Map Description

Historical Map of Belgica (present-day Northeast France)


Illustrating:

Caesar's Campaign in Gaul

Erroneously stated on the map: Battle of the Sambre River - July 57 BC

Please note:

It is actually the Battle of the Sabis River (modern Selle River), and it was fought early August 57 BC.



In northern Gaul, during the Gallic Wars, Roman legions led by Julius Caesar fought the Belgic Nervii tribe, who inhabited territories in what is now northern France and Belgium.

The Nervii were known for their exceptional fighting spirit and austere lifestyle, having banned trade in wine and other luxury items to maintain their warrior ethos.


The Viromandui and Atrebates were Belgic Gallic tribes who fought alongside the Nervii:

• The Viromandui occupied territories in what is now northern France (near modern Saint-Quentin in Picardy). They formed the center of the allied Belgic forces during the battle.
  
  
• The Atrebates inhabited regions of modern-day Artois in northern France and parts of southern Britain. They formed the right wing of the Belgic coalition but were defeated relatively quickly by Caesar's forces, unlike the more resilient Nervii.
  

Caesar's army approached the Sabis River (modern Selle River, near modern Saulzoir) intending to make camp. Roman scouts had reported the Nervii were nearby, but the Romans underestimated their proximity and combat readiness.

The Nervii concealed their forces in dense forests on the opposite bank, waited until the Romans were dispersed and unprepared during camp construction, and launched a coordinated ambush across the river.

The Romans reorganized and the Nervii were decisively defeated, with Caesar claiming that of their 60,000 warriors, only 500 survived — though these numbers may be exaggerated, see below.

The battle effectively eliminated the Nervii as a threat to Roman expansion. It also served to consolidate Roman control over the Belgic territories, furthering Caesar's conquest of Gaul.



:: About the number of troops involved ::

Modern scholars significantly revise Caesar's troop numbers for the Battle of the Sabis River, estimating Roman forces at 30,000-40,000 (eight legions with auxiliaries) rather than 50,000+, and Nervii warriors at 20,000-30,000 instead of Caesar's claimed 60,000.

These revisions consider the region's logistical constraints, archaeological evidence, tribal population density analysis, and Caesar's documented tendency to exaggerate enemy numbers for political advantage.

Historians generally agree that Caesar inflated the Nervii forces to magnify both the threat they posed and his achievement in defeating them.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

Related Maps

This map is the inset of the Map of Caesar's Campaign Against the Belgae 57 / 56 BC

Related Links

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