Historian Mike Duncan talks about the logistical challenges the Belgians faced during their revolution and how Julius Caesar was able to take advantage of the large, decentralized barbarian armies using his more centralized Roman logistical infrastructure in the Gallic Wars.
The rebellion against Rome by the Gallic tribes started with a massacre of Romans in a hillfort town which signaled to other tribes to join the fight. As the rebellion gained steam, even previously friendly tribes of Rome sided with the Gallic tribes.
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.
The Romans were known for their impressive logistical and organizational capabilities in warfare, including their ability to quickly set up impregnable fortresses, use artillery, and effectively feed their army on campaigns. These abilities gave them a significant advantage over their opponents, even when facing larger enemy forces.
Caesar faces a critical battle against the Belgians and Nervians, where he risks losing his troops and the fate of the Roman Republic. He maximizes his chances of becoming a casualty by helping the units most threatened.
The Volscian army threatened Rome in the early fifth century BC, a disgruntled Roman general named Corleonus led them through the legions and right to the gates of the city. The peak of the Volscian threat came early, around 491 BC and by the mid-480s BC, the threat had largely been contained.