Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Chapters 47-48
Peter Clark
8 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers De Bello Gallico, Book 5, Chapters 47-48, focusing on Caesar's response to crisis, Labienus' predicament, and swift action taken. Key themes include leadership, communication, and crisis management. Grammatical points like ablative of time, indirect statement, purpose clauses, and fear clauses are highlighted, along with translation tips and practice questions covering these concepts and military vocabulary.
#AP Latin Study Guide: De Bello Gallico, Book 5, Chapters 47-48
Welcome to your ultimate review for De Bello Gallico! This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, focusing on key grammatical concepts, strategic translation, and essential context. Let's make sure you're fully prepared and confident for the exam. 💪
#🏛️ Context and Overview
#📍 Setting the Stage
These chapters from Book 5 of Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico are pivotal. They occur during a period of intense conflict and uncertainty, where Caesar is responding to significant setbacks and challenges. Understanding this context is crucial for interpreting the text and its implications.
#🧭 Key Themes
- Leadership & Decision-Making: Caesar's strategic thinking and quick responses are on full display.
- Communication & Intelligence: The importance of information and its impact on military operations is a major focus.
- Crisis & Resilience: The narrative highlights the Roman ability to adapt and persevere despite setbacks.
#📝 Detailed Breakdown: Chapters 47-48
#Chapter 47: Caesar's Response to Crisis
#🏃 Caesar's Movements
Hora circiter tertia: "About the third hour" - Caesar receives news of Crassus' arrival.milia passuum XX procedit: He advances 20 miles that day. Caesar is always on the move! 💨Crassum Samarobrivae praeficit: Caesar puts Crassus in charge at Samarobriva, a key supply depot.
- Why Samarobriva? It's where the army's baggage, hostages, public documents, and grain are kept. This shows the importance of logistics. 📦
Fabius...occurrit: Fabius, as ordered, quickly joins Caesar with his legion. Teamwork makes the dream work! 🤝
#⚠️ Labienus' Predicament
interitu Sabini et caede cohortium cognita: Labienus learns of Sabinus' death and the destruction of his cohorts. This is BAD news. 💀omnes ad eum Treverorum copiae venissent: All the forces of the Treveri have come against him. Labienus is surrounded! 😨veritus...si...fecisset: Fearing that a departure would look like a flight, Labienus knows he can't retreat.
litteras Caesari remittit: He sends a letter to Caesar, describing his perilous situation. Communication is key! ✉️omnes...copias...consedisse: Labienus reports that the Treveri are encamped only three miles from his...
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