Roman Republic

Rome, Julius Caesar (=Caesar; fl.85-44 BC), Caesar’s Reduction of Gaul (58-56 BC): Nervii (Belgica), Sabis River (Boduognatus)

Caesar then marched northeast towards the Nervii, who with the Atrebates and Viromandui had decided to fight, and the Aduatuci (or Atuatuci) were to join them. In three days Caesar reached the north bank of the Sabis (=Sambre) River. The enemy were hidden on the opposite bank where the land was typically rough and wooded and suitable for the Nervii to fight in, who had an excellent infantry but little horse.

The usual formation for the march of the Roman army was for each legion to be followed by its own baggage. This had been reported to the Nervii, who reasoned that if they attacked the column when the first baggage-train came into view, they would probably be able to destroy it before the other legions could intervene. Knowing he was approaching the enemy, Caesar chose an order of march suited to his situation: the cavalry, followed by the six legions, the baggage and finally the baggage guard consisting of two new legions.

North of the river Caesar’s six veteran legions arrived at the campsite and began to build its fortifications; the ninth and tenth took position on the left (east); the eighth and eleventh took position in front; the seventh and twelfth took position on the right; the legionaries dispersed to collect wood for palisades, but with only a slender cordon of horse out as pickets; and some cavalry were sent across the river to drive off the Nevian vedettes (mounted sentries).

The signal for the Belgae attack was to have been the arrival of the first baggage-train behind the first legion. Now after waiting for it to appear they found themselves faced with not one legion, but six. Their plan of piecemeal destruction had to be abandoned, but believing their numbers more than adequate to deal with their enemy they emerged from their concealment, rushed down to the river, brushed aside the cavalry, forded the river and fell upon the infantry. 

The legions on the left (east) and centre drove the Atrebates and the Viromandui back across the river, but the legions on the right were rolled up in confusion by the Nervii led by Boduognatus. Caesar threw himself into their ranks and the two legions held their ground until Labienus, who had gained possession of the enemy camp beyond the ford, sent in the tenth and took the enemy in the rear. The Nervii resisted to the last, but were surrounded and almost annihilated.

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