Alesia

Abstract In 60 B.C. Julius Caesar entered into a political alliance with the two most powerful men in Rome, Crassus and Pompey, forming the “Triumvirate.” The three ruled the Roman Republic together while at the same time each tried to maneuver himself into a position of dominance. In order to do this, wealth and political influence were necessary, but military experience and army support were vital. Crassus had experience, making himself famous by crushing the Spartacus slave uprising. He then assumed the governorship of Syria so he could gain more laurels and wealth in a war against the Parthians. He died trying. Caesar took the position of governor of Cisalpine and Transalpine Gaul (northern Italy and southern France), where he hoped to gain the military and financial power he needed. References: Julius Caesar, War Commentaries of Caesar, trans. Rex Warner (New York: New American Library, 1960); Will Durant, Caesar and Christ (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1944); Christian Meier, Caesar, trans. David McLintock (New York: HarperCollins, 1995 [1982]); Donald O’Reilly, “Besiegers Besieged,” Military History 9, no. 6, February 1993.