Here is Liber Quartus in context.
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Here, there are two groups, the Usipetes and Tenchtheri, who are driven out of Germany by the Suevi. One thing not conveyed well by this chart is that the Usipetes and Tenchtheri figure prominently through the book, until they are defeated in Chapter 15. These two groups are referred to as "they" in the text, so here is a good example of the kind of limitations one might expect from the use of just such a graph. Although, one ought to wonder whether or not these two groups would surpass Caesar in relative frequency. As such, however, they are the central enemy for almost 40% of this Liber.
The Suevi are the central enemies at about the 75% mark, and are defeated by Caesar in Chapter 27. As the book concludes, Caesar moves into Britain, where they have designs to fight the Romans on account of their lesser numbers. The following chart will give greater context to the end of Quartus.
The following chart involves a conspiracy to surprise the Romans as they come back to the European mainland from Britain for winter quarters. The Morini, seeing just some 300 Romans, surround and work to defeat them, but are scattered when the Roman cavalry comes to their aid.
It is worth noting that this chapter ends with 2 of the British clans giving captives to Caesar, the diplomatic currency of the day, and he received a special commendation from the Senate itself and the end here.
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The trend stands, and here would seem to be the highest point in the war for Caesar, given that he received a special commendation from the Senate. Note, however, that this was the year in which Pompey Magnus and Marcus Lucinius Crassus, the other two parts of the "first triumvirate," were Consuls. This might explain the particular triumph of Caesar at the end of this book.
Until next time, Valete,
Dominic Martyne
It would be helpful to those without knowledge of Caesar's exploits to have maps of his campaigns, or intended targets. The same could be said of his enemies. Overlaying ancient and modern maps, or including the names of each area/town in a single map, would make such an endeavor even more interesting. I also hope you will discuss what made the military targets attractive in your narrative section.
ReplyDeleteSuch things will be addressed in my narrative section concerning diplomacy. As for why Caesar goes against certain tribes, much his justification revolves around them revolting because they see Caesar as proof that the Romans want to dominate the region...which they're right. Many times they are shown to be treacherous and dishonest.
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