#AP Latin Study Guide: Caesar, De Bello Gallico, Book 6, Chapters 13-20

Welcome, future Latin scholar! 🌟 This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for acing the AP Latin exam, especially when time is short. Let's dive in and make sure you're feeling confident and ready!

#How to Use This Guide

This guide is your personal review tool, focusing on the 80% literal and 20% interpretive translations, and breaking down the text, context, and grammar. Think of it as a conversation with a smart friend who knows their Caesar, rather than a dry textbook. Let's get started!

#Overview of Gallic Society (Ch. 13-16)

Two Main Classes:
- Nobiles (Nobles): Hold power, involved in governance.
- Plebes (Commoners): Treated almost like slaves, no political power.

Key Concept

Many commoners become vassals to nobles due to debt, taxes, or oppression.
- Nobles have absolute power over their vassals, similar to masters over slaves.
Two Important Orders:
- Druides (Druids): Religious leaders, judges, educators. 💡
- Equites (Knights): Warriors, wealthy, powerful.

#The Druids (Ch. 13-14)

Roles:
- Handle religious affairs (sacrifices, interpretations).
- Act as judges in public and private disputes.

Key Concept

Determine punishments (including excommunication from religious rites).
- Their decisions are final; those who disobey are considered outcasts.
Leadership:
- One leader with supreme authority, chosen by merit or election.
- Succession can sometimes lead to armed conflicts.
Education:
- Gather in a central location (Carnutes) once a year.
- Considered to have originated in Britain. 🇬🇧
- Students travel there to study.
Privileges:
- Exempt from war and taxes.

Quick Fact

Many join willingly or are sent by family.
Teaching Methods:
- Learn many verses by heart, some for up to 20 years.
- Do not commit teachings to writing to strengthen memory.
Beliefs:
- Souls are immortal and pass from one body to another.

Memory Aid

Think of it like a continuous cycle of rebirth, not just death.

* This belief encourages bravery by reducing fear of death. * Discuss astronomy, geography, nature, and the gods.

#The Knights (Ch. 15)

Warriors:
- Engaged in war, especially before Caesar's arrival.
- Wealth and influence determine the number of followers.
- Their power and influence are based on military strength and followers.

#Religious Practices (Ch. 16)

Devotion:
- Gauls are deeply religious.
- Practice human sacrifice for serious illnesses or dangers.

Common Mistake

Students often miss the severity of this practice.

* Druids officiate these sacrifices. * They believe that a life must be given for a life to appease the gods. * **Sacrificial Methods:** * Large wicker figures filled with living people and burned. * Criminals are preferred, but innocents are used when needed.

Practice Question

Practice Question Text