Caesar Characters

Orgetorix (Book 1)

Orgetorix (Book 1)

Helvetian leader, who conspires with other Gallic nobles to become king of Gaul. Persuades the Helvetii to begin their migration west. When his plans for power are discovered by the other Helvetii, he is captured, put on trial, escapes, and dies (probably commits suicide). Despite his death, the Helvetii continue with their migration.

Ariovistus (Book 1)

King of the Germans who escaped from a battle with Caesar at the end of Book 1.

Commius (Book 4)

King of the Belgian Atrebates, whom Caesar sent into Britain before the Romans invaded. The Britons had immediately arrested Commius, but they give him back to Caesar in 4.27.

Ambiorix (Book 5)

Leader of the Eburones. Tricks the Romans at least twice (by promising safe passage through his territory then ambushing them; by promising safety to Titurius Sabinus for a surrender conference and then killing him). Is portrayed as a good general who notices shifts in battle and then reacts to them swiftly (like Caesar does).

Catuvolcus (Book 5)

Leader of the Eburones along with Ambiorix.

Quintus Titurius Sabinus (Book 5)

Roman legate in charge of 1 legion and 5 cohorts in territory of Eburones. Argues for troops to leave winter camp when threatened by Ambiorix. Is an ineffectual general when the Romans are ambushed. Decides to surrender to Ambiorix. Is a moron because he allows Ambiorix to trick him multiple times. Is killed by Ambiorix's men. Is very un-Caesar-like.

Lucius Aurunculeius Cotta (Book 5)

Roman legate in charge of 1 legion and 5 cohorts in territory of Eburones. Argues for troops to stay in winter camp when threatened by Ambiorix. Is a good general when the Romans are ambushed. Refuses to surrender or meet with Ambiorix. Dies in battle. Is very Caesar-like.

Eagle-Bearers / Standard-Bearers

Book 4: The eagle-bearer encourages the hesitant Roman soldiers to follow, and he jumps down from the ship and plunges into the enemy. The soldiers are inspired and leap from the ship, following him.

Book 5: Lucius Petrosidius defends the eagle up until his death, throwing it over the rampart of the Roman camp in order to ensure its safety.

Quintus Cicero (Book 5)

Roman legate in charge of the winter camp in the territory of the Nervii. Replies to the demands of the Nervii much as Caesar would: that the Romans do not receive surrender terms from an armed enemy. Leads disciplined troops in a successful defense of their camp at the end of the sections of Book 5. Caesar portrays Cicero as an effective leader who is respected by his men.

Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus (5.44)

Are both competing for the same promotion, but put aside their personal differences to save each other in battle. Examples of Roman discipline and bravery. Their story offers a little comic relief in an otherwise grim description of battle.

Titus Labienus (Book 5)

Caesar's second-in-command. Was in command of a legion in the territory of the Treveri (very close to the uprising of Ambiorix and the Eburones). When Caesar requested that his legion join the two legions going to rescue Cicero's besieged camp, Labienus replied that he would not feel safe leaving the camp, because the Treveri had become hostile. Caesar agreed with Labienus' decision, showing that he respects Labienus as a leader. Caesar portrays Labienus as an effective leader.

P. Sextius Baculus (6.38 in English section)

Roman centurion who fought bravely and inspired other Roman soldiers, even though he had been very ill. He fought until he fainted from his wounds.

Vercingetorix (Book 7 in English)

Caesar had almost completed the subjugation of Gaul when Vercingetorix led a general uprising of the Gauls against him in 52 BC. Vercingetorix was named the king of the Arverni and general of the confederates. After an initial defeat at Noviodunum Biturigum, Vercingetorix used guerrilla warfare to harass Caesar's supply lines and cleverly offered to engage Caesar's forces on terrain unfavourable to the Romans. He successfully held the Arvernian hill-fort of Gergovia against an assault by Caesar. Vercingetorix followed up this victory with an attack on the Roman army, the failure of which compelled him to retreat with 80,000 troops to the prepared fortress of Alesia (in east-central France). Caesar, with a force of 60,000 men, laid siege to the fortress and was able to force its surrender after he had defeated the Gauls' reserve army in the field. Vercingetorix was taken to Rome in chains, exhibited in Caesar's triumph (52), and executed six years later. [from Encyclopedia Britannica Online]