Key Moments in Roman Military Campaigns and History

Cesar's Clever Tactic

Caesar believed he had found a clever tactic. He had arrived hoping to finish the campaign without struggle and without injury. Having intercepted the enemies of the wheat supply from their homes, he questioned why he should lose some of his own men even in friendly matches. Why suffer being hurt?

Encouraging His People to Find Fresh Water

After delivering this speech among his people, Caesar agitated the minds of all. He gave an assignment to the centurions to interrupt their current works and devote their efforts to digging wells, not disturbing any part of the night time. Having undertaken this task and brought all the animals for work, one night a freshwater stream was found.

The Cavalry of the Germans and Numerical Superiority

The enemies, as soon as they saw our riders, who were five thousand in number, did not have more than 800 riders because they had gone elsewhere to source the grain Mosan. Having nothing to fear from us, as the ambassadors of them had been removed shortly before Caesar, the attack occurred, quickly disturbing us.

Victory in Dyrrachium

Meanwhile, Sila, informed of the situation, came to the rescue with two legions. By the arrival of these legions, the Pompeians were easily rejected and really could not stand our presence or attack. Thrown to the first, the others fled and gave way. But Sila called those seeking to pursue further back.

The Aduatuci Retreat After Battle

The Aduatuci, of whom we have written above, with all their troops coming to the aid of the Nervii, upon hearing of this fight, returned home. They abandoned all their fortresses and castles and took all their belongings to a single city heavily fortified by nature.

Different Attitudes of the People and Pompey's Flight

The Carteyenses, while Caesar assaulted the remaining cities while riding, began to dissent because of Pompey. One part was the legacy that he had sent to Caesar, also favoring the side of Pompey. As a result of the revolution, they took up the doors, and there was a great slaughter. Pompey took 20 wounded ships and fled in them.

The Religious Work of King Numa

Afterward, Numa Pompilius became king. During his reign, no war took place, but he was no less useful for the city than Romulus. He established laws and customs of the Romans, who, by their custom in combos, were considered thieves and semi-barbarous. He also distributed the year into 12 months.

Vercingetorix's Retreat to Alesia

Having escaped with all his cavalry, Vercingetorix withdrew his troops, as he had placed them in front of the camp, and quickly started walking toward Alesia, which is the city of the Mandubii. He quickly ordered the baggage out of the camps and to follow him. Caesar, having taken the baggage to the nearest hills and left two legions for defense, reached the camp at Alesia later that day.

Fabius and the Bridges Over the Sicoris River

Fabius encouraged border cities with letters and messages. In fact, the river Sicoris had two bridges far between, 4,000 steps apart. He sent foraging parties across these bridges because they had consumed the supplies that had been across the river. In earlier times, the Pompeian army chiefs did this itself and for the same reason, and they frequently fought each other in equestrian battles.

Petreius Rallies the Troops to Pompey's Side

Around them, Petreius was crying, calling on the soldiers not to submit to the emperor or opponents. He begged them not to hand Pompey over for punishment. He quickly made a race to the Praetorian. He called for all to swear they would not abandon either the army or their leaders, that they would not betray them, and that they would not make decisions for themselves apart from others. The same chief swore to this speech. Afranius required the same oath. The soldiers vowed, taken by the same century.