GAUL OR BUST

We remember Gaius Julius Caesar from our schoolbooks for his conquest of Gaul, his consolidation of power over the Roman Senate and, ultimately, his betrayal and brutal murder at the hands of fellow Romans. Yet few are familiar with the Gallic wars Battle of the Sabis River, in which Caesar very nearly lost his army, his political ambitions and his life. Indeed, only his legionaries’ experience, training and individual initiative saved him from utter annihilation.

In 57 BC, his second year of campaigning in Gaul (centered on present-day France, Belgium and Luxembourg), Caesar focused on suppressing the northern tribes, either through diplomacy or by the sword. His legions had defeated the Helvetii confederation of Gallic tribes the previous year, and the general was determined to destroy any remaining rebel factions. That summer he faced his greatest obstacle in a tribal coalition led by the Belgic Nervii people, who refused to submit to Roman rule.

The leader of the Nervii, Boduognatus, had formed a Belgae/Gallic alliance of four tribes: Boduognatus’ own Nervii, the Atrebates, the Aduatuci and the Viromandui. The Aduatuci would not arrive in time to participate in the battle Boduognatus hoped would