Alesia 52 BC

The final struggle for Gaul

Nic Fields, Peter Dennis (Illustrator)

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QTY:

English

Osprey
20 June 2014

History; European history; Classical history & classical civilisation; Military history

Series: Campaign

52 BC is the key year of the Gallic Revolt, with the near-disastrous Roman defeat at Gergovia followed by the climactic victory over the Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix at Alesia.

In 52, BC Caesar's continued strategy of annihilation had engendered a spirit of desperation, which detonated into a revolt of Gallic tribes under the leadership of the charismatic young Arvernian noble Vercingetorix. Major engagements were fought at Noviodunum, Avaricum, and Gergovia, with the last action being the most serious reverse that Caesar faced in the whole of the Gallic War.

However, Vercingetorix soon realized that he was unable to match the Romans in pitched battle. Taking advantage of the tribesmen's superior knowledge of their home territory, Vercingetorix began a canny policy of small war and defensive manoeuvres, which gravely hampered Caesar's movements by cutting off his supplies. For Caesar it was to be a grim summertime – his whole Gallic enterprise faced disaster.

In the event, by brilliant leadership, force of arms, and occasionally sheer luck, Caesar succeeded in stamping out the revolt in a long and brutal action culminating in the siege of Alesia. Vercingetorix finally surrendered and Alesia was to be the last significant resistance to the Roman will.

Never again would a Gallic warlord independent of Rome hold sway over the Celts of Gaul.

By: Nic Fields
Illustrated by: Peter Dennis (Illustrator)
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 184mm, Spine: 8mm
Weight: 358g
ISBN: 9781782009221
ISBN 10: 1782009221
Series: Campaign
Pages: 96
Publication Date: 20 June 2014
Audience: General/trade , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction A Clash of Cultures Chronology Opposing Commanders Vercingetorix Caesar Opposing Armies Vercingetorix’s Army Caesar’s Army Opposing Plans Vercingetorix’s Plan Caesar’s Plan The Campaign The Siege of Avaricum A Close-Run Thing: Gergovia Noviodunum The Final Act: Alesia Aftermath Counting the Cost Vercingetorix’s Legacy The Battlefield Today Alesia Alternatives A Parallel in History Glossary and Abbreviations Bibliography Index

Dr Nic Fields started his career as a biochemist before joining the Royal Marines. Having left the military, he went back to University and completed a BA and PhD in Ancient History at the University of Newcastle. He was Assistant Director at the British School at Athens, Greece, and then a lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Edinburgh. Nic is now a freelance author and researcher based in south-west France. Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Reviews for Alesia 52 BC: The final struggle for Gaul

A great summary of an epic battle...This 96-page paperback profiles the opposing commanders, their armies and strategies before recounting the campaign and its aftermath. This book is extensively illustrated with drawings, maps, photographs and superb artwork created by Peter Dennis. --Toy Soldier and Model Figure magazine .. .outlines the most famous of all Caesar's campaigns: a battle that has a good amount of archaeological study behind it. It documents the end of one of the most serious resistances to his conquests: one which would change the face of Celtic control forever, and it adds color maps and illustrations throughout. The result is a powerful pick recommended for any military history collection. - James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review (October 2014)