Caesar's Proconsulship in Gaul (58-51 BC)

Shortly after the end of his consulship (59 BC) Caesar left Rome to take up his new position as Governor of Transalpine Gaul or Narbonensis (Provence), Cisalpine Gaul (plains along the river Po) and Illyricum (the Dalmatian coast) for the years 58-54. It was clear that Caesar planned to engage in a campaign of conquest of entire Gallia, Belgae and the Helvetii. Within Gaul the Haedui had been recognised as allies of Rome by the Roman Senate. The Haedui were attacked by Germanic tribes led by Ariovistus (who had himself been recognised as a king and friend by the Roman Senate during Caesar's consulship in 59). The Haedui petitioned Rome for help against Ariovistus and Caesar, as Governor and Proconsul, was authorised to deal with Ariovistus's threat. The main strategic issue was this. Ariovistus claimed the rights of conquest over parts of Gaul, arguing that Roman interests and authority extended only until Transalpine Gaul. But Caesar noted that German reinforcements in Gaul were continuing and it would be a matter of time before such enemy forces would be in a position to invade Transalpine and Cisalpine Gaul, and ultimately Rome itself. The Helvetii had defeated the Romans in 107 and earlier, in 387, the Gauls had sacked Rome. In 58, Caesar defeated the Helvetii in the Battle of Bibracte. Shortly afterwards Caesar defeated Ariovistus who never regained his former power and died in 54. Of course, eventually Caesar defeated Vercingetorix in the Battle of Alesia in 52. In 51 after winning the Battle of Uxellodunum, Gaul was 'pacified', as it were.

The origins of war in Europe are long standing, historic and complex. It is in this backdrop that the achievements of the EU must be assessed, especially reconciliation between Germany and France who have been historic foes. The Poles have been won round - but at what cost, one wonders, given the EU's propensity for horse trading.