Veni, Vidi, Vici: Caesar vs. the Helvetii
John Hammel, Moses Brown School
Historical Background
written by CTCWeb Editors
The bloody story of the conflict between the Roman army and the Helvetii is chronicled in book 1 of the De Bello Gallico by Julius Caesar. In 58 BCE, the people of Gallia Narbonensis (one of the conquered provinces of Gaul) were threatened by an oncoming invasion of the Helvetii, a Celtic people inhabiting what is now Switzerland. Caesar engaged in combat with the surging populace, whether out of protective impulses for the people of the Gallic province or out of political motives - knowing that a victory against the Helvetii would strengthen his future position in Rome.
Before the combat began, Caesar received ambassadors from the Helvetii who informed him that they intended simply to march through his territory en route to central Gaul. Recollecting the earlier ruthless death and defeat of Lucius Cassius by the Helvetii in 107 BCE and doubting that they would actually march through the territory without harm to the area, Caesar began preparing for war. The entire population of the Helvetii, about 360,000 people, surged into the Roman-controlled area. Through reports, Caesar heard that the Helvetii had begun their trek across his province by crossing the river Saone. After three-quarters of their soldiers had been transported across the river, the remaining Helvetii were attacked and massacred by Caesar’s soldiers. Quickly crossing the river with his men and approaching the mass of Helvetii, Caesar entered into fruitless diplomatic negotiations with the enemy soldiers. Ultimately, battle became inevitable.
Installing themselves on a mountain to survey the battle scene and take up an advantageous position, Caesar’s army engaged with the Helvetii in the 9-hour, bloody Battle of Bibracte. Caesar’s troops outmatched the Helvetii warriors; he had at the ready 4 legions of soldiers and was able to call upon 2 more for the dispute. In contrast, while the Helvetii may have had more total people with them, their military force numbered only 110,000 men. At the end of the day, 130,000 Helvetii were left alive, Caesar claims; approximately 65% of their population had been killed. These remaining people sent emissaries asking for peace to Caesar, which he conditionally granted. The conquered people were required to cede their weapons, the slaves who had deserted and some hostages; they were further required to return to their original land.
