Glossary
Ablative Absolute
A grammatically independent phrase consisting of a noun or pronoun and a participle (or sometimes an adjective/another noun) in the ablative case, providing background information or circumstances for the main clause.
Example:
Sole oriente (With the sun rising), the army began its march, a classic ablative absolute setting the scene.
Ambiorix
A leader of the Eburones, a Gallic tribe, who famously deceived and ambushed a Roman legion under Titurius and Cotta.
Example:
Ambiorix's cunning speech led the unsuspecting Roman legates into a fatal trap.
Aurunculeius
Lucius Aurunculeius Cotta, a Roman legate under Caesar, who advocated for caution and adherence to established Roman military protocol during the debate with Titurius.
Example:
Aurunculeius's prudent advice to remain in the fortified camp was tragically overruled.
Conflicting Opinions
A key theme in Caesar's *De Bello Gallico* where differing viewpoints and strategies among Roman commanders lead to internal debate and significant consequences.
Example:
The intense debate between Titurius and Aurunculeius exemplifies the conflicting opinions that could arise within the Roman command.
Ethos
A rhetorical appeal that establishes the speaker's credibility, character, or authority to gain the audience's trust.
Example:
Caesar often built his ethos by recounting his past military successes, demonstrating his experience and leadership.
Future Active Participle
A participle in Latin that indicates an action that is about to happen or is intended to happen, formed by adding *-urus, -ura, -urum* to the verb stem.
Example:
The general, profecturus (about to set out), gave his final orders, showing an action in the immediate future with a future active participle.
Gerundive of Obligation
A passive periphrastic construction formed with the gerundive and a form of *esse*, indicating necessity or obligation, often translated as 'must be done' or 'should be done'.
Example:
The general declared that urbs defendenda erat (the city had to be defended), expressing a strong gerundive of obligation.
Historical Context
The political, social, and military circumstances surrounding the events described in a text, crucial for understanding motivations and outcomes.
Example:
Understanding the historical context of Roman expansion into Gaul helps explain the constant tension and rebellions Caesar faced.
Indirect Question
A subordinate clause in Latin that reports a question indirectly, introduced by an interrogative word (e.g., *quis, quid, cur*) and containing a subjunctive verb.
Example:
The centurion asked quid agerent (what they were doing), demonstrating an indirect question reporting a query.
Indirect Statement
A grammatical construction in Latin where a verb of saying, thinking, or perceiving introduces a subordinate clause with an accusative subject and an infinitive verb.
Example:
The messenger announced Caesarem adesse (that Caesar was present), using an indirect statement to report the news.
Logos
A rhetorical appeal to logic and reason, presenting facts, statistics, or a seemingly rational argument to persuade the audience.
Example:
Titurius attempted to use logos by arguing that Caesar's absence logically explained the Gauls' boldness.
Pathos
A rhetorical appeal to the audience's emotions, aiming to evoke feelings such as fear, pity, or anger to persuade them.
Example:
The orator's vivid description of the impending famine was a clear appeal to pathos, hoping to stir the citizens to action.
Purpose Clause
A subordinate clause in Latin that explains the reason or intention behind the action of the main verb, typically introduced by *ut* (so that) or *ne* (so that not) and containing a subjunctive verb.
Example:
The soldiers fought bravely ut victoriam adipiscerentur (so that they might obtain victory), illustrating a clear purpose clause.
Rhetorical Manipulation
The strategic use of language and persuasive techniques to influence an audience's beliefs or actions, often for deceptive purposes.
Example:
Ambiorix employed rhetorical manipulation by feigning concern for the Romans' safety to trick them into leaving their camp.
Titurius
Quintus Titurius Sabinus, a Roman legate under Caesar, known for his rash decision-making and ultimately fatal choice to leave the winter camp based on Ambiorix's deception.
Example:
Titurius's insistence on immediate action, despite warnings, proved disastrous for his legion.