Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy

AMBIORIX'S REVOLT AGAINST ROME IN 54 BC BELGAE, BRAVEST OF THE GAULS

During Caesar's conquest the Belgae were divided into many tribes based in fortified hilltop settlements, with frequently changing alliances. Within a martial social hierarchy built upon warrior reputations established through warfare, raiding, and looting, the richest men were usually the best armoured and probably also the best warriors. Most others would not have had fancy weapons or armour, and your armies should reflect this.

Contemporary histories (all Roman) suggest Gallic deployment was simple and tactics even more so. They would line up in one great mass of warriors and charge forward, hoping that the momentum of the charge would break their enemies’ lines; in practice, familial bonds and personal loyalties often would bind the men together into sub-formations. But evidence suggests that the armies of Gaul were quite capable of complicated battlefield tactics. Clearly, the Sack of Rome in the early fourth century BC had left a lasting impression.

AMBIORIX SETS HIS TRAP

In 54 BC, Ambiorix and Catuvolcus were the dual kings of the Eburones. They were ordered to supply grain to the nearby Roman camp, but a poor harvest put them in a predicament, causing the Eburones to revolt. A Roman foraging party was attacked and overwhelmed. The Belgae moved towards the Roman camp commanded by the legates Sabinus and Cotta,

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