Map Description

Historical Map of Caesar's Campaign Against the Belgae 57 / 56 BC


Illustrating - Operations against the Nervii and others

Inset: 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.

Furthermore, Mont Beuvray (not Beauvray) is not with Bibrax in the north, but with Bibracte in the south, approx. 100 miles west of Dijon.



:: Publius Crassus ::

Crassus served under Caesar in Gaul from 58 to 56 BC. Although he was quite young and didn't have a formal commission from the Senate, he distinguished himself in military actions. He was likely serving as a military tribune, which was a standard path for young Roman aristocrats to gain military experience.

In 57 BC, Caesar put Crassus in charge of the 7th legion and sent him to Armorica (Brittany). He was successful in subduing the local tribes.

In 56 BC, Crassus was sent to Aquitania with twelve cohorts and cavalry to prevent the Aquitani from sending aid to the rest of Gaul. He defeated the Sotiates and Vocates.


:: Servius Galba ::

In 57 BC, Caesar sent Servius Galba with the Twelfth Legion and some cavalry against the Nantuates, Veragri, and Seduni tribes in the Alps. His mission was to open the pass of the Great St. Bernard. After some initial successes, Galba's legion was attacked, and he was forced to retreat. However, he ultimately negotiated with the Alpine tribes and established a secure route through the mountains.


:: Roman Winter Quarters 57 - 56 BC ::

After his Belgian campaign, Caesar's army established winter quarters along the Loire in 57-56 BC. See map the with a dotted line circled area around Orléans and Angers.

For a more detailed map of Roman winter quarters during this period, please refer to the historical map by T.A. Dodge.

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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