![]() ![]() In my point of view, the Belgae would have possibly numbered around 50-60,000 fighting men. Taking into consideration that estimated numbers of combatants are usually theoretical (on paper) and not realistic, and that promises based on treaties are not always kept, it is probable that the actual figure was smaller. If these figures are reliable, this means that Caesar’s army was immediately attacked by a maximum of 75,000 warriors, because the Aduatuci were still en route. According to Caesar, the Remi estimates of the fighting men promised by the last four tribes who still resisted the Romans were: Nervii 50,000, Atrebates 15,000, Viromandui 10,000 and Aduatuci 19,000. Concerning the numerical strength of the opposing armies, Caesar quotes that he had earlier received word from some pro-Roman Remi that the various Belgae peoples while preparing for the Roman invasion, had promised to contribute a total of 300,000 warriors. Finally, the X Equestris and the IX Triumphalis Legions, under the command of Caesar himself, formed the left wing opposite to the Atrebates. The Legions VIII and XI made up the Roman center that would confront the Viromandui. The right wing of the Romans consisted of the VII and XII (Victrix) Legions, lined up against the Nervii. A reenactment by the French Historical association Leuki (the name of a Gallic tribe). The heavier infantry is arrayed on the forefront and the lightly armed on the rear, together with a man who sounds the carnyx (Celtic trumpet). It was a typical manifestation of the robust organization and discipline of the Roman army, one of the many features that made it an unconquerable ( invictus) killing machine.Ī Gallic battle line, characteristic of the Belgae as well. Thus in an incredibly short time, a battle line was formed. They did not search for their units on the contrary they grabbed their arms and armour and ran to the nearest Roman vexillium (war standard) that was lifted up. When the more isolated legionaries realized the danger of the stormy attack of the Belgians, acted with characteristic collectedness. The Romans were additionally helped by the high level of their military training and discipline. He had to give orders to sound the bucinae, to raise the red vexillia calling the legionaries to hurry for battle, to gather his men who were cutting trees, etc., all this ‘in just a moment’ as he characteristically writes in his memoirs.įortunately for the Romans, Caesar had ordered his officers not to leave their soldiers until the construction was completed thereby they were able to quickly gather their legionaries. Caesar found himself in a very difficult situation since he had to act instantly to rescue his unorganized and unarmed legionaries. When they reached its left bank they began ascending speedily the hillside, heading towards the top of the hill where the Roman soldiers were working on the construction of the camp. Soon they repelled the terrified Caesarian cavalrymen and crossed the river swimming. However, the Celts suddenly dashed from the forest, screaming war cries and brandishing their swords. The Roman cavalry corps had crossed the river Sabis to its right bank along with bodies of light infantry and skirmishers in order to oversee the Belgae. The newly founded XIII and XIV Legions followed at a distance, protecting the Roman supply convoy. Reenactment of imperial era legionaries by the Polish Historical Association Legio XXI Rapax, photo by Cezary Wyszynski.Ĭaesar marched with his six oldest legions towards the river Sabis sending first a body of cavalry to find a safe location where he would establish his camp. Without wasting any time, the legionaries of Legio X crossed again the river Sabis to help Caesar’s men against the Nervii. ![]()
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