The Roman Revolution

Caesar in Gaul

Gaul made Caesar, and he knew it. Over the course of ten years, Caesar won several brilliant victories and suffered a few chastening defeats. He crossed the Rhine River in 56, the first to bring Roman armies into Germany. He invaded Britain in 55, and quelled a major Gallic rebellion in 53-51. After the revolt, he organized and pacified Gaul, exercising full political and military control there.

Gaul brought Caesar mountains of gold. The barbarians were rich in precious metals and jewels, and he plundered them willingly. The plunder catapulted Caesar into the uppermost ranks of the wealthy. He rewarded his soldiers handsomely, bribed Senators right and left, and essentially purchased for himself a political career.

Gaul also gave Caesar a fiercely loyal army. He was an outstanding commander, creating in his men a devotion that outlived Caesar himself. He cared for them, watched out for their interests, rewarded them well, and gave them a long string of victories.

By the end of the Gallic rebellion in 51, Caesar had great wealth and the best army in Rome. He was in a position to dare anything, and he dared a great deal.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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