Dive into the final phases of Caesar's Gallic Wars as he recalls his transformation from politician to conqueror. Explore his tactical brilliance, including innovative siege strategies. Witness the aftermath revealing both his ruthless measures and the psychological impact on defeated foes. Discover how Roman rule reshaped Gaul culturally and economically, paving the way for Christianity's rise. Lastly, unravel the brewing political tensions that hinted at impending civil war, spotlighting rivalries that would change Rome forever.
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insights INSIGHT
Caesar's Truthfulness
Caesar's writing portrays himself truthfully, according to biographer Friedrich Gundolf.
He wrote with rare honesty about his essence, even if he spun other details.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Hirtius's Contribution
Caesar didn't write Book 8 of the Gallic War commentaries; his friend Aulus Hirtius did.
Hirtius emulated Caesar's style, offering valuable insights into Caesar's actions.
insights INSIGHT
Clear Communication
Caesar's clear communication, seen in his writing, also made him an effective leader.
Hirtius observed Caesar's skill in explaining plans to his troops, much like in his commentaries.
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In 'Colossus,' Niall Ferguson argues that the United States is the most powerful empire the world has ever seen, both militarily and economically. He compares the U.S. to the British Empire, noting that both aspire to globalize free markets, the rule of law, and representative government. However, Ferguson contends that Americans shy away from the long-term commitments of manpower and money necessary to effectively manage and transform rogue regimes and failed states. He describes the U.S. as an empire with an attention deficit disorder, imposing unrealistic timescales on its overseas interventions and refusing to acknowledge its global responsibilities. The book warns of the negative consequences of this chronic myopia, both domestically and internationally, and suggests that the eventual collapse of this empire may come from within due to its internal weaknesses.
The mantle of Caesar
Friedrich Gundolf
De bello Gallico
Commentarii de bello Gallico
Aulus Hirtius
Gaius Julius Caesar
This work is a detailed report of Caesar's military campaigns in Gaul, written in a clear and concise style. It consists of eight books, with the first seven written by Caesar himself and the eighth completed by Aulus Hirtius. The text provides valuable insights into Caesar's military strategies, the geography and population of Gaul, and the political and social context of the time. Despite its historical significance, the work is also noted for its subjective nature, reflecting Caesar's own interests and biases.
Caesar ties all loose ends in his Gallic Campaign, in part 8, the final episode of our series on Caesar’s masterwork of psychology, strategy, and propaganda: On the Gallic War (De Bello Gallico).
This is a world-history making story (the conquest of what’s now modern France), told by a world-history making storyteller.
Caesar entered Gaul as a mere politician. He returned 9 years later as a conqueror - and an enemy of the state. He tells how it all happened with his own pen.
In this episode:
Final skirmishes with the Bituriges and the Carnutes
Siege of a hill-fort, and Caesar takes arms (literally)
Conclusion of a bloody chapter, and some takeaways
Cost of Glory is an Infinite Media production — and big thanks to Dr. Richard Johnson of the great city of New York for sponsoring this episode and many others in this series!
Cost of Glory 
