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🏛AP Latin

6.1 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I, Chapters 24-26

6 min readLast Updated on June 18, 2024

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How to use this Study Guide:

Use this study guide as a refresher after instruction from your professional Latin instructor/teacher. As it is AP Latin, you will be expected to learn the grammar in class except for questions which we will go over again. The main purpose of this study guide is to provide 80% literal, 20% interpretative translations and to break down the text, context, and grammar. What interpretative means is that it is not the literal Latin translation but that it has been restructured in some way to better fit the modern English vernacular.

Comentarii de Bello Gallico, Book 5, Chapters 24-26

Original Passage

[24] 1 Subductis navibus concilioque Gallorum Samarobrivae peracto, quod eo anno frumentum in Gallia propter siccitates angustius provenerat, coactus est aliter ac superioribus annis exercitum in hibernis collocare legionesque in plures civitates distribuere. 2 Ex quibus unam in Morinos ducendam Gaio Fabio legato dedit, alteram in Nervios Quinto Ciceroni, tertiam in Esubios Lucio Roscio; quartam in Remis cum Tito Labieno in confinio Treverorum hiemare iussit. Tres in Belgis collocavit: 3 eis Marcum Crassum quaestorem et Lucium Munatium Plancum et Gaium Trebonium legatos praefecit. 4 Unam legionem, quam proxime trans Padum conscripserat, et cohortes V in Eburones, quorum pars maxima est inter Mosam ac Rhenum, qui sub imperio Ambiorigis et Catuvolci erant, misit. 5 Eis militibus Quintum Titurium Sabinum et Lucium Aurunculeium Cottam legatos praeesse iussit. 6 Ad hunc modum distributis legionibus facillime inopiae frumentariae sese mederi posse existimavit. 7 Atque harum tamen omnium legionum hiberna praeter eam, quam Lucio Roscio in pacatissimam et quietissimam partem ducendam dederat, milibus passuum centum continebantur. 8 Ipse interea, quoad legiones collocatas munitaque hiberna cognovisset, in Gallia morari constituit.

[25] 1 Erat in Carnutibus summo loco natus Tasgetius, cuius maiores in sua civitate regnum obtinuerant. 2 Huic Caesar pro eius virtute atque in se benevolentia, quod in omnibus bellis singulari eius opera fuerat usus, maiorum locum restituerat. 3 Tertium iam hunc annum regnantem inimici, multis palam ex civitate eius auctoribus, eum interfecerunt. 4 Defertur ea res ad Caesarem. Ille veritus, quod ad plures pertinebat, ne civitas eorum impulsu deficeret, Lucium Plancum cum legione ex Belgio celeriter in Carnutes proficisci iubet ibique hiemare quorumque opera cognoverat Tasgetium interfectum, hos comprehensos ad se mittere. 5 Interim ab omnibus legatis quaestoreque, quibus legiones tradiderat, certior factus est in hiberna perventum locumque hibernis esse munitum.

[26] 1 Diebus circiter XV, quibus in hiberna ventum est, initium repentini tumultus ac defectionis ortum est ab Ambiorige et Catuvolco; 2 qui, cum ad fines regni sui Sabino Cottaeque praesto fuissent frumentumque in hiberna comportavissent, Indutiomari Treveri nuntiis impulsi suos concitaverunt subitoque oppressis lignatoribus magna manu ad castra oppugnatum venerunt. 3 Cum celeriter nostri arma cepissent vallumque adscendissent atque una ex parte Hispanis equitibus emissis equestri proelio superiores fuissent, desperata re hostes suos ab oppugnatione reduxerunt. 4 Tum suo more conclamaverunt, uti aliqui ex nostris ad colloquium prodiret: habere sese, quae de re communi dicere vellent, quibus rebus controversias minui posse sperarent.

Questions about the Latin

  1. What is the subject of the verb "provenerat" in chapter 24, sentence 1?

  2. What is the case of the pronoun "eos" in chapter 24, sentence 3?

  3. What is the subject of the verb "interfecerunt" in chapter 25, sentence 3?

  4. What is the case of the pronoun "quos" in chapter 25, sentence 4?

  5. What is the subject of the verb "reduxerunt" in chapter 26, sentence 3?

Answers about the Latin

  1. frumentum

  2. Accusative

  3. inimici

  4. Accusative

  5. hostes

Translation

Chapter 24

The ships having been drawn up and a general assembly of the Gauls held at Samarobriva, because the corn that year had not prospered in Gaul by reason of the droughts, he was compelled to station his army in its winter-quarters differently from the former years, and to distribute the legions among several states: one of them he gave to C. Fabius, his lieutenant, to be marched into the territories of the Morini; a second to Q. Cicero, into those of the Nervii; a third to L. Roscius, into those of the Essui; a fourth he ordered to winter with T. Labienus among the Remi in the confines of the Treviri; he stationed three in Belgium; over these he appointed M. Crassus, his questor, and L. Munatius Plancus and C. Trebonius, his lieutenants. One legion which he had raised last on the other side of the Po, and five cohorts, he sent among the Eburones, the greatest portion of whom lie between the Meuse and the Rhine, [and] who were under the government of Ambiorix and Cativolcus. He ordered Q. Titurius Sabinus and L. Aurunculeius Cotta, his lieutenants, to take command of these soldiers. The legions being distributed in this manner, he thought he could most easily remedy the scarcity of corn and yet the winter-quarters of all these legions (except that which he had given to L. Roscius, to be led into the most peaceful and tranquil neighborhood) were comprehended within [about] 100 miles. He himself in the mean while, until he had stationed the legions and knew that the several winter-quarters were fortified, determined to stay in Gaul.

Chapter 25

There was among the Carnutes a man named Tasgetius, born of very high rank, whose ancestors had held the sovereignty in his state. To him Caesar had restored the position of his ancestors, in consideration of his prowess and attachment toward him, because in all his wars he had availed himself of his valuable services. His personal enemies had killed him when in the third year of his reign, many even of his own state being openly promoters [of that act] This event is related to Caesar. He fearing, because several were involved in the act, that the state might revolt at their instigation, orders Lucius Plancus, with a legion, to proceed quickly from Belgium to the Carnutes, and winter there, and arrest and send to him the persons by whose instrumentality he should discover that Tasgetius was slain. In the mean time, he was apprised by all the lieutenants and questors to whom he had assigned the legions, that they had arrived in winter-quarters, and that the place for the quarters was fortified.

Chapter 26

About fifteen days after they had come into winter-quarters, the beginning of a sudden insurrection and revolt arose from Ambiorix and Cativolcus, who, though they had met with Sabinus and Cotta at the borders of their kingdom, and had conveyed corn into our winter-quarters, induced by the messages of Indutiomarus, one of the Treviri, excited their people, and after having suddenly assailed the soldiers engaged in procuring wood, came with a large body to attack the camp. When our men had speedily taken up arms and had ascended the rampart, and sending out some Spanish horse on one side, had proved conquerors in a cavalry action, the enemy, despairing of success, drew off their troops from the assault. Then they shouted, according to their custom, that some of our men should go forward to a conference, [alleging] that they had some things which they desired to say respecting the common interest, by which they trusted their disputes could be removed.

Translation sourced from http://classics.mit.edu/Caesar/gallic.5.5.html

Wrapping these lines up:

Remember that despite these lines being a dry read, they describe the thought processes' of one of the greatest men in terms of power and influence in Roman history. Keep that in mind as you are moving forward.

Key Terms to Review (22)

Accusative: The accusative is a grammatical case used to indicate the direct object of a verb, showing who or what is receiving the action. It plays a crucial role in sentence structure, especially in Latin, by providing clarity on how different parts of the sentence relate to one another. In the context of Caesar's writings, the accusative is particularly important for understanding actions and their direct objects in his narrative style.
Ambiorix et Catuvolcus: Ambiorix and Catuvolcus were leaders of the Eburones and the Treveri, respectively, during the Gallic Wars. They played pivotal roles in the resistance against Julius Caesar's forces, particularly noted for their involvement in the ambush of Roman legions and their attempts to unite various Gallic tribes against the Roman invasion.
Belgio: Belgio is the Latin term for Belgium, a region that played a significant role in Julius Caesar's accounts of the Gallic Wars. It refers to the area inhabited by the Belgae, a group of tribes known for their fierce resistance against Roman conquest. Understanding Belgio is crucial as it illustrates the complexities of tribal alliances and conflicts in Gaul during this period.
Caesar: Caesar refers to Gaius Julius Caesar, a pivotal figure in Roman history known for his role as a military general, statesman, and key player in the events leading to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. His commentaries on the Gallic War provide a first-person account of his military campaigns and insights into his leadership style, strategies, and political maneuvers.
Carnutes: The Carnutes were a significant Gallic tribe known for their central location in what is now France, specifically around the region of modern-day Orleans. They played a crucial role in resisting Roman expansion during Julius Caesar's campaigns, particularly highlighted in his accounts of the Gallic Wars. Their actions, alliances, and conflicts with Rome shaped the dynamics of the Gallic resistance against Caesar's military efforts.
Carnutibus: Carnutibus refers to the people of the Carnutes, a Gallic tribe located in what is now north-central France. They are significant in the context of Julius Caesar's campaigns in Gaul, especially during his account of the Gallic War where they play a crucial role in the tribal politics and alliances against Roman expansion.
Civitates: Civitates refers to the city-states or communities within Gaul that had a certain level of autonomy and self-governance during Roman times. Each civitas was characterized by its own local government, laws, and customs, while still being subject to Roman authority. This system allowed the Romans to maintain control over conquered territories by integrating local cultures and leadership structures.
Comentarii de Bello Gallico: Comentarii de Bello Gallico, or Commentaries on the Gallic War, is a firsthand account written by Julius Caesar documenting his military campaigns in Gaul from 58 to 50 BCE. This work serves not only as a military history but also as a political tool that shaped public perception of Caesar’s leadership and justified his actions in the Roman Senate and among the Roman populace.
Esubios: Esubios is a Gallic tribe mentioned by Julius Caesar in his work, 'Commentarii de Bello Gallico.' They were located in the region known as Armorica, which corresponds to modern-day Brittany in France. Esubios are significant for their role in the broader context of the Gallic Wars, particularly during Caesar's campaigns in Gaul, as they demonstrate the resistance and challenges Caesar faced against various Gallic tribes.
Gaio Fabio legato: Gaio Fabio legato refers to Gaius Fabius, a Roman general and legate who served under Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars. His role as a legate involved commanding troops and executing Caesar's military strategies, which were crucial in maintaining Roman authority in Gaul.
Legiones: Legiones refers to the Roman legions, which were the primary military units of the Roman army, typically composed of about 4,500 to 6,000 soldiers. In the context of Caesar's writings, particularly in the Gallic War, these legions played a crucial role in Rome's military campaigns and conquests, showcasing their discipline, training, and effectiveness in battle.
Lucio Roscio: Lucio Roscio was a prominent Roman citizen known for being involved in legal and political matters during the late Roman Republic. He is notably recognized as the defendant in a high-profile murder trial that was famously defended by Cicero, showcasing the intertwining of law, politics, and social status in Roman society.
Lucium Aurunculeium Cottam legatos: Lucium Aurunculeium Cottam legatos refers to the legates sent by Lucius Aurunculeius Cotta, a Roman military leader, during the Gallic War. This term signifies a moment in the conflict where diplomatic measures were taken amidst the military challenges faced by the Romans. The actions of Cotta and his legates reveal insights into the strategies of communication and negotiation that were crucial for maintaining alliances and understanding enemy positions during the war.
Lucium Plancum: Lucium Plancum was a Roman officer who played a significant role in Julius Caesar's campaigns during the Gallic Wars. His actions are particularly highlighted in Book 5, where he is involved in critical military maneuvers and decisions that reflect the complexities of Caesar's leadership and the challenges faced by the Roman forces.
Morinos: Morinos refers to a group of people in Caesar's writings who were part of the larger Gallic tribes. In the context of the Gallic War, they are depicted as significant players in the resistance against Roman expansion. Their actions and alliances illustrate the complexities of tribal politics and warfare during this period.
Nervios: Nervios refers to the physical and mental strength or nerve of the Gauls as depicted in Julius Caesar's accounts. In the context of the Gallic War, it emphasizes the bravery and resilience of the Gallic tribes in their resistance against Roman forces, highlighting their determination and spirit in battle.
Quinto Ciceroni: Quinto Ciceroni refers to the fifth letter in the collection of correspondence by Marcus Tullius Cicero, a prominent Roman statesman and orator. This letter showcases Cicero's interactions and insights regarding political matters during a crucial time in Roman history, particularly in the context of his relationships with key figures and the shifting dynamics of power.
Quintum Titurium Sabinum: Quintum Titurium Sabinum was a Roman military commander who played a significant role in Caesar's campaigns during the Gallic Wars. He is notably mentioned in the context of his leadership and strategic decisions, particularly in the battles against the Belgae and other Gallic tribes. His contributions are crucial for understanding the dynamics of Roman military operations and alliances in this period.
Regnum: Regnum is a Latin term meaning 'kingdom' or 'realm,' often used to signify a form of governance or authority over a specific territory. This concept is crucial in understanding the structure of power and leadership in various ancient societies, including the political dynamics explored in the Gallic War. The term encompasses the ideas of sovereignty, rule, and the responsibilities of leadership, reflecting how different tribes and peoples sought control and stability within their regions.
Remis: Remis is a Latin term meaning 'by oars' or 'with oars,' referring to the use of oars for propulsion in naval contexts. In the narrative of the Gallic War, this term emphasizes the naval tactics and maneuvers employed by Julius Caesar and his forces as they navigated through various battles and engagements. The strategic use of oars was essential for controlling the movement of ships, especially during encounters with the enemy and in challenging waterways.
Tasgetius: Tasgetius was a prominent leader of the Carnutes tribe, known for his role in the Gallic War during the late 1st century BC. He was notable for being a client king under Roman influence, and his story reflects the complexities of tribal alliances and Roman intervention in Gaul.
Tito Labieno: Tito Labieno was a prominent Roman military commander and a close associate of Julius Caesar, who served as his legate during the Gallic Wars. Known for his loyalty and military skill, Labieno played a significant role in various campaigns against the Gallic tribes, helping to secure Roman dominance in the region.
Accusative
See definition

The accusative is a grammatical case used to indicate the direct object of a verb, showing who or what is receiving the action. It plays a crucial role in sentence structure, especially in Latin, by providing clarity on how different parts of the sentence relate to one another. In the context of Caesar's writings, the accusative is particularly important for understanding actions and their direct objects in his narrative style.

Term 1 of 22

How did Caesar's strategy for distributing his legions in winter quarters differ from previous years, and what was the primary reason for this change?

1 of 2

Key Terms to Review (22)

Accusative
See definition

The accusative is a grammatical case used to indicate the direct object of a verb, showing who or what is receiving the action. It plays a crucial role in sentence structure, especially in Latin, by providing clarity on how different parts of the sentence relate to one another. In the context of Caesar's writings, the accusative is particularly important for understanding actions and their direct objects in his narrative style.

Term 1 of 22

Accusative
See definition

The accusative is a grammatical case used to indicate the direct object of a verb, showing who or what is receiving the action. It plays a crucial role in sentence structure, especially in Latin, by providing clarity on how different parts of the sentence relate to one another. In the context of Caesar's writings, the accusative is particularly important for understanding actions and their direct objects in his narrative style.

Term 1 of 22

How did Caesar's strategy for distributing his legions in winter quarters differ from previous years, and what was the primary reason for this change?

1 of 2


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© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.