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The Conquest Of Gaul Sparknotes

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Allison McNeese
Origins of the Western Tradition
04/24/2016
Amy McGlynn
Book Review: Julius Caesar’s “The Conquest of Gaul”
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Between the years 58 B.C.E and 50 B.C.E., Gaius Julius Caesar conquered almost the whole of France as well as Belgium, Switzerland and parts of Germany; he also found time to invade Britain twice. Julius Caesar was a Roman statesman and general who played a critical role in the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. He amassed great power through clever political alliances and military victories. Caesar recorded his conquests in great detail which provides valuable historical text to refer to; however it must be kept in mind that it is a clear piece of propaganda. As the saying goes, the winner gets to write history. Nonetheless, Caesar’s writings are a unique firsthand source on his conquests in Gaul and the various Gallic tribes he came up against.
Central themes evident in his memoir are war, devotion and persuasion. Caesar was clear to outline in his commentaries how each of his campaigns was in the best interest of the republic. He depicted himself as a loyal servant to the Roman people and therefore portrayed his actions and decisions in the most favorable way possible. Those who would have read his work at the time would have felt inspired and consequently considered him a hero. Caesar’s books were intended to aid future historians in telling his story accurately and [in a way

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