De Bello Gallico Book 7 (67–90)

[67] 

1 Probata re atque omnibus iureiurando adactis postero die in tres partes distributo equitatu duae se acies ab duobus lateribus ostendunt, una primo agmine iter impedire coepit. 

1 The proposal having been approved and all bound by oath, on the following day, with the cavalry divided into three parts, two battle lines presented themselves on both flanks, and one began to obstruct the march at the front of the column. 

2 Qua re nuntiata Caesar suum quoque equitatum tripertito divisum contra hostem ire iubet. Pugnatur una omnibus in partibus. 

2 On receiving this report, Caesar likewise ordered his own cavalry, divided into three parts, to engage the enemy. Fighting broke out simultaneously in all quarters. 

3 Consistit agmen; impedimenta intra legiones recipiuntur. 

3 The column halted; the baggage was brought within the legions. 

4 Si qua in parte nostri laborare aut gravius premi videbantur, eo signa inferri Caesar aciemque constitui iubebat; quae res et hostes ad insequendum tardabat et nostros spe auxili confirmabat. 

4 If in any quarter our men were seen to be hard-pressed or severely harassed, Caesar ordered the standards to be brought forward and the line to be formed; which both delayed the enemy in pursuit and encouraged our men with the hope of aid. 

5 Tandem Germani ab dextro latere summum iugum nacti hostes loco depellunt; fugientes usque ad flumen, ubi Vercingetorix cum pedestribus copiis consederat, persequuntur compluresque interficiunt. 

5 At last the Germans, gaining the highest ridge on the right flank, drove the enemy from their position; they pursued the fleeing enemy all the way to the river, where Vercingetorix had taken position with his infantry forces, and killed many. 

6 Qua re animadversa reliqui ne circumirentur veriti se fugae mandant. Omnibus locis fit caedes. 

6 On seeing this, the rest, fearing they would be surrounded, fled. A massacre took place on all sides. 

7 Tres nobilissimi Aedui capti ad Caesarem perducuntur: Cotus, praefectus equitum, qui controversiam cum Convictolitavi proximis comitiis habuerat, et Cavarillus, qui post defectionem Litavicci pedestribus copiis praefuerat, et Eporedorix, quo duce ante adventum Caesaris Aedui cum Sequanis bello contenderant. 

7 Three most noble Aedui were taken and brought to Caesar: Cotus, prefect of cavalry, who had had a dispute with Convictolitavis in the last election; Cavarillus, who had commanded the infantry forces after the defection of Litaviccus; and Eporedorix, under whose leadership the Aedui had contended in war with the Sequani before Caesar’s arrival. 

[68] 

1 Fugato omni equitatu Vercingetorix copias, ut pro castris collocaverat, reduxit protinusque Alesiam, quod est oppidum Mandubiorum, iter facere coepit celeriterque impedimenta ex castris educi et se subsequi iussit. 

1 With all the cavalry routed, Vercingetorix withdrew the forces he had stationed in front of the camp, and immediately began to march to Alesia, which is a town of the Mandubii, and quickly ordered the baggage to be led out of the camp and to follow him. 

2 Caesar impedimentis in proximum collem deductis, duabus legionibus praesidio relictis, secutus quantum diei tempus est passum, circiter tribus milibus hostium ex novissimo agmine interfectis altero die ad Alesiam castra fecit. 

2 Caesar, having led his baggage to the nearest hill and left two legions as a guard, pursued as far as the time of day allowed, killed about three thousand of the enemy from the rearguard, and on the next day, pitched camp at Alesia. 

3 Perspecto urbis situ perterritisque hostibus, quod equitatu, qua maxime parte exercitus confidebant, erant pulsi, adhortatus ad laborem milites circumvallare instituit. 

3 Having observed the town's location and with the enemy terrified—because they had been repulsed in their cavalry, in which part of their army they placed the most trust—he exhorted the soldiers to labor and began to construct a circumvallation. 

 [69] 

1 Ipsum erat oppidum Alesia in colle summo admodum edito loco, ut nisi obsidione expugnari non posse videretur; 

1 The town of Alesia itself was on the top of a very high hill, in such an elevated position that it seemed impossible to capture it except by siege; 

2 cuius collis radices duo duabus ex partibus flumina subluebant. 

2 Two rivers washed the base of the hill on two sides. 

3 Ante id oppidum planities circiter milia passuum tria in longitudinem patebat: 

3 In front of this town, a plain extended for about three miles in length: 

4 reliquis ex omnibus partibus colles mediocri interiecto spatio pari altitudinis fastigio oppidum cingebant. 

4 On all the remaining sides, hills of equal height, with a moderate space between, surrounded the town. 

5 Sub muro, quae pars collis ad orientem solem spectabat, hunc omnem locum copiae Gallorum compleverant fossamque et maceriam sex in altitudinem pedum praeduxerant. 

5 Below the wall, on the part of the hill that faced the rising sun, the Gallic forces had filled all this space and had constructed in front a ditch and a rampart six feet high. 

6 Eius munitionis quae ab Romanis instituebatur circuitus XI milia passuum tenebat. 

6 The circuit of the fortification which was being built by the Romans extended for eleven miles. 

7 Castra opportunis locis erant posita ibique castella viginti tria facta, quibus in castellis interdiu stationes ponebantur, ne qua subito eruptio fieret: haec eadem noctu excubitoribus ac firmis praesidiis tenebantur. 

7 The camps were placed in suitable locations, and twenty-three redoubts were constructed there, in which guards were stationed during the day to prevent any sudden sally: these same posts were held at night by sentries and strong garrisons. 

 [70] 

1 Opere instituto fit equestre proelium in ea planitie, quam intermissam collibus tria milia passuum in longitudinem patere supra demonstravimus. Summa vi ab utrisque contenditur. 

1 With the work underway, a cavalry battle took place on that plain, which we have previously described as stretching three miles in length, broken by hills. The utmost force was exerted on both sides. 

2 Laborantibus nostris Caesar Germanos summittit legionesque pro castris constituit, ne qua subito irruptio ab hostium peditatu fiat. 

2 As our men struggled, Caesar sent in the Germans and stationed legions in front of the camp, to prevent any sudden attack by the enemy's infantry. 

3 Praesidio legionum addito nostris animus augetur: hostes in fugam coniecti se ipsi multitudine impediunt atque angustioribus portis relictis coacervantur. 

3 With the support of the legions added, the courage of our men increased: the enemy, driven to flight, hindered themselves with their own numbers and crowded together, having left the narrower gates. 

4 Germani acrius usque ad munitiones sequuntur. 

4 The Germans pursued more eagerly all the way to the fortifications. 

5 Fit magna caedes: nonnulli relictis equis fossam transire et maceriam transcendere conantur. Paulum legiones Caesar quas pro vallo constituerat promoveri iubet. 

5 A great slaughter ensued: some, abandoning their horses, attempted to cross the ditch and climb the rampart. Caesar ordered the legions he had stationed in front of the rampart to be moved forward a little. 

6 Non minus qui intra munitiones erant perturbantur Galli: veniri ad se confestim existimantes ad arma conclamant; nonnulli perterriti in oppidum irrumpunt. 

6 The Gauls within the fortifications were no less disturbed: believing that the enemy was immediately approaching them, they shouted to arms; some, terrified, rushed into the town. 

7 Vercingetorix iubet portas claudi, ne castra nudentur. Multis interfectis, compluribus equis captis Germani sese recipiunt. 

7 Vercingetorix ordered the gates to be shut, lest the camp be left undefended. After many were killed and several horses captured, the Germans withdrew. 

[71] 

1 Vercingetorix, priusquam munitiones ab Romanis perficiantur, consilium capit omnem ab se equitatum noctu dimittere. 

1 Vercingetorix, before the fortifications could be completed by the Romans, decided to send away all his cavalry by night. 

2 Discedentibus mandat ut suam quisque eorum civitatem adeat omnesque qui per aetatem arma ferre possint ad bellum cogant. 

2 He instructed those departing that each of them should go to his own state and compel all who could bear arms to assemble for war. 

3 Sua in illos merita proponit obtestaturque ut suae salutis rationem habeant neu se optime de communi libertate meritum in cruciatum hostibus dedant. Quod si indiligentiores fuerint, milia hominum delecta octoginta una secum interitura demonstrat. 

3 He set forth his services to them and implored them to consider his safety and not to surrender him, who had deserved so well of the common liberty, to the enemy for torture. He declared that, if they were too negligent, eighty thousand chosen men would perish with him. 

4 Ratione inita se exigue dierum triginta habere frumentum, sed paulo etiam longius tolerari posse parcendo. His datis mandatis, 

4 Having calculated, he said that he had grain for barely thirty days, but that by rationing it could be stretched a little further. Having given these orders, 

5 qua opus erat intermissum, secunda vigilia silentio equitatum mittit. 

5 he sent the cavalry in silence at the second watch through the place where the work had been interrupted. 

6 Frumentum omne ad se referri iubet; capitis poenam eis qui non paruerint constituit: 

6 He ordered all grain to be brought to him; he established the death penalty for those who did not obey: 

7 pecus, cuius magna erat copia ab Mandubiis compulsa, viritim distribuit; frumentum parce et paulatim metiri instituit; 

7 cattle, of which a great quantity had been driven in by the Mandubii, he distributed man by man; and he began to measure out grain sparingly and gradually; 

8 copias omnes quas pro oppido collocaverat in oppidum recepit. 

8 he received into the town all the forces he had stationed in front of it. 

9 His rationibus auxilia Galliae exspectare et bellum parat administrare. 

9 By these measures, he prepared to await reinforcements from Gaul and to conduct the war. 

 [72] 

1 Quibus rebus cognitis ex perfugis et captivis, Caesar haec genera munitionis instituit. Fossam pedum viginti directis lateribus duxit, ut eius fossae solum tantundem pateret quantum summae fossae labra distarent. 

1 When these facts were learned from deserters and captives, Caesar began these kinds of fortifications. He dug a ditch twenty feet deep with vertical sides, so that the bottom of the ditch was as wide as the distance between its top edges. 

2 Reliquas omnes munitiones ab ea fossa pedes quadringentos reduxit, [id] hoc consilio, quoniam tantum esset necessario spatium complexus, nec facile totum corpus corona militum cingeretur, ne de improviso aut noctu ad munitiones hostium multitudo advolaret aut interdiu tela in nostros operi destinatos conicere possent. 

2 He drew back all the rest of the fortifications four hundred feet from that ditch, with this design: since he had necessarily encompassed such a large space, and it was not easy to surround the whole line with a ring of soldiers, so that a multitude of the enemy might not rush unexpectedly to the works by night or be able to hurl weapons at our men assigned to the work during the day. 

3 Hoc intermisso spatio duas fossas quindecim pedes latas, eadem altitudine perduxit, quarum interiorem campestribus ac demissis locis aqua ex flumine derivata complevit. 

3 In this intervening space he dug two ditches, each fifteen feet wide and of the same depth, and he filled the inner one with water diverted from the river in level and low-lying areas.  

4 Post eas aggerem ac vallum duodecim pedum exstruxit. Huic loricam pinnasque adiecit grandibus cervis eminentibus ad commissuras pluteorum atque aggeris, qui ascensum hostium tardarent, et turres toto opere circumdedit, quae pedes LXXX inter se distarent. 

4 Behind these he built a rampart and palisade twelve feet high. To this he added a parapet and battlements with large projecting stakes at the junctions of the mantlets and the rampart to hinder the enemy's ascent, and he surrounded the entire work with towers, placed eighty feet apart from each other. 

[73] 

1 Erat eodem tempore et materiari et frumentari et tantas munitiones fieri necesse deminutis nostris copiis quae longius ab castris progrediebantur: ac non numquam opera nostra Galli temptare atque eruptionem ex oppido pluribus portis summa vi facere conabantur. 

1 At the same time, it was necessary to procure timber, to forage for grain, and to construct such extensive fortifications, while our forces were reduced as they advanced farther from the camp: and the Gauls occasionally tried to assault our works and to make a sally with the utmost force from several gates of the town. 

2 Quare ad haec rursus opera addendum Caesar putavit, quo minore numero militum munitiones defendi possent. Itaque truncis arborum aut admodum firmis ramis abscisis atque horum delibratis ac praeacutis cacuminibus perpetuae fossae quinos pedes altae ducebantur. 

2 Therefore, Caesar thought further works should be added to these, so that the fortifications might be defended by a smaller number of soldiers. So trenches five feet deep were dug continuously, into which were placed tree trunks or very strong branches, cut, stripped of bark, and sharpened at the top. 

3 Huc illi stipites demissi et ab infimo revincti, ne revelli possent, ab ramis eminebant. 

3 Into these, the stakes were lowered and bound at the bottom so they could not be pulled out, projecting from the branches. 

4 Quini erant ordines coniuncti inter se atque implicati; quo qui intraverant, se ipsi acutissimis vallis induebant. 

4 There were five rows, connected and interwoven with one another; whoever entered was impaled upon the very sharp stakes. 

5 Hos cippos appellabant. Ante quos obliquis ordinibus in quincuncem dispositis scrobes tres in altitudinem pedes fodiebantur paulatim angustiore ad infimum fastigio. 

5 These were called "cippi." In front of them, pits three feet deep were dug in oblique rows arranged in a quincunx, narrowing gradually towards the bottom. 

6 Huc teretes stipites feminis crassitudine ab summo praeacuti et praeusti demittebantur, ita ut non amplius digitis quattuor ex terra eminerent; 

6 Into these were lowered smooth stakes, the thickness of a man’s thigh, sharpened and fire-hardened at the top, so that only about four fingers’ breadth projected from the ground; 

7 simul confirmandi et stabiliendi causa singuli ab infimo solo pedes terra exculcabantur, reliqua pars scrobis ad occultandas insidias viminibus ac virgultis integebatur. 

7 and to secure and stabilize each one, earth was packed down around them from the bottom; the remaining part of the pit was covered with wickerwork and brush to conceal the traps. 

8 Huius generis octoni ordines ducti ternos inter se pedes distabant. 

8 Eight rows of this kind were laid out, spaced three feet apart from one another. 

9 Id ex similitudine floris lilium appellabant. Ante haec taleae pedem longae ferreis hamis infixis totae in terram infodiebantur mediocribusque intermissis spatiis omnibus locis disserebantur; quos stimulos nominabant. 

9 From its resemblance to a flower, this was called a “lily.” In front of these, stakes a foot long with iron hooks fixed in them were entirely buried in the ground and scattered everywhere at moderate intervals; these were called “goads.” 

 [74] 

1 His rebus perfectis regiones secutus quam potuit aequissimas pro loci natura quattuordecim milia passuum complexus pares eiusdem generis munitiones, diversas ab his, contra exteriorem hostem perfecit, ut ne magna quidem multitudine, si ita accidat, munitionum praesidia circumfundi possent; 

1 These works having been completed, following the flattest ground he could given the nature of the terrain, and encompassing fourteen miles, he completed similar fortifications of the same kind, but facing outward, against an external enemy, so that not even a large multitude, should it come to that, could surround the garrisons of the fortifications; 

2 ac ne cum periculo ex castris egredi cogatur, dierum triginta pabulum frumentumque habere omnes convectum iubet. 

2 and so that he might not be forced to leave the camp with danger, he ordered all to collect fodder and grain sufficient for thirty days. 

[75] 

1 Dum haec apud Alesiam geruntur, Galli concilio principum indicto non omnes eos qui arma ferre possent, ut censuit Vercingetorix, convocandos statuunt, sed certum numerum cuique ex civitate imperandum, ne tanta multitudine confusa nec moderari nec discernere suos nec frumentandi rationem habere possent. 

1 While these things were happening at Alesia, the Gauls, having summoned a council of chiefs, decided not to assemble all those who could bear arms, as Vercingetorix had proposed, but that a specific number should be ordered from each state, lest with such a great multitude confused together they be unable to control or distinguish their own men, or manage the grain supply. 

2 Imperant Aeduis atque eorum clientibus, Segusiavis, Ambivaretis, Aulercis Brannovicibus, Blannoviis, milia XXXV; parem numerum Arvernis adiunctis Eleutetis, Cadurcis, Gabalis, Vellaviis, qui sub imperio Arvernorum esse consuerunt; Sequanis, 

2 They ordered from the Aedui and their clients—the Segusiavi, Ambivareti, Aulerci Brannovices, and Blannovii—thirty-five thousand; the same number from the Arverni, together with the Eleuteti, Cadurci, Gabali, and Vellavii, who were accustomed to be under the rule of the Arverni; from the Sequani, 

3 Senonibus, Biturigibus, Santonis, Rutenis, Carnutibus duodena milia; Bellovacis X; totidem Lemovicibus; octona Pictonibus et Turonis et Parisiis et Helvetiis; [Suessionibus,] Ambianis, Mediomatricis, Petrocoriis, Nerviis, Morinis, Nitiobrigibus quina milia; Aulercis Cenomanis totidem; Atrebatibus [IIII milibus]; Veliocassis, Lexoviis et Aulercis Eburovicibus terna; Rauracis et Boiis bina; 

3 from the Senones, Bituriges, Santones, Ruteni, and Carnutes, twelve thousand each; from the Bellovaci, ten thousand; the same number from the Lemovices; eight thousand from the Pictones, Turones, Parisii, and Helvetii; five thousand from the [Suessiones,] Ambiani, Mediomatrices, Petrocorii, Nervii, Morini, and Nitiobriges; the same number from the Aulerci Cenomani; four thousand from the Atrebates; three thousand from the Veliocasses, Lexovii, and Aulerci Eburovices; two thousand from the Rauraci and Boii; 

4 [XXX milia] universis civitatibus, quae Oceanum attingunt quaeque eorum consuetudine Armoricae appellantur, quo sunt in numero Curiosolites, Redones, Ambibarii, Caletes, Osismi, Veneti, Lemovices, Venelli. 

4 thirty thousand from all the states that border the Ocean and are called Armorican in their usage, among whom are the Curiosolites, Redones, Ambibarii, Caletes, Osismi, Veneti, Lemovices, and Venelli. 

5 Ex his Bellovaci suum numerum non compleverunt, quod se suo nomine atque arbitrio cum Romanis bellum gesturos dicebant neque cuiusquam imperio obtemperaturos; rogati tamen ab Commio pro eius hospitio duo milia una miserunt. 

5 Of these, the Bellovaci did not complete their number, saying they would wage war with the Romans in their own name and judgment, and would obey no one’s command; however, at the request of Commius, out of personal hospitality, they sent two thousand men along. 

 [76] 

1 Huius opera Commi, ut antea demonstravimus, fideli atque utili superioribus annis erat usus in Britannia Caesar; quibus ille pro meritis civitatem eius immunem esse iusserat, iura legesque reddiderat atque ipsi Morinos attribuerat. 

1 Caesar had availed himself of the services of Commius, as we have previously mentioned, who had been faithful and useful in previous years in Britain; in return for these services, he had ordered that his state be exempt from tribute, restored its rights and laws, and had assigned the Morini to him. 

2 Tamen tanta universae Galliae consensio fuit libertatis vindicandae et pristinae belli laudis recuperandae, ut neque beneficiis neque amicitiae memoria moverentur, omnesque et animo et opibus in id bellum incumberent. 

2 Nevertheless, there was such great unity throughout Gaul for the purpose of vindicating their liberty and recovering their former renown in war, that they were moved neither by favors nor by the memory of friendship, and all exerted themselves in that war both in spirit and in resources. 

3 Coactis equitum VIII milibus et peditum circiter CCL haec in Aeduorum finibus recensebantur, numerusque inibatur, praefecti constituebantur. 

3 With eight thousand cavalry and about two hundred and fifty thousand infantry assembled, these forces were reviewed in the territory of the Aedui, their number taken, and commanders appointed. 

4 Commio Atrebati, Viridomaro et Eporedorigi Aeduis, Vercassivellauno Arverno, consobrino Vercingetorigis, summa imperi traditur. His delecti ex civitatibus attribuuntur, quorum consilio bellum administraretur. 

4 The supreme command was entrusted to Commius the Atrebatian, to Viridomarus and Eporedorix the Aeduans, and to Vercassivellaunus the Arvernian, cousin of Vercingetorix. To them were assigned selected men from the states to conduct the war by their advice. 

5 Omnes alacres et fiduciae pleni ad Alesiam proficiscuntur, 

5 All, eager and full of confidence, set out for Alesia, 

6 neque erat omnium quisquam qui aspectum modo tantae multitudinis sustineri posse arbitraretur, praesertim ancipiti proelio, cum ex oppido eruptione pugnaretur, foris tantae copiae equitatus peditatusque cernerentur. 

6 nor was there anyone among them who thought that even the sight of so vast a host could be withstood, especially in a two-sided battle, when an assault was made from the town and so great a force of cavalry and infantry was seen outside. 

[77] 

1 At ei, qui Alesiae obsidebantur praeterita die, qua auxilia suorum exspectaverant, consumpto omni frumento, inscii quid in Aeduis gereretur, concilio coacto 

1 But those who were being besieged at Alesia, the day having passed on which they had expected aid from their allies, with all their grain consumed, and ignorant of what was happening among the Aedui, called a council 

2 de exitu suarum fortunarum consultabant. Ac variis dictis sententiis, quarum pars deditionem, pars, dum vires suppeterent, eruptionem censebat, non praetereunda oratio Critognati videtur propter eius singularem et nefariam crudelitatem. 

2 to deliberate about the outcome of their fortunes. And with various opinions expressed—some proposing surrender, others a sally while strength remained—the speech of Critognatus seems not to be omitted because of its singular and atrocious cruelty. 

3 Hic summo in Arvernis ortus loco et magnae habitus auctoritatis, "Nihil," inquit, "de eorum sententia dicturus sum, qui turpissimam servitutem deditionis nomine appellant, neque hos habendos civium loco neque ad concilium adhibendos censeo. 

3 This man, born of the highest rank among the Arverni and held in great authority, said: “I shall say nothing about the opinion of those who call the most shameful slavery by the name of surrender, nor do I think these should be regarded as citizens or admitted to the council. 

4 Cum his mihi res sit, qui eruptionem probant; quorum in consilio omnium vestrum consensu pristinae residere virtutis memoria videtur. Animi est ista mollitia, 

4 My concern is with those who approve of a sally; in whose advice, by the agreement of all of you, the memory of former valor seems to reside. That is weakness of spirit, 

5 non virtus, paulisper inopiam ferre non posse. Qui se ultro morti offerant facilius reperiuntur quam qui dolorem patienter ferant. 

5 not courage, to be unable to endure hunger for a short time. Those who voluntarily offer themselves to death are more easily found than those who endure suffering patiently. 

6 Atque ego hanc sententiam probarem (tantum apud me dignitas potest), si nullam praeterquam vitae nostrae iacturam fieri viderem: 

6 And I would approve this view (so much does dignity weigh with me) if I saw no loss being incurred beyond our lives: 

7 sed in consilio capiendo omnem Galliam respiciamus, quam ad nostrum auxilium concitavimus. 

7 but in making our decision let us consider all Gaul, which we have stirred to our aid. 

8 Quid hominum milibus LXXX uno loco interfectis propinquis consanguineisque nostris animi fore existimatis, si paene in ipsis cadaveribus proelio decertare cogentur? 

8 What do you think the spirits of our kindred and kin will be, if eighty thousand men are slain in one place and they are forced to fight almost upon the corpses themselves? 

9 Nolite hos vestro auxilio exspoliare, qui vestrae salutis causa suum periculum neglexerunt, nec stultitia ac temeritate vestra aut animi imbecillitate omnem Galliam prosternere et perpetuae servituti subicere. 

9 Do not rob of your aid those who have disregarded their own danger for the sake of your safety, nor through your folly and rashness or feebleness of spirit cast all Gaul down and subject it to eternal servitude. 

10 An, quod ad diem non venerunt, de eorum fide constantiaque dubitatis? Quid ergo? Romanos in illis ulterioribus munitionibus animine causa cotidie exerceri putatis? 

10 Or, because they did not arrive on the day, do you doubt their loyalty and constancy? What then? Do you think the Romans are practicing daily on those outer fortifications for pleasure? 

11 Si illorum nuntiis confirmari non potestis omni aditu praesaepto, his utimini testibus appropinquare eorum adventum; cuius rei timore exterriti diem noctemque in opere versantur. 

11 If you cannot be assured by their messages, all approaches being blocked, use these men as witnesses that their arrival is drawing near; terrified by the fear of this, they toil day and night at their work. 

12 Quid ergo mei consili est? Facere, quod nostri maiores nequaquam pari bello Cimbrorum Teutonumque fecerunt; qui in oppida compulsi ac simili inopia subacti eorum corporibus qui aetate ad bellum inutiles videbantur vitam toleraverunt neque se hostibus tradiderunt. 

12 What then is my advice? To do what our forefathers did in a war far from equal, that against the Cimbri and Teutones; who, driven into towns and pressed by similar want, sustained life on the bodies of those who by reason of age seemed useless for war, and did not surrender themselves to the enemy. 

13 Cuius rei si exemplum non haberemus, tamen libertatis causa institui et posteris prodi pulcherrimum iudicarem. 

13 Even if we had no precedent for such a deed, still, for the sake of liberty, I would deem it most noble to establish and hand it down to posterity. 

14 Nam quid illi simile bello fuit? Depopulata Gallia Cimbri magnaque illata calamitate finibus quidem nostris aliquando excesserunt atque alias terras petierunt; iura, leges, agros, libertatem nobis reliquerunt. 

14 For what was like that war? The Cimbri, having laid waste to Gaul and caused great disaster, at some point departed from our borders and sought other lands; they left us our rights, our laws, our lands, and our liberty. 

15 Romani vero quid petunt aliud aut quid volunt, nisi invidia adducti, quos fama nobiles potentesque bello cognoverunt, horum in agris civitatibusque considere atque his aeternam iniungere servitutem? Neque enim ulla alia condicione bella gesserunt. 

15 But what do the Romans seek, or what do they want, except, driven by envy, to settle in the lands and towns of those whom they have come to know by reputation as noble and powerful in war, and to impose eternal slavery on them? For they have waged war on no other terms. 

16 Quod si ea quae in longinquis nationibus geruntur ignoratis, respicite finitimam Galliam, quae in provinciam redacta iure et legibus commutatis securibus subiecta perpetua premitur servitute." 

16 But if you are ignorant of what is being done in distant lands, look at nearby Gaul, which, reduced to a province, its laws and customs changed, and subjected to the axe, is weighed down by perpetual slavery.” 

[78] 

1 Sententiis dictis constituunt ut ei qui valetudine aut aetate inutiles sunt bello oppido excedant, atque omnia prius experiantur, quam ad Critognati sententiam descendant: 

1 When opinions had been given, they decided that those who were useless for war due to health or age should leave the town, and that they should try everything else before resorting to Critognatus's proposal: 

2 illo tamen potius utendum consilio, si res cogat atque auxilia morentur, quam aut deditionis aut pacis subeundam condicionem. 

2 that, nevertheless, that plan should be used rather, if circumstances compelled and reinforcements delayed, than that they should submit to the terms of either surrender or peace. 

3 Mandubii, qui eos oppido receperant, cum liberis atque uxoribus exire coguntur. Hi, cum ad munitiones Romanorum accessissent, flentes omnibus precibus orabant, ut se in servitutem receptos cibo iuvarent. 

3 The Mandubii, who had received them into the town, were forced to go out with their wives and children. These, when they had approached the Roman fortifications, weeping, begged with every plea that, if received into slavery, they might be given food. 

4 At Caesar dispositis in vallo custodibus recipi prohibebat. 

4 But Caesar, having stationed guards on the rampart, forbade them to be received. 

 [79] 

1 Interea Commius reliquique duces quibus summa imperi permissa erat cum omnibus copiis ad Alesiam perveniunt et colle exteriore occupato non longius mille passibus ab nostris munitionibus considunt. 

1 Meanwhile, Commius and the other leaders to whom supreme command had been entrusted arrived at Alesia with all their forces, and, having occupied an outer hill, encamped not more than a thousand paces from our fortifications. 

2 Postero die equitatu ex castris educto omnem eam planitiem, quam in longitudinem tria milia passuum patere demonstravimus, complent pedestresque copias paulum ab eo loco abditas in locis superioribus constituunt. 

2 The next day, having led the cavalry out of camp, they filled all that plain, which we showed extended three miles in length, and stationed their infantry a little distance away from that place, concealed on higher ground. 

3 Erat ex oppido Alesia despectus in campum. Concurrunt his auxiliis visis; fit gratulatio inter eos, atque omnium animi ad laetitiam excitantur. 

3 From the town of Alesia, there was a view down into the plain. At the sight of these reinforcements, they ran together; congratulations passed among them, and everyone's spirits were stirred to joy. 

4 Itaque productis copiis ante oppidum considunt et proximam fossam cratibus integunt atque aggere explent seque ad eruptionem atque omnes casus comparant. 

4 Therefore, having drawn out their forces, they sat down before the town, and covered the nearest ditch with wickerwork and filled it with earth, preparing themselves for a sortie and all possible events. 

[80] 

1 Caesar omni exercitu ad utramque partem munitionum disposito, ut, si usus veniat, suum quisque locum teneat et noverit, equitatum ex castris educi et proelium committi iubet. 

1 Caesar, having stationed his whole army on both sides of the fortifications, so that each man might hold and know his own position if needed, ordered the cavalry to be brought out from the camp and the battle to begin. 

2 Erat ex omnibus castris, quae summum undique iugum tenebant, despectus, atque omnes milites intenti pugnae proventum exspectabant. 

2 From all the camps, which occupied the highest ridge all around, there was a view, and all the soldiers, intent on the fight, awaited the outcome. 

3 Galli inter equites raros sagittarios expeditosque levis armaturae interiecerant, qui suis cedentibus auxilio succurrerent et nostrorum equitum impetus sustinerent. Ab his complures de improviso vulnerati proelio excedebant. 

3 The Gauls had placed among their cavalry scattered archers and light-armed skirmishers, who might come to the aid of their retreating comrades and withstand the charges of our cavalry. By these, several of our men, wounded unexpectedly, withdrew from the battle. 

4 Cum suos pugna superiores esse Galli confiderent et nostros multitudine premi viderent, ex omnibus partibus et ei qui munitionibus continebantur et hi qui ad auxilium convenerant clamore et ululatu suorum animos confirmabant. 

4 When the Gauls trusted that their men were prevailing in battle and saw our troops being pressed by numbers, both those who were confined within the fortifications and those who had gathered for reinforcement encouraged their men with shouts and howls from every side. 

5 Quod in conspectu omnium res gerebatur neque recte ac turpiter factum celari poterat, utrosque et laudis cupiditas et timor ignominiae ad virtutem excitabant. 

5 Since the action was taking place in the sight of all, and no deed—brave or shameful—could be concealed, both the desire for praise and fear of disgrace spurred both sides to valor. 

6 Cum a meridie prope ad solis occasum dubia victoria pugnaretur, Germani una in parte confertis turmis in hostes impetum fecerunt eosque propulerunt; 

6 When the battle was fought with uncertain outcome from midday nearly to sunset, the Germans in one sector made an attack on the enemy in dense squadrons and drove them back; 

7 quibus in fugam coniectis sagittarii circumventi interfectique sunt. 

7 when these were put to flight, the archers were surrounded and killed. 

8 Item ex reliquis partibus nostri cedentes usque ad castra insecuti sui colligendi facultatem non dederunt. 

8 Likewise, in the remaining areas, our men pursued the retreating enemy up to their camp, giving them no chance to regroup. 

9 At ei qui ab Alesia processerant maesti prope victoria desperata se in oppidum receperunt. 

9 But those who had sallied out from Alesia, disheartened and nearly despairing of victory, withdrew into the town. 

 [81] 

1 Uno die intermisso Galli atque hoc spatio magno cratium, scalarum, harpagonum numero effecto media nocte silentio ex castris egressi ad campestres munitiones accedunt. 

1 With one day in between, and during that time a large number of fascines, ladders, and grappling hooks having been prepared, the Gauls silently left their camp at midnight and approached the fortifications on the plain. 

2 Subito clamore sublato, qua significatione qui in oppido obsidebantur de suo adventu cognoscere possent, crates proicere, fundis, sagittis, lapidibus nostros de vallo proturbare reliquaque quae ad oppugnationem pertinent parant administrare. 

2 Raising a sudden shout—by which those besieged in the town might learn of their arrival—they began to throw down fascines, dislodge our men from the rampart with slings, arrows, and stones, and prepare to carry out the rest of the assault. 

3 Eodem tempore clamore exaudito dat tuba signum suis Vercingetorix atque ex oppido educit. 

3 At the same time, hearing the shout, Vercingetorix gave the signal to his men with a trumpet and led them out of the town. 

4 Nostri, ut superioribus diebus, ut cuique erat locus attributus, ad munitiones accedunt; fundis librilibus sudibusque quas in opere disposuerant ac glandibus Gallos proterrent. 

4 Our men, as on previous days, went to the fortifications each to his assigned post; they repelled the Gauls with heavy slings, with stakes they had positioned in the works, and with leaden bullets. 

5 Prospectu tenebris adempto multa utrimque vulnera accipiuntur. Complura tormentis tela coniciuntur. 

5 With vision obstructed by darkness, many wounds were received on both sides. A great number of missiles were hurled by artillery. 

6 At Marcus Antonius et Gaius Trebonius legati, quibus hae partes ad defendendum obvenerant, qua ex parte nostros premi intellexerant, his auxilio ex ulterioribus castellis deductos summittebant. 

6 But Marcus Antonius and Gaius Trebonius, the legates to whom those sectors had been assigned for defense, wherever they understood our men were being pressed, sent reinforcements drawn from the outer redoubts to aid them. 

[82] 

1 Dum longius ab munitione aberant Galli, plus multitudine telorum proficiebant; posteaquam propius successerunt, aut se stimulis inopinantes induebant aut in scrobes delati transfodiebantur aut ex vallo ac turribus traiecti pilis muralibus interibant. 

1 As long as the Gauls were farther from the fortifications, they were more effective through the multitude of their missiles; but after they came closer, they either unexpectedly impaled themselves on the sharpened stakes, or, falling into the pits, were pierced through, or perished, being struck by mural javelins from the rampart and towers. 

2 Multis undique vulneribus acceptis nulla munitione perrupta, cum lux appeteret, veriti ne ab latere aperto ex superioribus castris eruptione circumvenirentur, se ad suos receperunt. 

2 Having received many wounds from all sides, and with no part of the fortifications breached, when day was approaching, they retreated to their countrymen, fearing they might be surrounded by a sally from the upper camp on their open flank. 

3 At interiores, dum ea quae a Vercingetorige ad eruptionem praeparata erant proferunt, priores fossas explent, diutius in his rebus administrandis morati prius suos discessisse cognoverunt, quam munitionibus appropinquarent. Ita re infecta in oppidum reverterunt. 

3 But those inside, while bringing forth what Vercingetorix had prepared for the sally and filling the front ditches, being delayed too long in handling these tasks, realized that their allies had retreated before they could reach the fortifications. Thus, with the attempt unaccomplished, they returned into the town. 

 [83] 

1 Bis magno cum detrimento repulsi Galli quid agant consulunt; locorum peritos adhibent: ex his superiorum castrorum situs munitionesque cognoscunt. 

1 The Gauls, having been twice repulsed with great loss, consulted on what to do; they brought in men experienced with the terrain: from them, they learned the position and fortifications of the upper camp. 

2 Erat a septentrionibus collis, quem propter magnitudinem circuitus opere circumplecti non potuerant nostri: necessario paene iniquo loco et leniter declivi castra fecerunt. 

2 To the north was a hill which, because of the size of its perimeter, our men had not been able to include within their works: they had necessarily pitched camp there on ground that was nearly disadvantageous and gently sloping. 

3 Haec Gaius Antistius Reginus et Gaius Caninius Rebilus legati cum duabus legionibus obtinebant. 

3 Gaius Antistius Reginus and Gaius Caninius Rebilus, legates, were holding this position with two legions. 

4 Cognitis per exploratores regionibus duces hostium LX milia ex omni numero deligunt earum civitatum quae maximam virtutis opinionem habebant; 

4 Having learned the lay of the land through scouts, the enemy leaders selected sixty thousand men from among all the forces, from those states that had the greatest reputation for valor; 

5 quid quoque pacto agi placeat occulte inter se constituunt; adeundi tempus definiunt, cum meridies esse videatur. 

5 they secretly agreed among themselves on what was to be done and how; they fixed the time for approach to be when it seemed to be midday. 

6 His copiis Vercassivellaunum Arvernum, unum ex quattuor ducibus, propinquum Vercingetorigis, praeficiunt. 

6 They placed Vercassivellaunus the Arvernian, one of the four commanders and a relative of Vercingetorix, in charge of these forces. 

7 Ille ex castris prima vigilia egressus prope confecto sub lucem itinere post montem se occultavit militesque ex nocturno labore sese reficere iussit. 

7 He, having left camp at the first watch and completed most of his march before dawn, concealed himself behind the mountain and ordered his troops to recover from the night’s exertion. 

8 Cum iam meridies appropinquare videretur, ad ea castra quae supra demonstravimus contendit; eodemque tempore equitatus ad campestres munitiones accedere et reliquae copiae pro castris sese ostendere coeperunt. 

8 When it seemed that midday was drawing near, he advanced to the camp we described above; and at the same time the cavalry began to approach the fortifications on the plain, and the rest of the forces began to show themselves before the camp. 

[84] 

1 Vercingetorix ex arce Alesiae suos conspicatus ex oppido egreditur; crates, longurios, musculos, falces reliquaque quae eruptionis causa paraverat profert. 

1 Vercingetorix, having seen his men from the citadel of Alesia, sallied forth from the town; he brought out fascines, long poles, mantelets, hooks, and the other implements he had prepared for a sally. 

2 Pugnatur uno tempore omnibus locis, atque omnia temptantur: quae minime visa pars firma est, huc concurritur. 

2 Fighting took place simultaneously in all quarters, and every point was attempted: to the part which seemed least strong, they rushed. 

3 Romanorum manus tantis munitionibus distinetur nec facile pluribus locis occurrit. 

3 The Roman forces were spread out because of the vast extent of the fortifications, and could not easily respond in many places. 

4 Multum ad terrendos nostros valet clamor, qui post tergum pugnantibus exstitit, quod suum periculum in aliena vident salute constare: 

4 A great effect in terrifying our men was produced by the shout that rose behind them as they fought, because they saw that their own safety depended on the success of others: 

5 omnia enim plerumque quae absunt vehementius hominum mentes perturbant. 

5 for generally things which are out of sight disturb men’s minds more violently. 

 [85] 

1 Caesar idoneum locum nactus quid quaque ex parte geratur cognoscit; laborantibus summittit. 

1 Caesar, having found a suitable position, observed what was taking place in each quarter; he sent reinforcements to the struggling troops. 

2 Utrisque ad animum occurrit unum esse illud tempus, quo maxime contendi conveniat: 

2 It occurred to both sides that this was the one moment when it was most fitting to strive to the utmost: 

3 Galli, nisi perfregerint munitiones, de omni salute desperant; Romani, si rem obtinuerint, finem laborum omnium exspectant. 

3 The Gauls, unless they broke through the fortifications, despaired of all hope; the Romans, if they held their ground, expected an end to all their toils. 

4 Maxime ad superiores munitiones laboratur, quo Vercassivellaunum missum demonstravimus. Iniquum loci ad declivitatem fastigium magnum habet momentum. 

4 The greatest effort was at the upper fortifications, where we showed that Vercassivellaunus had been sent. The unfavorable slope of the place had great influence. 

5 Alii tela coniciunt, alii testudine facta subeunt; defatigatis in vicem integri succedunt. 

5 Some threw their missiles, others advanced under a tortoise formation; the fresh took the place of the weary in turn. 

6 Agger ab universis in munitionem coniectus et ascensum dat Gallis et ea quae in terra occultaverant Romani contegit; nec iam arma nostris nec vires suppetunt. 

6 The earth heaped by all onto the fortification both afforded the Gauls an ascent and covered up what the Romans had concealed in the ground; and now neither weapons nor strength were sufficient for our men. 

 [86] 

1 His rebus cognitis Caesar Labienum cum cohortibus sex subsidio laborantibus mittit: 

1 When he learned of these developments, Caesar sent Labienus with six cohorts to help those in difficulty: 

2 imperat, si sustinere non posset, deductis cohortibus eruptione pugnaret; id nisi necessario ne faciat. 

2 he ordered that if he could not hold his position, he should draw off the cohorts and fight by sally; but he must not do this unless absolutely necessary. 

3 Ipse adit reliquos, cohortatur ne labori succumbant; omnium superiorum dimicationum fructum in eo die atque hora docet consistere. 

3 He himself visited the rest, urging them not to give way to hardship; he declared that the reward of all their previous struggles depended on that day and hour. 

4 Interiores desperatis campestribus locis propter magnitudinem munitionum loca praerupta ex ascensu temptant: huc ea quae paraverant conferunt. 

4 The forces inside, despairing of the open ground due to the size of the fortifications, attempted to climb the steep places: to these they brought the equipment they had prepared. 

5 Multitudine telorum ex turribus propugnantes deturbant, aggere et cratibus fossas explent, falcibus vallum ac loricam rescindunt. 

5 With a shower of missiles from the towers, they dislodged the defenders, filled the ditches with earth and fascines, and with hooks tore down the rampart and breastwork. 

[87] 

1 Mittit primo Brutum adulescentem cum cohortibus Caesar, post cum aliis Gaium Fabium legatum; postremo ipse, cum vehementius pugnaretur, integros subsidio adducit. 

1 Caesar first sent the young Brutus with cohorts, then Gaius Fabius, the legate, with others; finally, when the fighting became fiercer, he himself brought fresh troops as reinforcements. 

2 Restituto proelio ac repulsis hostibus eo quo Labienum miserat contendit; cohortes quattuor ex proximo castello deducit, equitum partem sequi, partem circumire exteriores munitiones et ab tergo hostes adoriri iubet. 

2 With the battle restored and the enemy repulsed, he hastened to the place where he had sent Labienus; he withdrew four cohorts from the nearest redoubt, and ordered part of the cavalry to follow, and part to go around the outer fortifications and attack the enemy from the rear. 

3 Labienus, postquam neque aggeres neque fossae vim hostium sustinere poterant, coactis una XL cohortibus, quas ex proximis praesidiis deductas fors obtulit, Caesarem per nuntios facit certiorem quid faciendum existimet. Accelerat Caesar, ut proelio intersit. 

3 Labienus, when neither the ramparts nor the ditches could withstand the force of the enemy, having gathered forty cohorts which chance had brought him from the nearby garrisons, informed Caesar by messengers what he thought should be done. Caesar hastened to take part in the battle. 

 [88] 

1 Eius adventu ex colore vestitus cognito, quo insigni in proeliis uti consuerat, turmisque equitum et cohortibus visis quas se sequi iusserat, ut de locis superioribus haec declivia et devexa cernebantur, hostes proelium committunt. 

1 At his arrival, recognized by the color of his cloak, which he was accustomed to use as a distinguishing mark in battle, and at the sight of the cavalry squadrons and cohorts which he had ordered to follow him—as the slopes and descents were visible from the higher ground—the enemy engaged in battle. 

2 Utrimque clamore sublato excipit rursus ex vallo atque omnibus munitionibus clamor. Nostri omissis pilis gladiis rem gerunt. 

2 A shout having been raised on both sides, a shout again arose from the rampart and all the fortifications. Our men, having thrown their javelins aside, fought with swords. 

3 Repente post tergum equitatus cernitur; cohortes aliae appropinquant. Hostes terga vertunt; fugientibus equites occurrunt. Fit magna caedes. Sedulius, dux et princeps Lemovicum, occiditur; 

3 Suddenly, cavalry was seen in the rear; other cohorts were approaching. The enemy turned their backs; the cavalry met the fleeing men. A great slaughter followed. Sedulius, the leader and chief of the Lemovices, was killed; 

4 Vercassivellaunus Arvernus vivus in fuga comprehenditur; signa militaria septuaginta quattuor ad Caesarem referuntur: pauci ex tanto numero se incolumes in castra recipiunt. 

4 Vercassivellaunus the Arvernian was captured alive in flight; seventy-four military standards were brought to Caesar: few from such a great number returned safely to their camp. 

5 Conspicati ex oppido caedem et fugam suorum desperata salute copias a munitionibus reducunt. 

5 Those who saw the slaughter and flight of their men from the town, despairing of safety, withdrew their forces from the fortifications. 

6 Fit protinus hac re audita ex castris Gallorum fuga. Quod nisi crebris subsidiis ac totius diei labore milites essent defessi, omnes hostium copiae deleri potuissent. 

6 Immediately upon hearing of this, flight began in the Gauls' camp. And if the soldiers had not been exhausted by repeated reinforcements and the day’s labor, all the enemy’s forces might have been destroyed. 

7 De media nocte missus equitatus novissimum agmen consequitur: magnus numerus capitur atque interficitur; reliqui ex fuga in civitates discedunt. 

7 In the middle of the night, cavalry was sent and overtook the rear guard: a great number were captured and killed; the rest scattered in flight to their respective states. 

[89] 

1 Postero die Vercingetorix concilio convocato id bellum se suscepisse non suarum necessitatium, 

1 The next day, Vercingetorix, having called a council, explained that he had undertaken that war not for his own needs, 

2 sed communis libertatis causa demonstrat, et quoniam sit fortunae cedendum, ad utramque rem se illis offerre, seu morte sua Romanis satisfacere seu vivum tradere velint. Mittuntur de his rebus ad Caesarem legati. 

2 but for the sake of common liberty, and since one must yield to fortune, he offered himself to them for either course, whether they wished to satisfy the Romans by his death or to hand him over alive. Envoys were sent to Caesar regarding these matters. 

3 Iubet arma tradi, principes produci. 

3 He ordered arms to be surrendered and the leaders to be brought forward. 

4 Ipse in munitione pro castris consedit: eo duces producuntur; Vercingetorix deditur, arma proiciuntur. 

4 He himself sat upon a fortification in front of the camp: thither the leaders were brought; Vercingetorix was surrendered, the weapons were thrown down. 

5 Reservatis Aeduis atque Arvernis, si per eos civitates reciperare posset, ex reliquis captivis toto exercitui capita singula praedae nomine distribuit. 

5 Keeping back the Aedui and Arverni, in case he could recover their states through them, he distributed one prisoner per soldier from the rest to the whole army in the name of plunder. 

 [90] 

1 His rebus confectis in Aeduos proficiscitur; civitatem recipit. 

1 With these matters settled, he set out for the Aedui and recovered the state. 

2 Eo legati ab Arvernis missi quae imperaret se facturos pollicentur. Imperat magnum numerum obsidum. 

2 To him, envoys sent by the Arverni promised that they would do whatever he ordered. He demanded a great number of hostages. 

3 Legiones in hiberna mittit. Captivorum circiter viginti milia Aeduis Arvernisque reddit. 

3 He sent the legions into winter quarters. He returned about twenty thousand captives to the Aedui and Arverni. 

4 Titum Labienum duabus cum legionibus et equitatu in Sequanos proficisci iubet: huic Marcum Sempronium Rutilum attribuit. 

4 He ordered Titus Labienus to march into the territory of the Sequani with two legions and cavalry: to him he assigned Marcus Sempronius Rutilus. 

5 Gaium Fabium legatum et Lucium Minucium Basilum cum legionibus duabus in Remis collocat, ne quam ab finitimis Bellovacis calamitatem accipiant. 

5 He stationed Gaius Fabius, the legate, and Lucius Minucius Basilus with two legions among the Remi, lest they suffer any disaster from the neighboring Bellovaci. 

6 Gaium Antistium Reginum in Ambivaretos, Titum Sextium in Bituriges, Gaium Caninium Rebilum in Rutenos cum singulis legionibus mittit. 

6 He sent Gaius Antistius Reginus to the Ambivareti, Titus Sextius to the Bituriges, and Gaius Caninius Rebilus to the Ruteni, each with a single legion. 

7 Quintum Tullium Ciceronem et Publium Sulpicium Cabilloni et Matiscone in Aeduis ad Ararim rei frumentariae causa collocat. Ipse Bibracte hiemare constituit. His litteris cognitis Romae dierum viginti supplicatio redditur. 

7 He stationed Quintus Tullius Cicero and Publius Sulpicius at Cabillonum and Matisco among the Aedui on the Arar, for the purpose of the grain supply. He himself determined to winter at Bibracte. Upon the receipt of these letters at Rome, a thanksgiving of twenty days was decreed. 

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