The conqueror of Gaul, Julius Caesar, has been frequently studied and analyzed by historians. Some debate whether he had ulterior motives in his conquest of Gaul, while others praise his strategic skill.
In 52 BCE, Julius Caesar faces one of the toughest challenges of his life as he tries to suppress a rebellion by Celtic tribes in Gaul. The battles at Gergovia and Vercingetorix's growing military victories tip the scales in the tribe's favor.
Caesar's conquest of Avaricum resulted in the death of nearly the entire population of 40,000 people, with only 800 survivors. It is unclear whether this was part of Caesar's plan, but he strategically chose who would be shown clemency and who would be decimated.
In the midst of a critical situation on the right flank, Caesar rallies his troops by personally getting involved in the frontline, snatching a shield from a soldier, shouting encouragement, and giving his soldiers fresh hope and courage to continue fighting.
In this episode, Dan Carlin discusses Julius Caesar's military tactics during the Battle of Sabis in 57 BC, where Caesar's forces were ambushed by the Nervii tribe, but managed to turn the tide of the battle with their superior construction skills and terrain selection.