War is sweet to those who have never experienced it.(Dulce bellum inexpertis)
Making war is a trait of humanity. We might be unique in this. The Romans were absolutely masters of the way of war. Few who opposed them survived to tell of the event. Later, when other concerns weakened the empire it was those who learned from Rome's might that used it against the Romans. Which is why solving issues through war is a double edged sword, it swings in both directions.
Actions, not words (Acta non verba)
The past is often mistaken for being a time both simple, and uncomplicated. But the great people of the past often believed their destiny was fated. Julius Caesar filled the role of great man, and in the end, he was assassinated. What Caesar created, what he accomplished, was to birth a political state and empire system that went on to rule half of the world. Before that happened, he became known for his military prowess. And most of his enemies were slaughtered, and the enemy's society or culture, annihilated.
In Gaul (Gaul was composed of parts of modern day Switzerland, Belguim, Luxembourg, Germany and all of France) two very different peoples clashed. Julius Caesar tried to tame a land controlled by a people who were unwilling to be made to heel. By invasion and slaughter the Romans challenged the tribe of the Mandubii led by a lion fierce warrior, Vercingetorix.
Together the Mandubii stood, defiant, against Caesar and against his Legion. The Mandubii built up the walls of their last stronghold Alesia. Alesia became a great earthen circle fortress. The Gauls were a people great enough to be the source of resistance and rebellion for centuries. Alesia was to become a moment in time for all memory.
Vercingetorix was a great warrior, and leader. His Roman counterpart was Julius Caesar, a military mind, and power seeker, not a typical general nor typical man. Caesar was honed steel, a warrior born, a commander of men.Alesia was to be invested, that is, surrounded by Roman walls, and upon completion, the Legion began the siege. Local tribes, allies of Vercingetorix sent troops in great numbers, gathering on the hills nearby. Caesar's legion was now surrounded, from the inside, and after building new outer walls, from the outside. The center was filled with angry Mandubii, who were desperately trying to survive. The Romans now fought a battle, on both sides.
"Vercingetorix, having convened a council the following day, declares, "That he had undertaken that war, not on account of his own exigencies, but on account of the general freedom; and since he must yield to fortune, he offered himself to them for either purpose, whether they should wish to atone to the Romans by his death, or surrender him alive." Ambassadors are sent to Caesar on this subject. He orders their arms to be surrendered, and their chieftains delivered up. He seated himself at the head of the lines in front of the camp, the Gallic chieftains are brought before him. They surrender Vercingetorix, and lay down their arms." Julius Caesar
In the end it was Caesar stepping into the breached lines with his body guard who gave courage to the others. Some think him a politician, but first he was a general, and before that, a warrior. Surrounded on both sides, outnumbered as well, Romans fought with steel in their blood. And won the day. The enemy, few that remained or hadn't starved, surrendered. Their leader taken back to Rome, to become paraded about, as a prize of war.
