Unit 4: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 4

Salvete Omnes 🏛️! We’re nearing the half-way point in the AP Latin curriculum (and we can’t wait to dive back into the curriculum once more with you!) This unit covers going into Book IV of the Gallic War.

Julius Caesar’s conquest ⚔️ for Gaul was obstructed by the opposition of the Britons. The Britons had supported the Gauls during Julius Caesar’s campaigns while the leading Gallic trade 💰supplier, the Veniti of Amorica, called in the Britons as allies. As arrangements were made to set forth for Britain, he set forth Gaius Volusenus, a tribune, to gather information on the Britons, although some merchants informed the Britons of Caesar’s intentions. Two legions and eighty transport ships 🚢 arrived, and the process of Roman disembarkation was in effect. Let’s see how this plays out.

The enemy clearly has the upper-hand ✋ as the Romans disembark and head towards land. The military advantage is initially shown for the Britons 🇬🇧, although Julius Caesar quickly takes control of the situation with his prestige expertise in warfare. Julius Caesar remarks on the impact of his decision unraveling within the following chapters.

As the problems of disembarking faded away, the Briton’s understanding of their geography proved to be another advantage against the Romans. Once the Romans made access to land, however, the Britons were over-matched in military strength 💪 and thought while the Britons pleaded for peace with the Romans. Peace was ultimately granted and the Roman intervention into their lands became apparent within these chapters.

As night fell in the winter night, Roman warships were ruined by the ocean’s tides and no food 🍕 was brought to the hungry Roman legions. The Britons understood the severity of their situation and planned on revamping the war effort upon the weakened 🤕 Romans or starving them out throughout the brutal winter. Although no war was waged, Caesar understood what could happen to them, and feverishly 🤒 attempted to strengthen the Roman legions once more. Will the Roman legions be strong enough to fend off the healthy Britons? Let’s take a look!