Battle of Bibracte (Paperback)

The Battle of Bibracte was fought between the Helvetii and six Roman legions, under the command of Gaius Julius Caesar. It was the second major battle of the Gallic Wars. After following the migration of the Helvetii and defeating them, Caesar, around 20 June, moved towards Bibracte, (approximately 18 miles away from their camp) to obtain the supplies promised by his allies, the Aedui. Informed by deserters of Lucius milius commander of the cavalry the Helvetii took this occasion to turn and harass C]sar's rear guard. When C]sar observed this he sent his cavalry to delay the attack. He in the interim surmounted a near-by hill and set up placed the Seventh (Legio VII Claudia), Eighth (Legio VIII Augusta), Ninth (Legio IX Hispana), and Tenth legions (Legio X Equestris), organized in the Roman fashion (triplex acies), near the bottom of the slope. He did this so he could collect the Eleventh (Legio XI Claudia) and Twelfth (Legio XII Fulminata) Legions and all his auxiliaries at the summit. Also while this was going on he ordered the baggage train assembled in one location and ordered the men assembled at the summit to guard them.