"De Bello Gallico" and Other Commentaries

This edition of De Bello Gallico includes the full text in English, together with other commentaries regarding the internecine politics of Ancient Rome.

This book was devised by Julius Caesar as a means of gaining popular support amongst the plebiscite, securing his position against his cunning political enemies in Rome. The text details both the battles and the merits of imperialist expansion: together with fierce accounts of bloody warfare, we hear arguments for the advantageous nature of conquest in terms of gaining influence and resources.

Vivid accounts of Caesar's combat against the Gallic and Germanic tribes across what is now modern-day France and Germany abound in this book. The manner by which Julius Caesar, a keen battle commander and excellent tactician on the field, arranged his forces to minimise losses and maximise enemy casualties are told in brutal detail - ambushes, fort sieges and defences, as well as combat in wooded, rugged terrain are covered.

Rome's fierce expansionary efforts took place over the course of centuries, with some of the most notable opposition being in Gaul and Germany. Tribes, many of whom formed a loose unity against the Roman military advances, resisted Julius Caesar's efforts to conquer and pacify the native population. Conquest did not happen overnight; it was a years long process which occupied much of Caesar's reign as the supreme ruler of Rome.

Translated by classics scholar W. A. McDevitte, this edition remains as authoritative and well-regarded today as it did upon its original release to the public in 1915.