Siege of Alesia Lecture Notes

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key people, tribal entities, fortification terms, and military statistics related to the Siege of Alesia in 52 B.C.

52 B.C.

The year in which the Siege of Alesia took place.

Cavalry skirmish #1

An engagement where the Romans won and the Gauls suffered a slaughter while having difficulty retreating into Alesia.

Interior walls length

11 miles.

Exterior walls length

14 miles.

Orgetorix

The leader of the Helvetii.

Ambiorix and Catovaulcus

Leaders of the Eburones who slaughtered the Romans during the winter.

Vercassivellaunus

An Arverni and relative of Vercingetorix who served as the leader of the relief army.

Critognatus

A leader in Alesia who advocated for eating the weak to survive the siege, citing the Cimbri and Teutones (113-101 BC) as examples.

Dumnorix

An important member of the Aedui tribe.

Mandubii

The tribe that lived in the city of Alesia.

Aedui

Caesar’s biggest allies who eventually revolted against him.

Avaricum

A siege before Alesia that went well for the Romans, leading them to become cocky.

Gergovia

A siege before Alesia that went badly for the Romans because they did not listen to the retreat.

Normal Roman Legion

A military unit containing 6,000 soldiers.

Caesar's Roman Legion

A downsized military unit containing 3,600 soldiers (6/10 of normal size).

Stimuli

Sharpened iron hooks used in fortifications to catch the feet of infantry and cavalry.

Lilia

Also known as 'lilies,' these fortifications concealed sharp daggers underneath.

Cippi

Sharpened tree bushes designed to slow down approaching enemies.

Fossae

The ditches used in the Roman fortification system at Alesia.

Cervi

Branches that prevented enemies from climbing up the ditches.

Murae

14-foot high walls that greatly hindered approaching soldiers.

German Cavalry

Units sent by Caesar to chase the Gauls back after an attack intended to create an accordion effect in a valley.

Mons Rhea

A very steep hill where Caesar’s fortifications had a gap, which was later attacked by Vercassivellaunus and the relief army.

Labienus

An officer who, along with Caesar, looked for areas to shift soldiers to where they were most needed during the battle.