The Rhine Crossing and First Invasion of Britain
Caesar negotiates with the Usipetes and Tenchtheri, defeats them in battle, and then builds a bridge across the Rhine to intimidate the German tribes. He also prepares for and executes his first invasion of Britain, facing resistance from the Britons and overcoming difficult landing conditions.
Chapter 5
Book V
Caesar recounts the aftermath of the revolt led by Indutiomarus among the Treviri, including Labienus's successful stratagem to kill Indutiomarus, Caesar's relief of Quintus Cicero's besieged camp, and the widespread unrest among Gallic states following the disaster of Sabinus and Cotta. Caesar works to maintain allegiance through a mix of intimidation and diplomacy, while the Senones attempt to overthrow their king Cavarinus and the Treviri fail to incite German tribes to cross the Rhine.
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