Unit Browser for RTR: Imperium Surrectum

Short description

Superior but impetuous infantry with excellent stamina.

Description

In 107 BC, influenced by reports of gold and plunder available in southern Gaul and in Rome, the Helvetii had crossed the Jura Mountains and defeated a Roman army under L. Cassius Longinus near Agendicum. Five years later they joined the Cimbri and their allies in an attempted invasion of Italy but were repulsed by Marius. In 58 BC, under the pressure of mounting Germanic invasions, all the Helvetii, numbering almost 370,000, began a mass migration to what is now southern France. Caesar received ambassadors from the Helvetii who informed him that they simply intended to march through his territory en route to central Gaul. Recollecting the earlier embarrassing death and defeat of Lucius Cassius by the Helvetii, and doubting that they would actually march through the territory without harm to the area, Caesar began preparing for war.

Through reports, Caesar learned that the Helvetii had begun their trek across his province by crossing the river Saone. Positioning himself on a hillside to survey the upcoming battle scene, Caesar took an advantageous position. The Roman army engaged with the Helvetii and their Tigurini and Boii allies in the bloody, nine-hour Battle of Bibracte. The Helvetii warriors outnumbered Caesar's troops, but he had at the ready four legions of soldiers and was able to call upon two more, plus auxiliaries for the dispute. In contrast, while the Helvetii may have had more total people with them, their military force numbered only 110,000 men. At the end of the day, only 130,000 of their total numbers survived.