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Celtic Tribes and Caesar's Campaigns in Gaul (58-50 BC)
In 58 BC when
the Helvetii and their allies began a mass migration from Switzerland, Caesar
drove them back to their homes, then defeated the Sequani, who had been
threatening the Aedui, allies of Rome. Thus began eight successive years
of largely successful campaigns that would secure Gaul for Roman control.
The next year, 57 BC, Caesar moved north and conquered the Belgae,
driving a wedge between the Germans and Central Gaul, then spent much of
56 BC in Armorica (Normandy and Brittany) suppressing rebellious tribes.
In perhaps the most daring campaign of the Gallic War, Caesar crossed
the Rhine in 55 BC after defeating German tribes on its Gallic (western)
banks, then devastated the lands of the Sugambri before marching to the coast
for a naval invasion of
Britain, the first of two. In August of 55 BC, a force of two legions
made the Channel crossing to Dover. After being battered to near disaster
by tides, storms and hostile Celts, Caesar returned to Gaul just in time
to suppress a revolt among the Belgae. Next year, in July of 54 BC, a major
force of five legions made a second invasion of Britain, advancing as far
as the Thames. Before a permanent camp could be established in Britain, however,
Caesar had to return to Gaul and spent all of 53 BC subduing the Belgae and
other rebellious tribes in the north including the Nervii, Menapii,
and Treveri near the Rhine, as well as the Senones and Carnutes.
Gallic rebellion the following year (52 BC) was led by the Arverni warrior
Vercingetorix. After several small sieges and battles, Vercingetorix and
the Gauls were cornered and besieged by Caesar at the oppidum of
Alésia. Through
51 and 50 BC, Caesar completed the Roman conquest of Gaul, including a siege
at Uxellodunum.
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