The Siege of Alesia

1. The Siege of Alesia Abraham Bluestone

2. Plot Summary • After narrowly losing to Caesar in battle,Vercingetorix retreats to the city of Alesia. • Before Alesia is completely surrounded, Vercingetorix sends messengers across Gaul to raise village levies to break the siege. • The Gaulish “conference” instead decides to send the remaining “professional” armies of each tribe. This totals around 240,000 men.

3. Plot Summary Cont. • Caesar creates a strong string of defences to maintain the siege.

4. Plot Summary Cont. • Caesar does learn of the new army though, and makes his fortifications double-sided, to stand against the new Gaulish army. • The Gauls in Alesia run out of food, and begin venturing into cannibalism at times. However, they know of the huge relief army.

5. Plot Summary cont. • Caesar engages in a cavalry battle with the relief force. The German allies prove decisive in this victory • There is a non-decisive midnight battle

6. Plot Summary cont. • Both Gallic forces attack the Roman lines. Caesar is now stuck between the two enemy forces.

8. Plot Summary Cont. • Through expert leadership and the bravery of the well-trained Roman Legionnaires, the line holds, and the Romans crush the barbarians

10. Points of Emphasis • Ability of Caesar’s generals • Strength/friendship of German “allies” • Bravery/Cunning/Influence of Vercingetorix • Himself • Charging into battle • Knowledge of siege equipment • Distribution of slaves

11. Caesar as Historian • Size of the Gallic Army • 248,000 relieving soldiers against Caesar’s 60,000 • Also 60,000 troops inside the city • Probably an exaggeration • Battle Details Themselves • Make Caesar look to be an amazing general/person • Distribution of slaves among all his supporters • Romans vastly outnumbered