Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I, Chapters 36-37
George Young
4 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers Caesar's De Bello Gallico, Book 5, Chapters 36-37, focusing on translation and interpretation. It examines the context of the Roman revolt in Gaul, key characters like Ambiorix, Sabinus, and Cotta, and analyzes the negotiations and disagreements in Chapter 36 and the ensuing battle and Roman defeat in Chapter 37. The guide emphasizes understanding character motivations and the unfolding events.
AP Latin Study Guide: Comentarii de Bello Gallico, Book 5, Chapters 36-37
Welcome to your ultimate review for the AP Latin exam! This guide is designed to help you feel confident and fully prepared. Let's break down these chapters from Caesar's De Bello Gallico together. Remember, we're focusing on both literal translation and interpretation, just like the AP exam requires. Let's get started!
Navigating this Guide:
- Use the links to jump to specific sections.
- Pay attention to the
and
tags for crucial information.
- Don't just read; engage with the material. Try to translate the Latin yourself before checking the provided translations.
- Take a deep breath, you've got this!
Context and Setting
Key Background
- These chapters are from Book 5 of Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico, a key text for the AP Latin exam.
- We're in the midst of a tense situation: the Roman legions are facing a major revolt in Gaul.
- Ambiorix, a Gallic leader, has lured the Romans into a trap.
Characters
- Quintus Titurius Sabinus: One of Caesar's legates, known for his rashness.
- Lucius Aurunculeius Cotta: Another of Caesar's legates, more cautious than Sabinus.
- Ambiorix: The cunning Gallic leader who is orchestrating the ambush.
- Gnaeus Pompeius: Titurius' interpreter.
- Lucius Petrosidius: A Roman aquilifer (standard-bearer) who dies heroically.
- Titus Labienus: Another of Caesar's legates, who receives news of the disaster.
Understanding the characters' roles and motivations is essential for interpreting the text. Pay attention to how their actions contribute to the unfolding events.
Chapter 36: Negotiations and Disagreement
Original Passage
[36] 1 His rebus permotus Quintus Titurius, cum procul Ambiorigem suos cohortantem conspexisset, interpretem suum Gnaeum Pompeium ad eum mittit rogatum ut sibi militibusque parcat. 2 Ille appellatus respondit: si velit secum colloqui, licere; sperare a multitudine impetrari posse, quod ad militum salutem pertineat; ipsi vero nihil nocitum iri, inque eam rem se suam fidem interponere. Ille cum Cotta saucio communicat, 3 si videatur, pugna ut excedant et cum Ambiorige una colloquantur: sperare ab eo de sua ac militum salute impetrari posse. Cotta se ad armatum hostem iturum negat atque in eo perseverat.
Breakdown
- "His rebus permotus Quintus Titurius..." - Titurius is deeply troubled by the recent events. This sets the tone of panic and desperation.
- "...cum procul Ambiorigem suos cohortantem conspexisset..." - Titurius sees Ambiorix encouraging his troops from a distance. This visual emphasizes the Gallic strength and Roman vulnerability.
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Question 1 of 10
What event prompts Titurius to send an interpreter to Ambiorix? 🧐
The death of Lucius Petrosidius
Ambiorix encouraging his troops from a distance
Cotta's refusal to negotiate
A direct order from Caesar