Glossary
Ablative Absolute
A grammatical construction in Latin consisting of a noun or pronoun and a participle (or sometimes an adjective or another noun), both in the ablative case, that functions as a subordinate clause, often indicating time, cause, or circumstance.
Example:
In the phrase 'Urbe capta, hostes fugerunt' ('With the city captured, the enemies fled'), 'Urbe capta' is a classic example of an ablative absolute.
C. Fabius
Gaius Fabius, one of Caesar's legates (legati) and a competent commander. He was assigned to quarter his legion among the Morini.
Example:
C. Fabius successfully led his legion to the territory of the Morini for their winter encampment.
De Bello Gallico
Julius Caesar's firsthand account of his military campaigns in Gaul, providing valuable insights into Roman military strategy, Gallic culture, and political maneuvering.
Example:
Students often translate passages from De Bello Gallico to understand Roman military strategy and the challenges Caesar faced.
Eburones
A small but significant Gallic tribe led by Ambiorix and Catuvolcus. Q. Titurius Sabinus and L. Aurunculeius Cotta were stationed among them, leading to a major uprising.
Example:
The unexpected and devastating uprising of the Eburones against Sabinus and Cotta marked a critical turning point in the Gallic War.
Esubii
A Gallic tribe to whom L. Roscius was assigned for winter quarters. Their location was somewhat isolated from the other legions.
Example:
L. Roscius's legion was sent to the Esubii, a tribe located further to the west, away from the main concentration of Roman forces.
L. Aurunculeius Cotta
Lucius Aurunculeius Cotta, one of Caesar's legates. He was assigned with Q. Titurius Sabinus to the Eburones and advocated for remaining in their fortified camp.
Example:
Despite his cautious counsel, L. Aurunculeius Cotta tragically perished alongside Sabinus in the Eburonian ambush.
L. Roscius
Lucius Roscius, one of Caesar's legates. He was assigned to the Esubii, a location somewhat isolated from the main body of legions.
Example:
L. Roscius was stationed with his legion among the Esubii, a tribe located further to the west.
Logistics
The detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation, especially military, involving the movement, supply, and maintenance of troops and equipment.
Example:
The poor harvest presented a significant logistics challenge for Caesar, forcing him to adapt his usual winter quartering plans.
Morini
A Gallic tribe located in coastal northern Gaul. C. Fabius's legion was assigned to their territory for winter quarters.
Example:
C. Fabius led his legion to the lands of the Morini, a tribe situated along the northern coast.
Nervii
A powerful and warlike Gallic tribe in northern Gaul, known for their fierce resistance to Caesar. Q. Cicero's legion was quartered among them.
Example:
Q. Cicero faced significant challenges while quartered among the formidable Nervii, who had previously fought Caesar fiercely.
Q. Cicero
Quintus Tullius Cicero, brother of the famous orator, and one of Caesar's legates. He was assigned the challenging task of quartering among the hostile Nervii.
Example:
The difficult assignment of wintering among the fierce Nervii fell to Q. Cicero.
Q. Titurius Sabinus
Quintus Titurius Sabinus, one of Caesar's legates. He was assigned with L. Aurunculeius Cotta to the Eburones, where their joint command would face a devastating rebellion.
Example:
The fateful decision to leave the camp was made by Q. Titurius Sabinus, against the advice of his colleague.
Remi
A Gallic tribe that was allied with Rome and remained loyal throughout the Gallic Wars. T. Labienus was stationed near them.
Example:
The loyal Remi provided a stable base for Labienus's legion, despite their proximity to the restless Treveri.
Strategic Decisions
The choices made by military commanders, like Caesar, regarding troop movements, logistics, and engagement, often influenced by political, environmental, and tactical factors.
Example:
Caesar's strategic decisions to distribute his legions were a direct response to the severe grain shortage and the need to maintain control.
T. Labienus
Titus Labienus, Caesar's most trusted and capable legate throughout much of the Gallic Wars. He was strategically placed among the Remi, near the potentially troublesome Treveri.
Example:
T. Labienus, Caesar's most reliable commander, was positioned near the volatile Treveri to monitor their movements.
Treveri
A powerful Gallic tribe located near the Rhine, often rebellious and a source of concern for Caesar. Labienus was strategically placed near their territory.
Example:
The proximity of the Treveri, known for their frequent uprisings, made Labienus's assignment particularly sensitive.
aliter ac superioribus annis
A Latin phrase meaning 'differently from previous years.' It highlights Caesar's deviation from his established military practices due to unusual circumstances.
Example:
The distribution of legions was handled aliter ac superioribus annis, reflecting the unprecedented logistical challenges.
hiberna
Latin for 'winter quarters.' These were fortified camps where Roman legions would stay during the colder months, often built in conquered or allied territories.
Example:
The soldiers worked tirelessly to construct and fortify their hiberna, preparing for the harsh Gallic winter.
inopiae frumentariae
A Latin phrase meaning 'lack of grain' or 'grain shortage.' This was the primary logistical problem that forced Caesar to change his winter quartering strategy.
Example:
The severe inopiae frumentariae threatened the Roman army's ability to sustain itself through the winter.
legiones in plures civitates distribuere
A key strategic action taken by Caesar, meaning 'to distribute the legions into several states.' This was done to alleviate grain shortages by spreading out the demand.
Example:
To combat the widespread famine, Caesar decided to legiones in plures civitates distribuere, scattering his forces across Gaul.
propter siccitates
A Latin phrase meaning 'because of the droughts.' This explains the environmental reason for the poor harvest and Caesar's altered winter strategy.
Example:
Caesar had to rethink his usual winter plans propter siccitates, which severely impacted the local grain supply.