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Caesar, Gallic War, Book 6, Chapters 13–20

George Young

George Young

4 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers Caesar's De Bello Gallico, Book 6, Chapters 13-20, focusing on Gallic society. It examines the social structure (Nobiles, Plebes), the roles and beliefs of the Druids and Equites, religious practices including human sacrifice, and the influence of Germanic customs. Key concepts include the power dynamics between social classes, the importance of religion, and the cultural differences between Gauls and Germans.

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)

Social Structure (Ch. 13)

  • 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

Previous Topic - Caesar, Gallic War, Book 1, Chapters 1–7Next Topic - Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I