Why did Caesar build two walls?

It was the last major engagement between Gauls and Romans, and is considered one of Caesar’s greatest military achievements and a classic example of siege warfare and investment; the Roman army built dual lines of fortifications—an inner wall to keep the besieged Gauls in, and an outer wall to keep the Gallic relief …

Why did Caesar build a wall around Alesia?

Roman forces under the command of Julius Caesar besieged Alesia, within which sheltered the Gallic general Vercingetorix and his massive host. Caesar directed his troops to erect a series of extensive fortifications, including two walls encircling the city, to keep the defenders in and potential reinforcements out.

How long did it take Caesar to build the wall?

To guarantee a perfect blockade, Caesar ordered the construction of an encircling set of fortifications, called a circumvallation, around Alesia. The details are known from Caesar’s Commentaries. About 18 kilometres of 4 metre high fortifications were constructed in about three weeks (Wikipedia).

How did Caesar win the battle of Munda?

Aware of the danger, Gnaeus Pompeius removed a legion from his own right wing to reinforce the threatened left wing, which was a critical mistake. As soon as the Pompeian right wing was thus weakened, Caesar’s cavalry launched a decisive attack which turned the course of the battle.

What was the importance of the Battle of Alesia?

Alesia was the last major engagement between Gauls and Romans and marked the turning point of the Gallic Wars in favour of Rome. The siege of Alesia is considered one of Caesar’s greatest military achievements and is still one of the classic examples of siege warfare and circumvallation.

Where is modern day Alesia?

Alesia, ancient town situated on Mont Auxois, above the present-day village of Alise-Sainte-Reine in the département of Côte d’Or, France. Alesia is famous as the site of the siege and capture of Vercingetorix by Julius Caesar in 52 bc that ended Gallic resistance to Caesar.

Was Julius Caesar an optimate?

The Optimates among the senators spearheaded the senatorial opposition. These tribunes were supported by Populares politicians such as Gaius Marius and Julius Caesar, who were often patricians, or equites. The Populares reached the height of their ascendancy four times.

Why was Gergovia important to Romans?

Realizing that its mountainous location made a frontal assault risky, he decided to rely on his superior siege tactics. Upon arriving, Caesar discovered that there was a small hill that the Gauls held that was essential to their holding Gergovia itself. From there, they were able to provide water, grain, and forage.

What country is Alesia?

Is optimate a word?

(historical) A member of the patrician ruling class in republican Ancient Rome; an aristocrat, a noble.

What is the significance of the Battle of Alesia?

The Battle of Alesia or Siege of Alesia was a military engagement in the Gallic Wars that took place in September, 52 BC, around the Gallic oppidum (fortified settlement) of Alesia, a major centre of the Mandubii tribe. It was fought by the army of Julius Caesar against a confederation of Gallic tribes united…

How did Caesar defend Alesia against Vercingetorix?

As the entirety of Vercingetorix’s army was within the walls along with the town’s population, Caesar expected the siege to be brief. To ensure that Alesia was fully cut off from aid, he ordered his men to construct and encircling set of fortifications known as a circumvallation.

Why did Caesar refuse to celebrate Alesia’s triumph?

For Caesar, Alesia was an enormous personal success, both militarily and politically. The senate declared 20 days of thanksgiving for this victory but, due to political reasons, refused Caesar the honour of celebrating a triumphal parade, the peak of any general’s career.

How long did it take to build Julius Caesar’s fortifications?

The fortifications were completed in around three weeks. Concerned that the escaped cavalry would return with a relief army, Caesar began construction on a second set of works which faced out. Known as a contravallation, this thirteen-mile fortification was identical in design to the inner ring facing Alesia.