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BELLA GALLICA A CAESARE GESTA
58—51 a.C.
1:1 Camp'xitjnt aijain^l the Iltlct.tii nnd Arhrislui.
58. Aliout tlic iiiiililk' of March news reaches Caesar that the Helvelii, joincil by the Rauraci, the Tuliiigi, the Latobiigi and
also tlie Boii, liail begun to move towards (ienava, ready to cross the TUione.
Caesai- instantly leaves Konie, crosses the Alps ami reaches (ienava at the head of a legion in a week. He (lestroj's
the bridge by which the Helvetii were to cross, and fortifies the south bank of the Rhone between Lake Leniannus
and the Pas dc I'Ecluse.
In spite of refusal to pass through the Province, the Helvetii make an attempt to cross, but are prevented by Caesar's
force. They then induce the Se(|uani to allow them to puss through their territory after crossing the Pas de I'Ecluse.
Caesar, leaving Lalnenus to guard the lines on the Rhone, hastens to raise a new army in Cisaliiine Gaul, ami marches
back with this along the valley of the Dora Riparia and over Mt. Gemivre, through the valley of the Durance, past
Brigantio, Kpiprodunum and Vappincum. crosses the Isara and Rhone rivers, and encamps on the heights of
Sathonay, where tlie Rhone ami Suonc rivers meet. Here Labienus joins Caesar.
The bulk of the Helvetii had already crossed the Saone and entered the country of the Aeilui, who ask for Caesar's
aid. The rearguard of the Helvetii, about a fourth of their number, were gathered on the eastern side of the river,
in the valley of the Formaus, eleven miles to the north of Cae.sar's car.ip.
Caesar, by a niidniglit niareh, surprises the latter force, composed of the Tigurini. defeats and disperses Iheni. He
then bridges the river, and crosses his entire army to the right bank.
The Helvetii, attempting to negotiate and rejecting Caesar's terms, then niareh northwards, followed by
Caesar's army.
After intermittent skirmishes extending over a fortnight, and a vain attempt to surprise the Helvetii, Caesar marches
from Telonnum (Toulon-sur-Arrou.\) for Hibiacte, the capital of the .Acdni.
The Helvetii, who «ere far on their «ay i)ast Luzy, now tuvn and attack Caesar's rearguard three miles north of
Toulon. Caesar, holding them in check with his cavalry, .strengthens ids position, and in a |)itehe