A different take on Caesar's Gallic War, chapter 1, book 4

From Ancient to Medieval Latin, then on to Modern English I’ve a slightly different take on chapter 1, Book 4….

From:

Ea quae secuta est hieme, qui fuit annus Gnaeo Pompeio, Marco Crasso consulibus, Usipetes Germani et item Tencteri magna cum multitudine hominum flumen Rhenum transierunt, non longe a mari, quo Rhenus influit. Causa transeundi fuit quod ab Suebis complures annos exagitati bello premebantur et agri cultura prohibebantur.

Sueborum gens est longe maxima et bellicosissima Germanorum omnium. Hi centum pagos habere di****ur, ex quibus quotannis singula milia armatorum bellandi causa ex finibus edu****. Reliqui, qui domi manserunt, se atque illos alunt; hi rursus in vicem anno post in armis sunt, illi domi remanent. Sic neque agri cultura nec ratio atque usus belli intermittitur.

Sed privati ac separati agri apud eos nihil est, neque longius anno remanere uno in loco colendi causa licet. Neque multum frumento, sed maximam partem lacte atque pecore vivunt multum sunt in venationibus; quae res et cibi genere et cotidiana exercitatione et libertate vitae, quod a pueris nullo officio aut disciplina adsuefacti nihil omnino contra voluntatem faciunt, et vires alit et immani corporum magnitudine homines efficit. Atque in eam se consuetudinem adduxerunt ut locis frigidissimis neque vestitus praeter pelles habeant quicquam, quarum propter exiguitatem magna est corporis pars aperta, et laventur in fluminibus.

To:

During the winter, in the year of Gnaeus Pompey and Marcus Crassus's consulship, the Germanic Usipetes and Tencteri, together with a large related rabble crossed the River Rhine not far from where it empties into the sea. This affair was due to the Swabians, whom for several years had stirred up war, overwhelmed, and prohibited their holding farmsteads.

The nation of Swabia is by far the largest and most warlike of all Germany. It's said they hold one hundred districts and every year from each, one thousand armed warriors are educed to expand their domain. Furthermore, remaining households feed the levy and themselves, one and all. Hence, these conscriptions are annually altered according to rank and correspondingly those once armed return home. Therefor, this routine insures that neither sustenance nor the pursuit of war is neglected.

Indeed amongst them are no private or separate homesteads. Neither are they allowed to remain in place to farm for more than a year. In fact, having few crops they normally live off milk and beef whilst many hunt. Herein events and rations daily give birth to the labors of freedom. They are as youth, unaccustomed to obligation or discipline; disinclined and altogether opposed to bring about a common will. To this end they nurture violence to produce a huge collection of savage humanity. All together, according to traditions developed in frigid realms of such great want, all wear not cloth but pelts, til hidden body parts expose to bathe amidst a running stream.

As one may note a result far removed from the traditional 19th century example.

McDevitte, W. A.,
and W. S. Bohn 1869

The following winter (this was the year in which Cn. Pompey and M. Crassus were consuls), those Germans [called] the Usipetes, and likewise the Tenchtheri, with a great number of men, crossed the Rhine, not far from the place at which that river discharges itself into the sea. The motive for crossing [that river] was, that having been for several years harassed by the Suevi, they were constantly engaged in war, and hindered from the pursuits of agriculture.

The nation of the Suevi is by far the largest and the most warlike nation of all the Germans. They are said to possess a hundred cantons, from each of which they yearly send from their territories for the purpose of war a thousand armed men: the others who remain at home, maintain [both] themselves and those-engaged in the expedition. The latter again, in their turn, are in arms the year after: the former remain at home. Thus neither husbandry, nor the art and practice of war are neglected.

But among them there exists no private and separate land; nor are they permitted to remain more than one year in one place for the purpose of residence. They do not live much on corn, but subsist for the most part on milk and flesh, and are much [engaged] in hunting; which circumstance must, by the nature of their food, and by their daily exercise and the freedom of their life (for having from boyhood been accustomed to no employment, or discipline, they do nothing at all contrary to their inclination), both promote their strength and render them men of vast stature of body. And to such a habit have they brought themselves, that even in the coldest parts they wear no clothing whatever except skins, by reason of the scantiness of which, a great portion of their body is bare, and besides they bathe in open rivers.


Any questions or comments?

I find the meaning of chapter 2 different, as well

From:

Mercatoribus est aditus magis eo ut quae bello ceperint quibus vendant habeant, quam quo ullam rem ad se importari desiderent. Quin etiam iumentis, quibus maxime Galli delectantur quaeque impenso parant pretio, Germani importatis non utuntur, sed quae sunt apud eos nata, parva atque deformia, haec cotidiana exercitatione summi ut sint laboris efficiunt.

Equestribus proeliis saepe ex equis desiliunt ac pedibus proeliantur, equos eodem remanere vestigio adsue fecerunt, ad quos se celeriter, cum usus est, recipiunt: neque eorum moribus turpius quicquam aut inertius habetur quam ephippiis uti. Itaque ad quemvis numerum ephippiatorum equitum quamvis pauci adire audent. Vinum omnino ad se importari non patiuntur, quod ea re ad laborem ferendum remollescere homines atque effeminari arbitrantur.

To:

For the most part merchants are given access to purchase that which they have seized in war, rather than their desire to import anything. These, rendered by mules which the Gauls take great pleasure to furnish at excessive cost, as the Germans use not theirs, for in truth those native born are small, awry, and only effect their daily toil though great lobor.

Concerning their cavalry in battle, from horseback they often dismount to fight on foot. Meanwhile their mounts remain fixed until which time they quickly recombine. This custom of employing their horse holds neither anything shameful or incompetent. Accordingly, saddled horsemen although few in number daringly strike as if from nowhere. Among these the intake of wine is entirely not permitted, as they say by its workings men grow soft and judgment’s gelded.

Traditional Rendering:

Merchants have access to them rather that they may have persons to whom they may sell those things which they have taken in war, than because they need any commodity to be imported to them. Moreover, even as to laboring cattle, in which the Gauls take the greatest pleasure, and which they procure at a great price, the Germans do not employ such as are imported, but those poor and ill-shaped animals, which belong to their country; these, however, they render capable of the greatest labor by daily exercise.

In cavalry actions they frequently leap from their horses and fight on foot; and train their horses to stand still in the very spot on which they leave them, to which they retreat with great activity when there is occasion; nor, according to their practice, is any thing regarded as more unseemly, or more unmanly, than to use housings. Accordingly, they have the courage, though they be themselves but few, to advance against any number whatever of horse mounted with housings. They on no account permit wine to be imported to them, because they consider that men degenerate in their powers of enduring fatigue, and are rendered effeminate by that commodity.

The thing about Ancient Romans is they were a people of few words, but many Latin phrases. Unfortunately, these Latin phrases are often tricky to translate directually into Modern English.


Chapter 3

Publice maximam putant esse laudem quam latissime a suis finibus vacare agros: hac re significari magnum numerum civitatum suam vim sustinere non posse. Itaque una ex parte a Suebis circiter milia passuum C agri vacare di****ur.

Ad alteram partem succedunt Ubii, quorum fuit civitas ampla atque florens, ut est captus Germanorum; et paulo, quamquam sunt eiusdem generis, sunt ceteris humaniores, propterea quod Rhenum attingunt multum ad eos mercatores ventitant et ipsi propter propinquitatem quod Gallicis sunt moribus adsuefacti. Hos cum Suebi multis saepe bellis experti propter amplitudinem gravitatem civitatis finibus expellere non potuissent, tamen vectigales sibi fecerunt ac multo humiliores infirmiores redegerunt.

Rendering:

Far and wide with the greatest pride, it is publicly pronounced that adjoining territories are vacant lands. On this issue they reckon that a significantly large number of communities have had their power broken and no longer retain influence or might. Thus, it's said that in one direction the region beyond the Swabians is empty for about one hundred miles.

Next, in the other direction are the Ubians, as ample and prosperous a state as Germany may provide. Although only a small nation they are civilized. This because they largely border the Rhine where merchants regularly come and through proximity have become directly familiar with the Gallic manner. Often the Swabians severely test them in battle. Despite a great weight in numbers they are unable to expel this nation from it’s homeland. Nonetheless they are subject to tribute and are much weakened, reduced, and humbled.


Traditional Rendering

They esteem it their greatest praise as a nation, that the lands about their territories lie unoccupied to a very great extent, inasmuch as [they think] that by this circumstance is indicated, that a great number of nations can not withstand their power; and thus on one side of the Suevi the lands are said to lie desolate for about six hundred miles.

On the other side they border on the Ubii, whose state was large and flourishing, considering the condition of the Germans, and who are somewhat more refined than those of the same race and the rest [of the Germans], and that because they border on the Rhine, and are much resorted to by merchants, and are accustomed to the manners of the Gauls, by reason of their proximity to them. Though the Suevi, after making the attempt frequently and in several wars, could not expel this nation from their territories, on account of the extent and population of their state, yet they made them tributaries, and rendered them less distinguished and powerful [than they had ever been].



Chapter 4

In eadem causa fuerunt Usipetes et Tencteri, quos supra diximus; qui complures annos Sueborum vim sustinuerunt, ad extremum tamen agris expulsi et multis locis Germaniae triennium vagati ad Rhenum pervenerunt, quas regiones Menapii incolebant. Hi ad utramque ripam fluminis agros, aedificia vicosque habebant; sed tantae multitudinis adventu perterriti ex iis aedificiis quae trans flumen habuerant demigraverant, et cis Rhenum dispositis praesidiis Germanos transire prohibebant.

Illi omnia experti, cum neque vi contendere propter inopiam navium neque clam transire propter custodias Menapiorum possent, reverti se in suas sedes regiones simulaverunt et tridui viam progressi rursus reverterunt atque omni hoc itinere una nocte equitatu confecto inscios inopinantes Menapios oppresserunt, qui de Germanorum discessu per exploratores certiores facti sine metu trans Rhenum in suos vicos remigraverant. His interfectis navibus eorum occupatis, prius quam ea pars Menapiorum quae citra Rhenum erat certior fieret, flumen transierunt atque omnibus eorum aedificiis occupatis reliquam partem hiemis se eorum copiis aluerunt.


Rendering:

In similar circumstances were the Usipetes and Tencterians of whom I'll say more. For many years they matched the might of Swabia to the utmost. Yet, eventually they were expelled from their territory, as were many of their German neighbors. They wandered three years until reaching the Rhine, in the region where the Menapians reside. Divided by river banks, here the latter had settlements; however as so great a number arrived they were freighted out of their forts to withdraw across the channel, and on the near-side of the Rhine positioned a force to prevent the Germans from crossing.

As a whole the Germans attempted this, however lacking boats their assult could not focus nor cross in secret because of Menapia’s extensive defense. Thus they pretended to turn back on the road to their homeland, progressing three days only to swichback along this same route. That night only their horse advanced and undetected overwhelmed the unsuspecting Menapians, whoes reconnaissance had inspired their greater part to withdrawn from Germany. Without apprehension they returned to the near-side of the Rhine and their homes. Destroying the rearguard the enemy seized their boats, and proceeded to firmly take only that part of Menapia along the Rhine. Next they crossed the river in mass and seized the remaining forts of the district, there to winter abundantly supplied.


Traditional Rendering

In the same condition were the Usipetes and the Tenchtheri (whom we have mentioned above), who, for many years, resisted the power of the Suevi, but being at last driven from their possessions, and having wandered through many parts of Germany, came to the Rhine, to districts which the Menapii inhabited, and where they had lands, houses, and villages on either side of the river. The latter people, alarmed by the arrival of so great a multitude, removed from those houses which they had on the other side of the river, and having placed guards on this side the Rhine, proceeded to hinder the Germans from crossing.

They, finding themselves, after they had tried all means, unable either to force a passage on account of their deficiency in shipping, or cross by stealth on account of the guards of the Menapii, pretended to return to their own settlements and districts; and, after having proceeded three days' march, returned; and their cavalry having performed the whole of this journey in one night, cut off the Menapii, who were ignorant of, and did not expect [their approach, and] who, having moreover been informed of the departure of the Germans by their scouts, had, without apprehension, returned to their villages beyond the Rhine. Having slain these, and seized their ships, they crossed the river before that part of the Menapii, who were at peace in their settlements over the Rhine, were apprized of [their intention]; and seizing all their houses, maintained themselves upon their provisions during the rest of the winter.

Comment:

I believe a careful reading of the opening chapters of Book 4 provides a brief account of a much larger story of early Nordic-German ethnic cleansing of Kelt populations east of the Rhine. In Chapter 4 we learn that Caesar calls them Germans and clearly points out that the Swabians are great trouble makers. Later Swabian accounts tell us they claim to have migrated by ship from southern Sweden to nothern Denmark where they aquired a huge herd of horses from an unnamed but weak nation. Next they crossed the Elbe River and comtinued on to settle in what is now southwest Germany. Apparentaly they were well established there by the time of Caesar's Gallic war (ie mid 1st Century BC) when he makes good use of their cavalry against Gallic armies.

The Swabians likely moved south from Sweden about the time of the Great Cimmberi/Teutones/Ambronesan migration (between 120 and 110 BC). The Swabians claim to have taken the land from a people called the Thuringians. Given the chronology most researchers suggest the use of the LR/EM Thuringi is a referrence to the ER Hermunduri-Herminones-Irminones, from which the former name appears to have stemed.

Again, Caesar called the Swabians Germani but he makes a clear distriction between them and other tribal groups east of the Rhein. He also called the Usipeti and Tencteri people Germans, but the word Germani is accually Latin for genuine, original, and untouched. Thus, this usage only gains meaning as the Romans knew, by local traditions, that the Gallic Kelts west of the Rhien, largely touched by Hellenic culture, where in fact a product of the traditional Geramic Kelts situated east of the Rhien. There is a vast mass of evidence that indecates that the Ubii, Cimmberi, Teutones, Ambronesan, and Herminones-Irminones were kelto-germanic as well.

Enough said for now, any questions?

Chapter 5

Caesar acquired reliable reports concerning these events. Dreading the weakness of Gaul, where often after quick debate change is eagerly seized reguardless of consequence. In fact, it’s the custom of these Gauls, to stop and gather round the unwilling traveler, each wanting to hear their route and familiarity with their business. Even at a regional stronghold the rabble gathers to inquire the merchant’s enterprise and compell response. Whereupon hearing such news they're often stirred to deep debate, and in the mist take unavoidably angry steps, served only by unreliable rumors, and the desire to shape a common response.

Chapter 6

As Caesar became more informed; this was seen not to be an immediate threat, and correspondingly he slowly proceeded forward with the army's replacements. Arriving there and learning the cause of recent events mistrust was fostered. Accordingly he disregarded a German delegation that requested no further advance on their settlements so that by the Rhine they may withdraw, warmly compensating each and every claim. This enticed by the hoped return of the broadly cast German horse that even then roved Condrusoria and onto the territory of the Eburoni, these the clients of Treveroria. From the summoned leaders of Gaul, Caesar concealed what was known to judge their sprit and resolve. Then he issued the horse levy and prepared to campaign against the Germans.

Chapter 7

With the collection of grain supplies and the levied horse, the line of march preceeded into territories monitored by the Germans. When only a few days away, envoys came and spoke that not before the Romans would Germans bring war, yet if drawn swords were offered, they would not refuse. This is the German custom as their ancestors bequeathed to resist war but not beg away nor avert a coming battle.

Nevertheless, reluctantly they said they came, expelled by masters, yet by grace would provide useful Roman allies. Either to assign new or permit them to keep territories seized by force-of-arms, that they had submitted only to the Swabians, whom clearly yield not even to the immortal gods. Centain having thus survived, by no means, none on earth would ever humble them again.

Chapter 8

To this Caesar devised a careful answer, speaking in truth that he was unable to form an alliance with them if they remained in Gaul. That in fact, those who can not hold their own, are incapable of seizing foreign lands. Nor were there enough vacant farms in Gaul, to be given to such a particularly large multitude without causing injury. However, if they wished to ask they may go into Ubioria and there take land, as their envoy was present to protest injuries from Swabia and ask for native troops to be commanded by themselves.

Latin Text:

Legati haec se ad suos relaturos dixerunt et re deliberata post diem tertium ad Caesarem reversuros: interea ne propius se castra moveret petierunt. Ne id quidem Caesar ab se impetrari posse dixit. Cognoverat enim magnam partem equitatus ab iis aliquot diebus ante praedandi frumentandi causa ad Ambivaritos trans Mosam missam: hos expectari equites atque eius rei causa moram interponi arbitrabatur.

Rendering

These things the envoys said they would report to their people, deliberate three days, and afterwards return to Caesar. They asked that in the meantime he not move his field camp nearer. To this, Caesar said he would certainly not comply, as in fact he had learned a large part of their cavalry was sent beyond the Meuse a few days prior to plunder forage. Thus, he assumed the converse, that the reason delay was sought was they awaited return of their horse.

Chapter 10

The Meuse flows out of mount Vosge, through the territory of Lingonia, and into this region to be received by the Rhine. There called Waal it makes the Isle of Batavia and flows into the ocean not more than 80 miles from it's junction with the Rhine. On the other hand the Rhine issues past the Lepontians, who inhabit the Alpes. And, in time progresses rapidly through the territories of Nantuatia, Helvetioria, Sequanoria, Mediomatricia, Tribocoria, and Treveroria, where on approaching the ocean it splits into several branches that form many large islands. It is said this region is occupied by powerful barbarous nations that accordingly subsist on fish and eggs. Considered remote and pathless here the river flows by many months into the ocean.

Chapter 11

When Caesar was no more than 12 miles from the enemy, their envoys returned as agreed, then accordingly argued with vigor asking no further advance. Unable to procure this, they asked to have the cavalry proceed in column to prevent a fight. That they may have the opportunity to send an envoy to the Ubians, and so their leaders and congress may in faithfully fashion swear a lawful oath of alliance, they asked Caesar to allow three days time to accomplished this thing. Caesar concluded that the delay of three days served the same purpose, compelled by the return of their absent horse. Nonetheless he proceeded no more than four Roman miles that day due to rain. That to this place the following day they will assemble a great crowd in order to examine their proposal. Meanwhile he ordered all the commanders of the cavalry to proceed, respond only if engaged, and hold until reinforced.

Chapter 12

However the enemy attacked, when first they caught sight of our cavalry, which numbered 5000. They had no more than 800 horse, as at this time those that went for forage across the Meuse had not returned. To the contrary our troops feared not because at the time of this ambush it was a day of truce and their envoy had only little before departed Caesar. As the assault unfolded, our troops were quickly thrown into confusion, then rallied and turned to hold, as is our tactic. When the enemy horse closed they leaped to foot and stabbed many of our mounts which tossed their riders down throwing all into rout. This therefor spread great panic and not as previously the retreat halted only when our main column came into their view.

As a result of this battle seventy four of our troops were killed, among these Piso a courageous man of Aquitanus, of a distinguished family by birth, who's grandfather was accorded by our senate’s decree a citizen and steadfast loyal friend. Consequently, its said that he saved his brother who was blocked by the enemy, and in rescuing him from harm, was himself thrown from his wounded horse, there to bravely make a stand until surrounded, and after receiving many wounds was cut down. When his brother who had withdrawn from battle saw this, he charged his horse into the enemy's midst and was himself layed low.

After initiating this attack Caesar now decided not to hear their envoys or receive terms, that they through deceit and treachery petitioned peace as a prelude to battle. In truth to wait until the enemy forces were augmented by the return of their horse would decidedly be great madness. Also considering the weakness of Gallic perception and now in the presence of this single battle how much had the enemy's prestige increased? Accordingly, it was decided that further discussion will not be allowed to take up time. With this business settled he jointly planned with the officers and quartermasters, not to miss a day of battle as opportunity presents.

On the following morning, at the appointed time of day and given route, all at once as prearranged by verbal order, into the field camp came a crowd, everyone a great German nobleman by birth, to employ more deceit and treachery. They made clear the cause and that as they spoke their desires in opposition to an attack, the engagement the day before likewise ensued. This was done only to deceive someone with regards to obtaining a truce. With this Caesar rejoiced, ordered them detained, then lead the entire field force out of the camp. Based on an estimate of their panic in recent battle the horse was ordered to proceed in support.

Chapter 14

They assembled in three columns of advance to more swiftly cover the march of eight miles, till they arrived before the enemies fortified camp. Our advance transpired before the Germans realized what had happened and was so sudden everyone panicked and scattered lacking time to organize or seize arms. Without leaders they were resigned to confusion as weather it was better to offer resistance by defending the fortified camp, flee, or attack.

Then a great dreadful roar arose that signified the charge of our troops, enraged by yesterdays treachery, as they broke into their fortified camp. It was at this place they took up arms and briefly resisted our troops, putting up a fight among the heavy baggage wagons. As they had passed over the Rhine with entire households, the remaining mob of women and children, fled everywhere. On these Caesar unleashed the cavalry to ride them down.

Chapter 15

Upon hearing a great clamor in the Germani rear, they looked and cast down their arms as proof they had abandoned warlike intentions, then poured out of the fortified camp. These desperate survivors fled until reaching the confluence of the Meuse and Rhine, where a large number were killed outright, conversely the rest plunged into the river, where by fear's exhaustion and pull of the current they parished.

After fear of so large a battle, with an enemy numbering 430,000 heads, accordingly our troops received only a few wounds, then returned to the field camp. Caesar prepared the departure of those held at the field camp, however in fear they begged that they would suffer cruel treatment from the Gauls whose territory they had plagued. They said they wished to remain among the Romans and freely submitted to Caesar.

Chapter 16

With the German war completed, accordingly a great occasion, Caesar decided to cross over the Rhine, as recent events dictated. Clearly, with the Germans so ready to strike into Gaul, he hoped that they would become fearful by this kind of act, when they realized the army of the Roman people dared to cross the Rhine.

Furthermore, to this region went the horse of Usipetes and Tencteroria; one may recall that as they had crossed over the Muse to pillage forage they were not present to fight. Afterwards they crossed over the Rhine into Sugambrorian territory, where they were taken in and joined with them. Next Caesar sent a messenger asking them to surrender those they had brought in after the battle in Gaul. They replied that the Rhine was the limit of the Roman state's authority. That if he did not think it was appropriate to invite the Germans to cross into Gaul, why did he require authority or power over anything beyond the Rhine?

However, throughout the Rhine valley only the Ubians sent envoys and provided hostages to Caesar for the propose of an alliance. With great enthusiasm they begged him to lend support troops as in truth they were severely pressed by the Swabians, even if he was otherwise occupied and prohibited by matters of state, then would only some axulities cross over the Rhine. Accordingly, they anticipated that the timely arrival of these troops into the balance would be about sufficient for the task. The defeat of Ariovisto and it's performance in more recent battle had greatly increased the name and fame of the army, now being known among even the most remote people of Germany. Thus, to maintain the reputation and alliance with the Roman people, they promised plenty of large boats to transport the army.

I've found the traditional translation confusing


Latin Text

Caesar his de causis quas commemoravi Rhenum transire decrevat; sed navibus transire neque satis tutum esse arbitrabatur neque suae neque populi Romani dignitatis esse statuebat. Itaque, etsi summa difficultas faciendi pontis proponebatur propter latitudinem, rapiditatem altitudinemque fluminis, tamen id sibi contendendum aut aliter non traducendum exercitum existimabat. Rationem pontis hanc instituit. Tigna bina sesquipedalia. paulum ab imo praeacuta dimensa ad altitudinem fluminis intervallo pedum duorum inter se iungebat. Haec cum machinationibus immissa in flumen defixerat fistucisque adegerat, non sublicae modo derecte ad perpendiculum, sed prone ac fastigate, ut secundum naturam fluminis procumberent, iis item contraria duo ad eundem modum iuncta intervallo pedum quadragenum ab inferiore parte contra vim atque impetu fluminis conversa statuebat. Haec utraque insuper bipedalibus trabibus immissis, quantum eorum tignorum iunctura distabat, binis utrimque fibulis ab extrema parte distinebantur; quibus disclusis atque in contrariam partem revinctis, tanta erat operis firmitudo atque ea rerum natura ut, quo maior vis aquae se incitavisset, hoc artius inligata tenerentur. Haec derecta materia iniecta contexebantur ac longuriis cratibusque consternebantur; ac nihilo setius sublicae et ad inferiorem partem fluminis oblique agebantur, quae pro ariete subiectae et cum omni opere coniunctae vim fluminis exciperent, et aliae item supra pontem mediocri spatio, ut, si arborum trunci sive naves deiciendi operis causa essent a barbaris missae, his defensoribus earum rerum vis minueretur neu ponti nocerent.

Rendering

For the reasons mentioned, Caesar decided to cross the Rhine, however it was agreed that a ship crossing would not be deemed sufficient to instill respect for him or the Roman people. Therefor, despite the utmost difficulties created by a proposed bridge relating to the width, depth, and current of the river, he nonetheless claimed that not by other means would the army be brought over.

Thus, a plan was devised for building this bridge. They joined paired timbers, each one and a half feet in diameter, with the bottoms slightly sharpened, and measured to match the depth of the river, to be spaced every two feet. Then engineers threw these into the river, sunk, and with rammers drove them in, not straight or nearly perpendicular like a stake, but leaning forward and angled as a wedge one against another rising up from the onward rush of water. Likewise in the opposite direction the timbers were joined in similar fashion above the water line. Next, two sets of braces spaced every 40 feet aligned on either side of the bridge were made. If upstream the barbarians threw logs, these defenses would reduce the effects, and not harm the bridge.

Traditional Rendering

Caesar, for those reasons which I have mentioned, had resolved to cross the Rhine; but to cross by ships he neither deemed to be sufficiently safe, nor considered consistent with his own dignity or that of the Roman people. Therefore, although the greatest difficulty in forming a bridge was presented to him, on account of the breadth, rapidity, and depth of the river, he nevertheless considered that it ought to be attempted by him, or that his army ought not otherwise to be led over. He devised this plan of a bridge. He joined together at the distance of two feet, two piles, each a foot and a half thick, sharpened a little at the lower end, and proportioned in length, to the depth of the river. After he had, by means of engines, sunk these into the river, and fixed them at the bottom, and then driven them in with rammers, not quite perpendicularly, like a stake, but bending forward and sloping, so as to incline in the direction of the current of the river; he also placed two [other piles] opposite to these, at the distance of forty feet lower down, fastened together in the same manner, but directed against the force and current of the river. Both these, moreover, were kept firmly apart by beams two feet thick (the space which the binding of the piles occupied), laid in at their extremities between two braces on each side, and in consequence of these being in different directions and fastened on sides the one opposite to the other, so great was the strength of the work, and such the arrangement of the materials, that in proportion as the greater body of water dashed against the bridge, so much the closer were its parts held fastened together. These beams were bound together by timber laid over them, in the direction of the length of the bridge, and were [then] covered over with laths and hurdles; and in addition to this, piles were driven into the water obliquely, at the lower side of the bridge, and these, serving as buttresses, and being connected with every portion of the work, sustained the force of the stream: and there were others also above the bridge, at a moderate distance; that if trunks of trees or vessels were floated down the river by the barbarians for the purpose of destroying the work, the violence of such things might be diminished by these defenses, and might not injure the bridge.

Latin Text

Diebus X decem, quibus materia coepta erat comportari, omni opere effecto exercitus traducitur. Caesar ad utramque partem pontis firmo praesidio relicto in fines Sugambrorum contendit. Interim a compluribus civitatibus ad eum legati veniunt; quibus pacem atque amicitiam petentibus liberaliter respondet obsidesque ad se adduci iubet. At Sugambri, ex eo tempore quo pons institui coeptus est fuga comparata, hortantibus iis quos ex Tencteris atque Usipetibus apud se habebant, finibus suis excesserant suaque omnia exportaverant seque in solitudinem ac silvas abdiderant.

Rendering

Ten days from the onset of timber collection till all work was do, and then the army was lead over. Caesar organized a standfast defence of entry onto the bridge, and then turned away to reduce the extent of the Sigambri. Meanwhile many civilians sent envoys to him; coming to negotiate peace as well as friendship, as they beset him with their desire for him to retain their children as hostage, he responded to induce them to do as he wanted. However from the time the bridge was put in place the Sigambri began to flee away. The arrival of the Tenchtheri together with Usipetes into their territory convenced them to depart with all their belongings and track into the solitude of the remote woodlands.

Traditional Rendering

Within ten days after the timber began to be collected, the whole work was completed, and the whole army led over. Caesar, leaving a strong guard at each end of the bridge, hastens into the territories of the Sigambri. In the mean time, embassadors from several nations come to him, whom, on their suing for peace and alliance, he answers in a courteous manner, and orders hostages to be brought to him. But the Sigambri, at the very time the bridge was begun to be built, made preparations for a flight (by the advice of such of the Tenchtheri and Usipetes as they had among them), and quitted their territories, and conveyed away all their possessions, and concealed themselves in deserts and woods.

Latin Text

Caesar paucos dies in eorum finibus moratus, omnibus vicis aedificiisque incensis frumentisque succisis, se in fines Ubiorum recepit atque his auxilium suum pollicitus, si a Suebis premerentur, haec ab iis cognovit: Suebos, postea quam per exploratores pontem fieri comperissent, more suo concilio habito nuntios in omnes partes dimisisse, uti de oppidis demigrarent, liberos, uxores suaque omnia in silvis deponerent atque omnes qui arma ferre possent unum in locum convenirent. Hunc esse delectum medium fere regionum earum quas Suebi obtinerent; hic Romanorum adventum expectare atque ibi decertare constituisse. Quod ubi Caesar comperit, omnibus iis rebus confectis, quarum rerum causa exercitum traducere constituerat, ut Germanis metum iniceret, ut Sugambros ulcisceretur, ut Ubios obsidione liberaret, diebus omnino XVIII trans Rhenum consumptis, satis et ad laudem et ad utilitatem profectum arbitratus se in Galliam recepit pontemque rescidit.

Rendering

After lingering a few days to burn houses found in villages and cut down their grain, Caesar went into the territory of the Ubii to demonstrate his personal pledge of aid, for now as ever they perceived the press of the Swabians. Beforehand, through spies the Swabians learned that a bridge was being built, and foolishly they announced an assembly, in every district they sent word that from their strongholds, with children, wives, and all they own, depart to the forest, come together in one place, and lay low with all the weapons they may carry. From any direction this gathering place was chosen to be in the heart of Swabia’s dominion, and along the expected line of the Roman march, as in this place they awaited in ambush. However, Caesar leaned of their design, and with the rationale for the army's advance over and occupation realized; cast the Germans into fear, punish the Sigambri, and free the Ubii from siege, the Rhine expedition would consume no more than eighteen days. Thus with the seeds of utility and fame sown, in self-defense he departed as witnessed, crossed back over into Gaul, and brought down the bridge.

Traditional Rendition

Caesar, having remained in their territories a few days, and burned all their villages and houses, and cut down their corn, proceeded into the territories of the Ubii; and having promised them his assistance, if they were ever harassed by the Suevi, he learned from them these particulars: that the Suevi, after they had by means of their scouts found that the bridge was being built, had called a council, according to their custom, and sent orders to all parts of their state to remove from the towns and convey their children, wives, and all their possessions into the woods, and that all who could bear arms should assemble in one place; that the place thus chosen was nearly the centre of those regions which the Suevi possessed; that in this spot they had resolved to await the arrival of the Romans, and give them battle there. When Caesar discovered this, having already accomplished all these things on account of which he had resolved to lead his army over, namely, to strike fear into the Germans, take vengeance on the Sigambri, and free the Ubii from the invasion of the Suevi, having spent altogether eighteen days beyond the Rhine, and thinking he had advanced far enough to serve both honor and interest, he returned into Gaul, and cut down the bridge.