COM: Overview

Image: a statue of Julius Caesar with his right hand raised.Caesar: Commentarii de Bello Gallico Overview

Julius Caesar, while well known for his dictatorship and famous death, was a prolific writer. The most famous example of his writing were his Commentarii de Bello Gallico (Commentaries on the Gallic War), often just referred to as de Bello Gallico. This sweeping account of Caesar's time in Gaul is a primary resource, detailing what Caesar did during his 10 year expedition to this northern territory. As you read portions of the whole work (in both English and Latin), keep in mind what Caesar was aiming to do with his commentary. Why did Caesar write these commentaries? Who was supposed to read them? What exactly was Caesar doing in Gaul?

 Download: Study Guide

Please download the Caesar Commentarii de Bello Gallico Study Guide Links to an external site.. The study guide follows the module in order and should be viewed at first as a note-taking document, then later, as a review file.

Additionally, please download and begin reading the translation of Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico Links to an external site.. We will not be reading the full account, though you are welcome to read beyond the assigned passages. We will be focusing on Books 1, 6 and 7. Be sure to contact your instructor for any additional help with the content.

Essential Questions

  1. How do I increase my knowledge of Latin vocabulary?
  2. How do I look at an English word and understand its meaning based on my knowledge of its Latin root?
  3. What is the topic of Commentarii de Bello Gallico?
  4. Why did Caesar write the Commentaries?
  5. Who was the audience for Caesar's Commentaries?
  6. How do I read and translate authentic Latin passages from the Commentarii de Bellico Gallico?

Key Terms, Places and People

  1. Gaul (Gallia in Latin) - the main setting of Caesar's war commentaries; modern day France
  2. Ariovistus - a Gallic leader who lead a rebellion in Book 1
  3. Druids - a group of Gallic religious leaders
  4. Knights - a class of Gallic noblemen
  5. Germania - Germany, setting for parts of Book 6
  6. Vercingetorix - Gallic leader of a rebellion in Book 7
  7. Alesia - site of one of the most famous battles of the Gallic Wars (book 7)

ALL RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.