Commentaries on the Gallic War · Chapter
Book II: The War Against the Belgae explained
Caesar learns that the Belgae are forming a confederacy against Rome, fearing Roman domination after the conquest of Celtic Gaul.
What happens
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological peak of Caesar’s strategic anxiety and…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Warfare and Strategy
Caesar's rapid march, use of intelligence from the Remi, and tactical adjustments during the Nervii battle highlight Roman military strategy.
- Betrayal and Alliance
The Remi break from the Belgic confederacy to ally with Rome; Divitiacus pleads for the Bellovaci based on past Aeduan alliances.
- Leadership and Ambition
Caesar's personal courage in rallying his troops and his calculated clemency toward surrendered tribes reflect his leadership style.
Characters to notice
- Julius Caesar
Leads the Roman campaign against the Belgae, personally rallies his troops during the battle with the Nervii, and accepts surrenders with clemency.
- Titus Labienus
Informs Caesar of the Belgic confederacy; commands the tenth legion as a relief force during the Nervii battle.
- Divitiacus
Pleads with Caesar on behalf of the Bellovaci, reminding him of their past alliance with the Aedui.
- Quintus Titurius Sabinus
Mentioned as one of Caesar's lieutenants, though not directly active in this book.
- Lucius Aurunculeius Cotta
Commanded with Q. Pedius to harass the retreating Belgae.
- Servius Galba
King of the Suessiones; his sons are taken as hostages after the surrender.
Key passages
“all the Belgae, who we have said are a third part of Gaul, were entering into a confederacy against the Roman people”
All the Belgae, who make up a third of Gaul, were forming an alliance against Rome.
Caesar learns of the Belgic confederacy.
“the Remi, who are the nearest of the Belgae to Celtic Gaul, sent to him Iccius and Antebrogius, two of the principal persons of the state, as their ambassadors”
The Remi, the Belgic tribe closest to Celtic Gaul, sent two leading nobles as envoys to Caesar.
The Remi surrender to Caesar.
“the enemy, even in the last hope of safety, displayed such great courage that when the foremost of them had fallen, the next stood upon them prostrate, and fought from their bodies”
Even in desperation, the enemy fought so bravely that they stood on the bodies of their fallen comrades to continue the battle.
Description of the Nervii's fierce resistance.
