Hello, and welcome to the History of Rome, episode 41B, The Gallic Wars.

Caesar's first year in Gaul had been a great success for both the Romans and the local tribes,

two invading hordes, first the Helvetii, and then the Germans, had been repulsed by

the legions.

Caesar was making a name for himself as a superb commander, and the balance of power among

the Gallic tribes had not been upset, so as the winner of 58 BC neared everyone was happy.

But Caesar was not in Gaul simply to act as a bodyguard for independent tribes.

He was in Gaul to conquer Gaul.

To this end, he did not withdraw back to his provinces on the Italian side of the Alps as

the Gauls assumed he would.

Instead, he ordered his troops to build winter camps and dig in.

These wooden forts dotting the countryside were a visible symbol of Caesar's true intentions.

Suddenly, not everyone was so happy.

But Caesar was a savvy general, and nothing if not a master politician.

He knew that the jig was up, that there was no use pretending Rome was not in Gaul to

stay, at least not when he met with the leaders of the Gallic tribes in private.

Some tribes swore instantly to resist Roman domination, but others were persuaded that

conquest was inevitable, and the only question was who would enjoy what privileges in the

new Roman order.

These were played rivals against each other, promising to settle ancient scores for one

side or the other, in exchange for support, intelligence, or troops.

What Caesar managed to achieve in the tent, prevented the Gauls from ever truly uniting

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