De Bello Gallico Book 7 (1–22)

[1] 

1 Quieta Gallia Caesar, ut constituerat, in Italiam ad conventus agendos proficiscitur. 

1 With Gaul pacified, Caesar, as he had planned, set out for Italy to hold the assizes. 

2 Ibi cognoscit de Clodii caede [de] senatusque consulto certior factus, ut omnes iuniores Italiae coniurarent, delectum tota provincia habere instituit. 

2 There he learned of Clodius’s murder, and, being informed of the senate’s decree that all the youth of Italy should swear allegiance, he began to hold a levy throughout the whole province. 

3 Eae res in Galliam Transalpinam celeriter perferuntur. 

3 These events were quickly carried into Transalpine Gaul. 

4 Addunt ipsi et adfingunt rumoribus Galli, quod res poscere videbatur, retineri urbano motu Caesarem neque in tantis dissensionibus ad exercitum venire posse. 

4 The Gauls themselves added to and invented rumors, as the situation seemed to demand, that Caesar was held back by the urban unrest and could not come to the army amidst such great dissensions. 

5 Hac impulsi occasione, qui iam ante se populi Romani imperio subiectos dolerent liberius atque audacius de bello consilia inire incipiunt. 

5 Spurred on by this opportunity, those who had previously resented being subjected to the rule of the Roman people began more freely and boldly to form plans for war. 

6 Indictis inter se principes Galliae conciliis silvestribus ac remotis locis queruntur de Acconis morte; 

6 With councils convened among themselves by the leaders of Gaul in wooded and remote places, they complained of the death of Acco; 

7 posse hunc casum ad ipsos recidere demonstrant: miserantur communem Galliae fortunam: omnibus pollicitationibus ac praemiis deposcunt qui belli initium faciant et sui capitis periculo Galliam in libertatem vindicent. 

7 they pointed out that this fate might fall upon themselves; they lamented the common fortune of Gaul; with every kind of promise and reward they demanded someone to begin the war and, at the risk of his own life, to avenge Gaul’s liberty. 

8 In primis rationem esse habendam dicunt, priusquam eorum clandestina consilia efferantur, ut Caesar ab exercitu intercludatur. Id esse facile, 

8 First and foremost, they said, it must be considered that Caesar should be cut off from his army before their secret plans were revealed. That, they said, was easy, 

9 quod neque legiones audeant absente imperatore ex hibernis egredi, neque imperator sine praesidio ad legiones pervenire possit. 

9 because the legions would not dare to leave winter quarters without their commander, nor could the commander reach the legions without an escort. 

10 Postremo in acie praestare interfici quam non veterem belli gloriam libertatemque quam a maioribus acceperint recuperare. 

10 Finally, they declared that it was better to be slain in battle than not to recover their ancient glory in war and the liberty which they had received from their ancestors. 

[2] 

1 His rebus agitatis profitentur Carnutes se nullum periculum communis salutis causa recusare principesque ex omnibus bellum facturos pollicentur et, 

1 With these matters discussed, the Carnutes declared that they would refuse no danger for the sake of the common safety, and as leaders among all, they promised to start the war, and, 

2 quoniam in praesentia obsidibus cavere inter se non possint ne res efferatur, ut iureiurando ac fide sanciatur, petunt, collatis militaribus signis, quo more eorum gravissima caerimonia continetur, ne facto initio belli ab reliquis deserantur. 

2 since they could not at present secure themselves with hostages lest the matter be revealed, they asked that it be sanctioned by oath and pledge, with their military standards brought together—a custom in which their most solemn ceremony is contained—so that, once the war had begun, they would not be deserted by the others. 

3 Tum collaudatis Carnutibus, dato iureiurando ab omnibus qui aderant, tempore eius rei constituto ab concilio disceditur. 

3 Then, the Carnutes having been commended and an oath given by all who were present, the time for the action was set, and the council was adjourned. 

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[3] 

1 Ubi ea dies venit, Carnutes Cotuato et Conconnetodumno ducibus, desperatis hominibus, Cenabum signo dato concurrunt civesque Romanos, qui negotiandi causa ibi constiterant, in his Gaium Fufium Citam, honestum equitem Romanum, qui rei frumentariae iussu Caesaris praeerat, interficiunt bonaque eorum diripiunt. 

1 When that day came, the Carnutes, under the leadership of Cotuatus and Conconnetodumnus, desperate men, rushed at a signal to Cenabum and killed the Roman citizens who had settled there for the purpose of trade, including Gaius Fufius Cita, a respected Roman knight who had been in charge of the grain supply by Caesar’s order, and they plundered their goods. 

2 Celeriter ad omnes Galliae civitates fama perfertur. Nam ubicumque maior atque illustrior incidit res, clamore per agros regionesque significant; hunc alii deinceps excipiunt et proximis tradunt, ut tum accidit. 

2 The report was quickly carried to all the states of Gaul. For whenever a more important and notable event occurs, they signal it by shouting through the fields and districts; others take it up in turn and pass it on to their neighbors, as happened then. 

3 Nam quae Cenabi oriente sole gesta essent, ante primam confectam vigiliam in finibus Arvernorum audita sunt, quod spatium est milium passuum circiter centum LX. 

3 For what had taken place at Cenabum at sunrise was heard in the territory of the Arverni before the end of the first watch, a distance of about 160 miles. 

[4] 

1 Simili ratione ibi Vercingetorix, Celtilli filius, Arvernus, summae potentiae adulescens, cuius pater principatum Galliae totius obtinuerat et ob eam causam, quod regnum appetebat, ab civitate erat interfectus, convocatis suis clientibus facile incendit. 

1 In a similar manner there, Vercingetorix, son of Celtillus, an Arvernian, a young man of the highest power, whose father had held the leadership of all Gaul and had been killed by the state for that reason—because he sought kingship—easily inflamed his clients after calling them together. 

2 Cognito eius consilio ad arma concurritur. Prohibetur ab Gobannitione, patruo suo, reliquisque principibus, qui hanc temptandam fortunam non existimabant; expellitur ex oppido Gergovia; 

2 His plan having become known, there was a rush to arms. He was opposed by Gobannitio, his uncle, and the other chiefs, who did not think this enterprise should be attempted; he was expelled from the town of Gergovia; 

3 non destitit tamen atque in agris habet dilectum egentium ac perditorum. Hac coacta manu, quoscumque adit ex civitate ad suam sententiam perducit; 

3 nevertheless, he did not desist and held a levy in the countryside of the destitute and desperate. With this band assembled, he brought over to his side all those of the state whom he approached; 

4 hortatur ut communis libertatis causa arma capiant, magnisque coactis copiis adversarios suos a quibus paulo ante erat eiectus expellit ex civitate. 

4 he urged them to take up arms for the sake of common liberty, and with large forces gathered, he expelled from the state his adversaries by whom he had shortly before been driven out. 

5 Rex ab suis appellatur. Dimittit quoque versus legationes; obtestatur ut in fide maneant. 

5 He was proclaimed king by his own people. He also sent envoys in every direction; he adjured them to remain loyal. 

6 Celeriter sibi Senones, Parisios, Pictones, Cadurcos, Turonos, Aulercos, Lemovices, Andos reliquosque omnes qui Oceanum attingunt adiungit: omnium consensu ad eum defertur imperium. 

6 He quickly joined to himself the Senones, Parisii, Pictones, Cadurci, Turoni, Aulerci, Lemovices, Andes, and all the rest who border the Ocean: by the unanimous agreement of all, supreme command was conferred upon him. 

7 Qua oblata potestate omnibus his civitatibus obsides imperat, certum numerum militum ad se celeriter adduci iubet, armorum quantum quaeque civitas domi quodque ante tempus efficiat constituit; in primis equitatui studet. 

7 With this power granted, he required hostages from all these states, ordered a fixed number of troops to be quickly brought to him, and set the quantity of arms each state should produce at home and by what deadline; above all, he devoted attention to the cavalry. 

8 Summae diligentiae summam imperi severitatem addit; magnitudine supplici dubitantes cogit. 

8 To the utmost diligence, he added the utmost severity of command; by the greatness of the punishment he compelled those who hesitated. 

9 Nam maiore commisso delicto igni atque omnibus tormentis necat, leviore de causa auribus desectis aut singulis effossis oculis domum remittit, ut sint reliquis documento et magnitudine poenae perterreant alios. 

9 For if a greater offense was committed, he killed by fire and every kind of torture; for a lesser offense, he sent the offender home with ears cut off or one eye gouged out, so that they might serve as a lesson to the rest and terrify others by the severity of the punishment. 

[5] 

1 His suppliciis celeriter coacto exercitu Lucterium Cadurcum, summae hominem audaciae, cum parte copiarum in Rutenos mittit; ipse in Bituriges proficiscitur. Eius adventu Bituriges ad Aeduos, 

1 With an army quickly assembled through these punishments, he sent Lucterius the Cadurcan, a man of the greatest boldness, with part of the forces into the territory of the Ruteni; he himself set out for the Bituriges. At his arrival, the Bituriges sent envoys to the Aedui, 

2 quorum erant in fide, legatos mittunt subsidium rogatum, quo facilius hostium copias sustinere possint. 

2 under whose protection they were, to ask for help, so that they might more easily withstand the forces of the enemy. 

3 Aedui de consilio legatorum, quos Caesar ad exercitum reliquerat, copias equitatus peditatusque subsidio Biturigibus mittunt. 

3 The Aedui, on the advice of the legates whom Caesar had left with the army, sent cavalry and infantry to aid the Bituriges. 

4 Qui cum ad flumen Ligerim venissent, quod Bituriges ab Aeduis dividit, paucos dies ibi morati neque flumen transire 

4 When they had come to the river Loire, which separates the Bituriges from the Aedui, they delayed there for a few days and did not cross the river, 

5 ausi domum revertuntur legatisque nostris renuntiant se Biturigum perfidiam veritos revertisse, quibus id consili fuisse cognoverint, ut, si flumen transissent, una ex parte ipsi, altera Arverni se circumsisterent. 

5 but returned home without daring to cross, and reported to our legates that they had returned because they feared the treachery of the Bituriges, having learned that it had been their plan that, if they crossed the river, the Bituriges themselves would surround them on one side and the Arverni on the other. 

6 Id eane de causa, quam legatis pronuntiarunt, an perfidia adducti fecerint, quod nihil nobis constat, non videtur pro certo esse proponendum. 

6 Whether they did this for the reason they announced to the legates, or whether they were led by treachery—since nothing is certain to us—it does not seem appropriate to state as fact. 

7 Bituriges eorum discessu statim cum Arvernis iunguntur. 

7 Upon their departure, the Bituriges immediately joined the Arverni. 

 [6] 

1 His rebus in Italiam Caesari nuntiatis, cum iam ille urbanas res virtute Cn. Pompei commodiorem in statum pervenisse intellegeret, in Transalpinam Galliam profectus est. 

1 When these events were reported to Caesar in Italy, since he now understood that the affairs of the city had come into a more favorable state through the virtue of Gnaeus Pompey, he set out for Transalpine Gaul. 

2 Eo cum venisset, magna difficultate adficiebatur, qua ratione ad exercitum pervenire posset. 

2 When he had arrived there, he was greatly troubled by the difficulty of how he might reach the army. 

3 Nam si legiones in provinciam arcesseret, se absente in itinere proelio dimicaturas intellegebat; 

3 For if he summoned the legions into the province, he understood that, in his absence, they would engage in battle on the march; 

4 si ipse ad exercitum contenderet, ne eis quidem eo tempore qui quieti viderentur suam salutem recte committi videbat. 

4 if he himself hastened to the army, he saw that even to those who then appeared peaceful, his safety could not rightly be entrusted. 

[7] 

1 Interim Lucterius Cadurcus in Rutenos missus eam civitatem Arvernis conciliat. 

1 Meanwhile, Lucterius the Cadurcan, having been sent into the territory of the Ruteni, brought that state into alliance with the Arverni. 

2 Progressus in Nitiobriges et Gabalos ab utrisque obsides accipit et magna coacta manu in provinciam Narbonem versus eruptionem facere contendit. 

2 Advancing into the Nitiobriges and the Gabali, he received hostages from both, and with a large force assembled, he hastened to make an incursion toward the province of Narbonne. 

3 Qua re nuntiata Caesar omnibus consiliis antevertendum existimavit, ut Narbonem proficisceretur. 

3 When this was reported, Caesar judged that he must forestall all plans by setting out for Narbonne. 

4 Eo cum venisset, timentes confirmat, praesidia in Rutenis provincialibus, Volcis Arecomicis, Tolosatibus circumque Narbonem, quae loca hostibus erant finitima, constituit; 

4 When he had arrived there, he reassured the frightened, and he stationed garrisons among the provincial Ruteni, the Volcae Arecomici, the Tolosates, and around Narbonne—places which bordered on the enemy; 

5 partem copiarum ex provincia supplementumque, quod ex Italia adduxerat, in Helvios, qui fines Arvernorum contingunt, convenire iubet. 

5 he ordered part of the forces from the province and the reinforcements which he had brought from Italy to assemble among the Helvii, who border the territory of the Arverni. 

 [8] 

1 His rebus comparatis, represso iam Lucterio et remoto, quod intrare intra praesidia periculosum putabat, in Helvios proficiscitur. 

1 With these preparations made, and Lucterius now checked and kept at a distance—because Caesar considered it dangerous for him to enter within the garrisons—he set out for the Helvii. 

2 Etsi mons Cevenna, qui Arvernos ab Helviis discludit, durissimo tempore anni altissima nive iter impediebat, tamen discussa nive sex in altitudinem pedum atque ita viis patefactis summo militum sudore ad fines Arvernorum pervenit. 

2 Although Mount Cevenna, which separates the Arverni from the Helvii, was at that most difficult time of year blocking the journey with very deep snow, still, with the snow cleared to a depth of six feet and the roads thus opened, he reached the borders of the Arverni with the utmost exertion of the soldiers. 

3 Quibus oppressis inopinantibus, quod se Cevenna ut muro munitos existimabant, ac ne singulari quidem umquam homini eo tempore anni semitae patuerant, equitibus imperat, ut quam latissime possint vagentur et quam maximum hostibus terrorem inferant. 

3 These people he surprised unawares, since they considered themselves fortified by the Cevennes as by a wall, and because even footpaths at that season had never been open to a single man; he ordered his cavalry to range as widely as possible and to strike the greatest terror into the enemy. 

4 Celeriter haec fama ac nuntiis ad Vercingetorigem perferuntur; quem perterriti omnes Arverni circumsistunt atque obsecrant, ut suis fortunis consulat, neve ab hostibus diripiantur, praesertim cum videat omne ad se bellum translatum. 

4 This news and these reports were quickly carried to Vercingetorix; all the terrified Arverni surrounded him and begged him to consider their own fortunes and not allow them to be plundered by the enemy, especially since he saw that the entire war had shifted onto himself. 

5 Quorum ille precibus permotus castra ex Biturigibus movet in Arvernos versus. 

5 Moved by their pleas, he moved his camp from the Bituriges toward the Arverni. 

[9] 

1 At Caesar biduum in his locis moratus, quod haec de Vercingetorige usu ventura opinione praeceperat, per causam supplementi equitatusque cogendi ab exercitu discedit; Brutum adulescentem his copiis praeficit; 

1 But Caesar, having delayed for two days in these places, because he had anticipated that these events would occur concerning Vercingetorix, departed from the army on the pretext of gathering reinforcements and cavalry; he placed the young Brutus in command of these forces; 

2 hunc monet, ut in omnes partes equites quam latissime pervagentur: daturum se operam, ne longius triduo ab castris absit. 

2 he instructed him that the cavalry should range as widely as possible in all directions: he would take care not to be absent from the camp for more than three days. 

3 His constitutis rebus suis inopinantibus quam maximis potest itineribus Viennam pervenit. 

3 With these arrangements made, he reached Vienne by the greatest possible marches, taking his men by surprise. 

4 Ibi nactus recentem equitatum, quem multis ante diebus eo praemiserat, neque diurno neque nocturno itinere intermisso per fines Aeduorum in Lingones contendit, ubi duae legiones hiemabant, ut, si quid etiam de sua salute ab Aeduis iniretur consili, celeritate praecurreret. 

4 There, having found fresh cavalry, which he had sent ahead many days before, and without pausing either by day or by night, he hastened through the territory of the Aedui into the Lingones, where two legions were wintering, so that if any plan concerning his safety were being formed by the Aedui, he might forestall it by his speed. 

5 Eo cum pervenisset, ad reliquas legiones mittit priusque omnes in unum locum cogit quam de eius adventu Arvernis nuntiari posset. 

5 When he had arrived there, he sent to the remaining legions and assembled all of them into one place before word of his arrival could be reported to the Arverni. 

6 Hac re cognita Vercingetorix rursus in Bituriges exercitum reducit atque inde profectus Gorgobinam, Boiorum oppidum, quos ibi Helvetico proelio victos Caesar collocaverat Aeduisque attribuerat, oppugnare instituit. 

6 When this was learned, Vercingetorix again led his army back into the territory of the Bituriges, and from there, set out to attack Gorgobina, a town of the Boii, whom Caesar had settled there after defeating them in the war against the Helvetii and had assigned to the Aedui. 

 [10] 

1 Magnam haec res Caesari difficultatem ad consilium capiendum adferebat, si reliquam partem hiemis uno loco legiones contineret, ne stipendiariis Aeduorum expugnatis cuncta Gallia deficeret, quod nullum amicis in eo praesidium videretur positum esse; si maturius ex hibernis educeret, ne ab re frumentaria duris subvectionibus laboraret. 

1 This situation brought great difficulty to Caesar in reaching a decision: if he kept the legions in one place for the remainder of the winter, he feared that, if the tributaries of the Aedui were overthrown, all Gaul would revolt, because it would seem that no protection had been afforded to allies; but if he led them out of winter quarters too early, he feared hardship in supplying grain due to difficult transport. 

2 Praestare visum est tamen omnis difficultates perpeti, quam tanta contumelia accepta omnium suorum voluntates alienare. 

2 Nevertheless, it seemed preferable to endure all hardships rather than to estrange the goodwill of all his allies by submitting to such an insult. 

3 Itaque cohortatus Aeduos de supportando commeatu praemittit ad Boios qui de suo adventu doceant hortenturque ut in fide maneant atque hostium impetum magno animo sustineant. 

3 Therefore, having urged the Aedui to provide supplies, he sent messengers ahead to the Boii to inform them of his coming and to encourage them to remain loyal and to withstand the enemy’s attack with great courage. 

4 Duabus Agedinci legionibus atque impedimentis totius exercitus relictis ad Boios proficiscitur. 

4 Leaving two legions and the baggage of the whole army at Agedincum, he set out for the territory of the Boii. 

[11] 

1 Altero die cum ad oppidum Senonum Vellaunodunum venisset, ne quem post se hostem relinqueret, quo expeditiore re frumentaria uteretur, oppugnare instituit idque biduo circumvallavit; 

1 On the next day, when he had come to Vellaunodunum, a town of the Senones, in order not to leave any enemy behind him and so that he might use his grain supply more freely, he began to besiege it and surrounded it with a line of circumvallation in two days; 

2 tertio die missis ex oppido legatis de deditione arma conferri, iumenta produci, sescentos obsides dari iubet. 

2 on the third day, when envoys had been sent from the town concerning surrender, he ordered that arms be collected, beasts of burden brought out, and six hundred hostages delivered. 

3 Ea qui conficeret, Gaium Trebonium legatum relinquit. Ipse, ut quam primum iter faceret, Cenabum Carnutum proficiscitur; 

3 To carry out these orders, he left Gaius Trebonius as legate. He himself, that he might proceed on his march as soon as possible, set out for Cenabum of the Carnutes; 

4 qui tum primum allato nuntio de oppugnatione Vellaunoduni, cum longius eam rem ductum iri existimarent, praesidium Cenabi tuendi causa, quod eo mitterent, comparabant. Huc biduo pervenit. 

4 who, having then for the first time received news of the siege of Vellaunodunum, and thinking that operation would be prolonged, were preparing a garrison to send there for the defense of Cenabum. Caesar arrived here in two days. 

5 Castris ante oppidum positis diei tempore exclusus in posterum oppugnationem differt quaeque ad eam rem usui sint militibus imperat 

5 With his camp placed before the town, being prevented by the time of day, he deferred the assault until the next day and ordered the soldiers to prepare everything that would be useful for the operation, 

6 et, quod oppidum Cenabum pons fluminis Ligeris contingebat, veritus ne noctu ex oppido profugerent, duas legiones in armis excubare iubet. 

6 and, because the town of Cenabum was connected by a bridge over the river Loire, fearing that they might flee from the town by night, he ordered two legions to keep watch under arms. 

7 Cenabenses paulo ante mediam noctem silentio ex oppido egressi flumen transire coeperunt. Qua re per exploratores nuntiata Caesar legiones 

7 A little before midnight, the Cenabenses, having silently gone out of the town, began to cross the river. When this had been reported by scouts, Caesar ordered the legions 

8 quas expeditas esse iusserat portis incensis intromittit atque oppido potitur, perpaucis ex hostium numero desideratis quin cuncti caperentur, quod pontis atque itinerum angustiae multitudinis fugam intercluserant. 

8 which he had ordered to be unencumbered to enter, after the gates had been set on fire, and he took possession of the town, with very few of the enemy lost, since all were captured, because the narrowness of the bridge and roads had cut off the flight of the multitude. 

9 Oppidum diripit atque incendit, praedam militibus donat, exercitum Ligerem traducit atque in Biturigum fines pervenit. 

9 He plundered and burned the town, gave the booty to the soldiers, led his army across the Loire, and arrived in the territory of the Bituriges. 

[12] 

1 Vercingetorix, ubi de Caesaris adventu cognovit, oppugnatione destitit atque obviam Caesari proficiscitur. 

1 Vercingetorix, when he learned of Caesar's arrival, abandoned the siege and set out to meet him. 

2 Ille oppidum Biturigum positum in via Noviodunum oppugnare instituerat. 

2 Caesar had begun to besiege Noviodunum, a town of the Bituriges situated on his route. 

3 Quo ex oppido cum legati ad eum venissent oratum ut sibi ignosceret suaeque vitae consuleret, ut celeritate reliquas res conficeret, qua pleraque erat consecutus, arma conferri, equos produci, obsides dari iubet. 

3 When envoys had come to him from that town to beg pardon and consideration for their lives, he, in order to bring the remaining matters to completion with the speed by which he had achieved most things, ordered the arms to be brought together, the horses to be produced, and hostages to be given. 

4 Parte iam obsidum tradita, cum reliqua administrarentur, centurionibus et paucis militibus intromissis, qui arma iumentaque conquirerent, equitatus hostium procul visus est, qui agmen Vercingetorigis antecesserat. 

4 A part of the hostages having already been handed over, while the rest were being arranged, with centurions and a few soldiers sent in to gather arms and beasts of burden, the enemy cavalry was seen in the distance; it had preceded Vercingetorix’s column. 

5 Quem simul atque oppidani conspexerunt atque in spem auxili venerunt, clamore sublato arma capere, portas claudere, murum complere coeperunt. Centuriones in oppido, 

5 As soon as the townspeople caught sight of them and conceived hope of relief, they raised a shout and began to seize arms, shut the gates, and man the wall. The centurions inside the town, 

6 cum ex significatione Gallorum novi aliquid ab eis iniri consili intellexissent, gladiis destrictis portas occupaverunt suosque omnes incolumes receperunt. 

6 when they perceived from the Gauls' signs that some new plan was underway, drew their swords, seized the gates, and brought all their men out safely. 

 [13] 

1 Caesar ex castris equitatum educi iubet, proelium equestre committit: laborantibus iam suis Germanos equites circiter CCCC summittit, quos ab initio habere secum instituerat. 

1 Caesar ordered the cavalry to be led out from the camp and engaged in a cavalry battle: when his men were already struggling, he sent in about 400 German horsemen, whom he had resolved from the beginning to keep with him. 

2 Eorum impetum Galli sustinere non potuerunt atque in fugam coniecti multis amissis se ad agmen receperunt. Quibus profligatis rursus oppidani perterriti comprehensos eos, quorum opera plebem concitatam existimabant, ad Caesarem perduxerunt seseque ei dediderunt. 

2 The Gauls could not withstand their charge and, having suffered many losses, were put to flight and retreated to their main body. Once these had been routed, the townspeople, again terrified, arrested those whom they believed had incited the populace and brought them to Caesar, surrendering themselves to him. 

3 Quibus rebus confectis, Caesar ad oppidum Avaricum, quod erat maximum munitissimumque in finibus Biturigum atque agri fertilissima regione, profectus est, quod eo oppido recepto civitatem Biturigum se in potestatem redacturum confidebat. 

3 These matters settled, Caesar set out for the town of Avaricum, which was the largest and most strongly fortified in the territory of the Bituriges and located in the most fertile part of their land, because he was confident that, if he captured that town, he would bring the entire Bituriges state under his control. 

[14] 

1 Vercingetorix, tot detrimentis consecutivis ad Vellaunodunum, Cenabum, Noviodunum acceptis, suos ad concilium vocat. 

1 Vercingetorix, having suffered so many consecutive setbacks at Vellaunodunum, Cenabum, and Noviodunum, summoned his men to a council. 

2 Docet longe alia ratione esse bellum gerendum atque antea gestum sit. Omnibus modis huic rei studendum, ut pabulatione et commeatu Romani prohibeantur. 

2 He explained that the war must be waged by a far different method than it had previously been waged. Every effort must be made to prevent the Romans from foraging and obtaining supplies. 

3 Id esse facile, quod equitatu ipsi abundent et quod anni tempore subleventur. 

3 He said this would be easy, because they themselves abounded in cavalry and were aided by the season. 

4 Pabulum secari non posse; necessario dispersos hostes ex aedificiis petere: hos omnes cotidie ab equitibus deleri posse. 

4 Fodder could not be cut; the enemy, necessarily dispersed, would seek it from buildings: all these could be destroyed daily by the cavalry. 

5 Praeterea salutis causa rei familiaris commoda neglegenda: vicos atque aedificia incendi oportere hoc spatio ab via quoque versus, quo pabulandi causa adire posse videantur. Harum ipsis rerum copiam suppetere, 

5 Moreover, for the sake of safety, the advantages of private property must be disregarded: villages and buildings ought to be burned within this distance in every direction from the road, where they might seem able to go for the purpose of foraging. He said that they themselves had a sufficient supply of these things, 

6 quod, quorum in finibus bellum geratur, eorum opibus subleventur: 

6 because they were aided by the resources of those in whose territory the war was being waged: 

7 Romanos aut inopiam non laturos aut magno periculo longius ab castris processuros; 

7 the Romans would either not endure the lack of supplies or would advance further from their camp at great risk; 

8 neque interesse, ipsosne interficiant, impedimentisne exuant, quibus amissis bellum geri non possit. 

8 nor did it matter whether they killed them directly or stripped them of their baggage, without which war could not be carried on. 

9 Praeterea oppida incendi oportere, quae non munitione et loci natura ab omni sint periculo tuta, neu suis sint ad detractandam militiam receptacula neu Romanis proposita ad copiam commeatus praedamque tollendam. 

9 Furthermore, towns ought to be burned which were not fully secured from all danger by fortification and position, lest they serve as places of refuge for their men to avoid military service, or as inducements for the Romans to seize stores and plunder. 

10 Haec si gravia aut acerba videantur, multo illa gravius aestimare, liberos, coniuges in servitutem abstrahi, ipsos interfici; quae sit necesse accidere victis. 

10 If these measures seemed harsh or bitter, they should judge it far more grievous that their children and wives be dragged into slavery and they themselves be killed; which must inevitably happen to the conquered. 

[15] 

1 Omnium consensu hac sententia probata uno die amplius XX urbes Biturigum incenduntur. 

1 With this plan approved by the unanimous consent of all, more than twenty towns of the Bituriges were set on fire in one day. 

2 Hoc idem fit in reliquis civitatibus: in omnibus partibus incendia conspiciuntur; quae etsi magno cum dolore omnes ferebant, tamen hoc sibi solati proponebant, quod se prope explorata victoria celeriter amissa reciperaturos confidebant. 

2 The same thing was done in the other states: fires were seen in all quarters; and although all endured these with great sorrow, they still proposed this consolation to themselves, that with victory nearly assured, they would quickly recover what had been lost. 

3 Deliberatur de Avarico in communi concilio, incendi placeret an defendi. 

3 A debate was held in the general council about Avaricum, whether it should be burned or defended. 

4 Procumbunt omnibus Gallis ad pedes Bituriges, ne pulcherrimam prope totius Galliae urbem, quae praesidio et ornamento sit civitati, suis manibus succendere cogerentur: 

4 The Bituriges threw themselves at the feet of all the Gauls, begging that they not be forced to set fire with their own hands to a city almost the most beautiful in all Gaul, which was both a protection and an adornment to their state: 

5 facile se loci natura defensuros dicunt, quod prope ex omnibus partibus flumine et palude circumdata unum habeat et perangustum aditum.  

5 they said that they could easily defend it by the nature of the place, because it was surrounded on nearly all sides by river and marsh, and had only one very narrow approach. 

6 Datur petentibus venia dissuadente primo Vercingetorige, post concedente et precibus ipsorum et misericordia vulgi. Defensores oppido idonei deliguntur. 

6 Leave was granted to the petitioners, Vercingetorix at first opposing, but afterwards yielding both to their entreaties and to the compassion of the crowd. Suitable defenders were chosen for the town. 

 [16] 

1 Vercingetorix minoribus Caesarem itineribus subsequitur et locum castris deligit paludibus silvisque munitum ab Avarico longe milia passuum XVI. 

1 Vercingetorix followed Caesar by shorter routes and chose a site for his camp fortified by marshes and woods, sixteen miles from Avaricum. 

2 Ibi per certos exploratores in singula diei tempora quae ad Avaricum agerentur cognoscebat et quid fieri vellet imperabat. 

2 There, through trusted scouts, he learned at every time of day what was going on at Avaricum and gave commands as he wished. 

3 Omnes nostras pabulationes frumentationesque observabat dispersosque, cum longius necessario procederent, adoriebatur magnoque incommodo adficiebat, etsi, quantum ratione provideri poterat, ab nostris occurrebatur, ut incertis temporibus diversisque itineribus iretur. 

3 He watched all our foraging and grain-gathering expeditions, and attacked our men when they were necessarily scattered and had advanced farther out, inflicting serious losses; although, as far as could be planned by reason, our forces met him by setting out at uncertain times and by varying routes. 

[17] 

1 Castris ad eam partem oppidi positis Caesar, quae intermissa flumine et a paludibus aditum, ut supra diximus, angustum habebat, aggerem apparare, vineas agere, turres duas constituere coepit: nam circumvallare loci natura prohibebat. 

1 Caesar, having pitched his camp on that part of the town which, as we said above, had a narrow approach between the river and the marshes, began to construct a mound, bring up mantlets, and build two towers: for the nature of the place prevented him from making a full circumvallation. 

2 De re frumentaria Boios atque Aeduos adhortari non destitit; quorum alteri, quod nullo studio agebant, non multum adiuvabant, alteri non magnis facultatibus, quod civitas erat exigua et infirma, celeriter quod habuerunt consumpserunt. 

2 He did not cease urging the Boii and Aedui regarding the grain supply; of these, the former, because they acted without zeal, did not contribute much help, while the latter, having little means—since their state was small and weak—quickly consumed what they had. 

3 Summa difficultate rei frumentariae adfecto exercitu tenuitate Boiorum, indiligentia Aeduorum, incendiis aedificiorum, usque eo ut complures dies frumento milites caruerint et pecore ex longinquioribus vicis adacto extremam famem sustentarent, nulla tamen vox est ab eis audita populi Romani maiestate et superioribus victoriis indigna. 

3 With the army suffering from extreme difficulty in grain supply, due to the poverty of the Boii, the negligence of the Aedui, and the burning of buildings, to such an extent that the soldiers went several days without grain and supported their extreme hunger by driving in cattle from distant villages, not a single utterance was heard from them unworthy of the dignity of the Roman people or of their past victories. 

4 Quin etiam Caesar cum in opere singulas legiones appellaret et, si acerbius inopiam ferrent, se dimissurum oppugnationem diceret, universi ab eo, ne id faceret, petebant: 

4 Nay more, when Caesar addressed each legion at their work and said that, if they found the scarcity too severe, he would abandon the siege, all without exception begged him not to do so: 

5 sic se complures annos illo imperante meruisse, ut nullam ignominiam acciperent, nusquam infecta re discederent: 

5 they had served many years under his command in such a way that they had never incurred disgrace, nor ever left any undertaking unfinished: 

6 hoc se ignominiae laturos loco, si inceptam oppugnationem reliquissent: 

6 they would regard it as a disgrace if they abandoned a siege once begun: 

7 praestare omnes perferre acerbitates, quam non civibus Romanis, qui Cenabi perfidia Gallorum interissent, parentarent. 

7 it was better to endure all hardships than not to avenge the Roman citizens who had perished at Cenabum through Gallic treachery. 

8 Haec eadem centurionibus tribunisque militum mandabant, ut per eos ad Caesarem deferrentur. 

8 They charged the same message to the centurions and tribunes of the soldiers, to be conveyed to Caesar through them. 

 [18] 

1 Cum iam muro turres appropinquassent, ex captivis Caesar cognovit Vercingetorigem consumpto pabulo castra movisse propius Avaricum atque ipsum cum equitatu expeditisque, qui inter equites proeliari consuessent, insidiarum causa eo profectum, quo nostros postero die pabulatum venturos arbitraretur. 

1 When the towers had already approached the wall, Caesar learned from prisoners that Vercingetorix, having exhausted his fodder, had moved his camp nearer to Avaricum, and that he himself, with his cavalry and the lightly armed troops who were accustomed to fight among the horsemen, had gone to the place where he thought our men would come the next day to forage, in order to lay an ambush. 

2 Quibus rebus cognitis media nocte silentio profectus ad hostium castra mane pervenit. 

2 Having learned this, he set out in silence in the middle of the night and arrived at the enemy’s camp by morning. 

3 Illi celeriter per exploratores adventu Caesaris cognito carros impedimentaque sua in artiores silvas abdiderunt, copias omnes in loco edito atque aperto instruxerunt. 

3 They, having quickly learned of Caesar’s arrival through scouts, hid their wagons and baggage in the denser woods, and drew up all their forces on a high and open position. 

4 Qua re nuntiata Caesar celeriter sarcinas conferri, arma expediri iussit. 

4 When this was reported, Caesar quickly ordered the baggage to be collected and the arms made ready. 

[19] 

1 Collis erat leniter ab infimo acclivis. Hunc ex omnibus fere partibus palus difficilis atque impedita cingebat non latior pedibus quinquaginta. 

1 There was a hill with a gentle slope from its base. A difficult and obstructed marsh, not more than fifty feet wide, surrounded it on nearly all sides. 

2 Hoc se colle interruptis pontibus Galli fiducia loci continebant generatimque distributi in civitates omnia vada ac saltus eius paludis obtinebant, 

2 On this hill, with the bridges broken, the Gauls, relying on the natural advantage of the place, kept their position, and, distributed by tribes, held all the fords and passes of the marsh, 

3 sic animo parati, ut, si eam paludem Romani perrumpere conarentur, haesitantes premerent ex loco superiore; ut qui propinquitatem loci videret paratos prope aequo Marte ad dimicandum existimaret, qui iniquitatem condicionis perspiceret inani simulatione sese ostentare cognosceret. 

3 so prepared in spirit that, if the Romans attempted to break through the marsh, they might assail them as they struggled, from higher ground; so that anyone viewing only the proximity of the position might think them ready to engage on almost equal terms, but anyone perceiving the disadvantage of the conditions would recognize that they were merely displaying themselves with empty show. 

4 Indignantes milites Caesar, quod conspectum suum hostes perferre possent tantulo spatio interiecto, et signum proeli exposcentes edocet, quanto detrimento et quot virorum fortium morte necesse sit constare victoriam; quos cum sic animo paratos videat, 

4 Caesar, seeing his soldiers indignant that the enemy could bear their sight with so little space intervening and demanding the signal for battle, explained at what cost and with how many brave men's deaths victory must necessarily be purchased; and since he saw them so prepared in spirit, 

5 ut nullum pro sua laude periculum recusent, summae se iniquitatis condemnari debere, nisi eorum vitam sua salute habeat cariorem. 

5 that they would refuse no danger for the sake of their honor, he declared that he ought to be condemned for the greatest injustice unless he held their lives dearer than his own safety. 

6 Sic milites consolatus eodem die reducit in castra reliquaque quae ad oppugnationem pertinebant oppidi administrare instituit. 

6 Having thus consoled his soldiers, he led them back to camp on the same day and began to carry out the rest of the preparations for the siege of the town. 

[20] 

1 Vercingetorix, cum ad suos redisset, proditionis insimulatus, quod castra propius Romanos movisset, quod cum omni equitatu discessisset, quod sine imperio tantas copias reliquisset, quod eius discessu Romani tanta opportunitate et celeritate venissent: 

1 Vercingetorix, when he had returned to his men, was accused of treason—because he had moved his camp nearer to the Romans, because he had departed with all the cavalry, because he had left so great a force without command, because the Romans had come with such advantage and speed after his departure: 

2 non haec omnia fortuito aut sine consilio accidere potuisse; regnum illum Galliae malle Caesaris concessu quam ipsorum habere beneficio. 

2 that not all these things could have happened by chance or without plan; that he preferred to hold the kingship of Gaul by Caesar’s concession rather than by their favor. 

3 Tali modo accusatus ad haec respondit: Quod castra movisset, factum inopia pabuli etiam ipsis hortantibus; quod propius Romanos accessisset, persuasum loci opportunitate, qui se ipsum munitione defenderet: 

3 Thus accused, he replied to these charges: that his movement of the camp was caused by lack of fodder, even at their urging; that he had approached nearer to the Romans persuaded by the strategic advantage of a place which defended itself by its natural fortification: 

4 equitum vero operam neque in loco palustri desiderari debuisse et illic fuisse utilem, quo sint profecti. 

4 that the service of the cavalry should not have been needed in a marshy place, and had been useful where they had gone. 

5 Summam imperi se consulto nulli discedentem tradidisse, ne is multitudinis studio ad dimicandum impelleretur; cui rei propter animi mollitiem studere omnes videret, quod diutius laborem ferre non possent. 

5 That he had deliberately entrusted the supreme command to no one when leaving, lest that person be driven to engage in battle by popular enthusiasm—a thing to which he saw all were inclined, owing to weakness of spirit, since they could no longer bear hardship. 

6 Romani si casu intervenerint, fortunae, si alicuius indicio vocati, huic habendam gratiam, quod et paucitatem eorum ex loco superiore cognoscere et virtutem despicere potuerint, qui dimicare non ausi turpiter se in castra receperint. 

6 If the Romans had arrived by chance, thanks were due to fortune; if summoned by someone’s betrayal, thanks were due to that person, since they had been able to perceive the small number of the enemy from higher ground and to despise their courage—seeing that they had not dared to fight and had shamefully withdrawn to their camp. 

7 Imperium se ab Caesare per proditionem nullum desiderare, quod habere victoria posset, quae iam esset sibi atque omnibus Gallis explorata: quin etiam ipsis remittere, si sibi magis honorem tribuere, quam ab se salutem accipere videantur. 

7 He did not seek power from Caesar through treachery, since he could gain it by victory, which was now assured for him and all the Gauls; indeed, he even offered to give it back to them, if they seemed to be granting him honor more than receiving safety from him. 

8 "Haec ut intellegatis," inquit, "a me sincere pronuntiari, audite Romanos milites." Producit servos, 

8 “That you may understand,” he said, “that I declare this sincerely, listen to the Roman soldiers.” He brought forward slaves, 

9 quos in pabulatione paucis ante diebus exceperat et fame vinculisque excruciaverat. Hi iam ante edocti quae interrogati pronuntiarent, 

9 whom he had captured a few days before while they were foraging, and had tormented with hunger and chains. These men had already been taught what to say when questioned, 

10 milites se esse legionarios dicunt; fame et inopia adductos clam ex castris exisse, si quid frumenti aut pecoris in agris reperire possent: 

10 they said they were legionary soldiers; driven by hunger and scarcity, they had secretly gone out of camp to see if they could find any grain or cattle in the fields: 

11 simili omnem exercitum inopia premi, nec iam vires sufficere cuiusquam nec ferre operis laborem posse: itaque statuisse imperatorem, si nihil in oppugnatione oppidi profecissent, triduo exercitum deducere. “Haec,” inquit, Vercingetorix, “a me beneficia habetis, 

11 that the whole army was oppressed by the same want, that no one’s strength now sufficed, nor could anyone bear the toil of labor: and so the commander had resolved, if no success were made in the siege of the town, to withdraw the army in three days. “These,” said Vercingetorix, “are the benefits you owe to me, 

12 quem proditionis insimulatis; cuius opera sine vestro sanguine tantum exercitum victorem fame consumptum videtis; quem turpiter se ex fuga recipientem ne qua civitas suis finibus recipiat a me provisum est.” 

12 whom you accuse of treachery; by whose efforts, without your blood, you see so great a victorious army wasted by famine; and for whom, shamefully retreating in flight, I have arranged that no state shall receive him within its borders.” 

[21] 

1 Conclamat omnis multitudo et suo more armis concrepat, quod facere in eo consuerunt cuius orationem approbant: summum esse Vercingetorigem ducem, nec de eius fide dubitandum, nec maiore ratione bellum administrari posse. 

1 The entire multitude shouted aloud and clashed their arms in their customary manner, which they were accustomed to do when they approved someone's speech: that Vercingetorix was the supreme leader, that his loyalty was not to be doubted, and that the war could not be managed with greater skill. 

2 Statuunt, ut X milia hominum delecta ex omnibus copiis in oppidum mittantur, 

2 They resolved that ten thousand men, selected from all the forces, should be sent into the town, 

3 nec solis Biturigibus communem salutem committendam censent, quod paene in eo, si id oppidum retinuissent, summam victoriae constare intellegebant. 

3 and they judged that the common safety should not be entrusted to the Bituriges alone, because they understood that nearly the entire outcome of victory depended on holding that town. 

 [22] 

1 Singulari militum nostrorum virtuti consilia cuiusque modi Gallorum occurrebant, ut est summae genus sollertiae atque ad omnia imitanda et efficienda, quae ab quoque traduntur, aptissimum. 

1 Against the extraordinary valor of our soldiers were opposed every kind of strategy by the Gauls, as they are a nation of the highest ingenuity and most apt to imitate and carry out everything taught by anyone. 

2 Nam et laqueis falces avertebant, quas, cum destinaverant, tormentis introrsus reducebant, et aggerem cuniculis subtrahebant, eo scientius quod apud eos magnae sunt ferrariae atque omne genus cuniculorum notum atque usitatum est. 

2 For they both diverted the hooks with snares, which, when they had targeted something, they pulled back inward with engines, and they undermined the mound with tunnels, doing so all the more skillfully because among them there are large iron works and every kind of mining technique is known and common. 

3 Totum autem murum ex omni parte turribus contabulaverant atque has coriis intexerant. 

3 Moreover, they had furnished the entire wall on every side with towers and had covered these with hides. 

4 Tum crebris diurnis nocturnisque eruptionibus aut aggeri ignem inferebant aut milites occupatos in opere adoriebantur, et nostrarum turrium altitudinem, quantum has cotidianus agger expresserat, 

4 Then, with frequent sallies by day and night, they either set fire to the mound or attacked the soldiers occupied in the work, and the height of our towers, to the extent that the daily advance of the mound had raised them, 

5 commissis suarum turrium malis adaequabant, et apertos cuniculos praeusta et praeacuta materia et pice fervefacta et maximi ponderis saxis morabantur moenibusque appropinquare prohibebant. 

5 they matched by joining beams to their own towers; and they obstructed the exposed tunnels with charred and sharpened timbers, with boiling pitch, and with stones of the greatest weight, preventing the approach to the walls.