Map Description

Historical Map of the Siege of Gergovia - 52 BC (Part One)

Caesar's Campaigns in Gaul - The Gallic Wars


Illustrating:

Initial Maneuvers

• The Gauls Abandon Their Forward Positions:
  
  Vercingetorix, the Gallic leader, strategically ordered his troops to abandon forward, exposed positions, drawing them back into the fortified city of Gergovia. This was designed to make any Roman assault more difficult and to stretch the Roman forces, which were required to travel a long way to reach the city.
  
  
• Caesar's Feint:
  
  Caesar attempted a feint, leading a portion of his forces as if to attack another part of the city. This was intended to draw Gallic troops away from the sector he truly planned to attack.
  
  
• The Gallic Response:
  
  Vercingetorix saw through Caesar's feint. He kept the majority of his forces in place, only sending a small contingent to meet the diversionary attack, thereby preserving his defensive strength against the expected main Roman assault.
  
  

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

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