Julius Caesar: The Gallic War Books I-II

Books I-II of Julius Caesar’s The Gallic War narrate the campaigns of Caesar’s first two years in Gaul (58-57 BCE). These first years saw great success for Caesar. He repelled the Helvetii, who were attempting to migrate through Roman territory; he defeated the German tribes who had crossed the Rhine under the leadership of the arrogant Ariovistus, who had designs on conquering all of Gaul in his own name; and he suppressed an uprising among the Belgic tribes. Caesar portrays these victories as hard-fought against fierce enemies; through reported speeches and dispatches he demonstrates Ariovistus’ bold ambition, and he narrates his near-defeat at the Sabis River in vivid detail. Nevertheless, by the end his second year in the province, Caesar claimed that all of Gaul had been pacified, and he was awarded a fifteen-day thanksgiving by the senate.

This English translation faithfully represents the clarity and precision of Caesar’s Latin while also conveying the drama of Caesar’s narrative in a voice that modern readers will find lively and accessible. A substantial introduction orients the reader to the historical and literary context of The Gallic War as well as to the complicated political and authorial career of Julius Caesar. The commentary covers topics of historical, literary, and linguistic interest, providing support to readers of both the English and Latin texts.