Why read The Gallic Wars?

Book cover of The Gallic Wars

Book description

Originally composed for propaganda purposes, Julius Caesar’s The Gallic Wars (Commentarii de Bello Gallico) is one of the earliest examples of a military science manual, detailing arms technology, tactical maneuvers, battlefield politics, espionage, intelligence and even the role played by luck in ground and sea campaigns.

Explore

Topics

Genres

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Gallic Wars as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Robert Patrick Lewis

Author

It’s en vogue right now for people to joke about men constantly thinking about the Roman Empire, and this book may be one of the best insights into why that is.

Taken from Caesar’s own diaries during his conquest and pacification of Gaul (what is now Germany, Belgium, France, and even his first conquest to England), this book outlines his strategy, thinking, and leadership style. Like Alexander the Great, Caesar fought alongside his men, and would do everything that he could (like Alexander) to convince enemies to surrender or forgo battles where his army didn’t have the upper hand to…

From Robert's 3 favorite reads in 2023.