Thoughts on the military and military activities of a diverse nature. Free-ranging and eclectic.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Staff!

This is coolbert:

From the wiki on the Gallic Wars, we find the names of these men subordinate to Caesar:

* Titus Labienus.

"Titus Labienus (ca. 100 BC–March 17, 45 BC) was a professional Roman soldier in the late Roman Republic."

"Labienus acted as Caesar’s second in command during his escapades in Gaul and was the only legatus mentioned by name in Caesar’s writings about his first campaign. Labienus could be considered a military genius, rivaling Caesar himself in tactical command . . . He [Labienus] was also a skilled cavalry commander."

* Mark Antony.

"[took] part in the campaigns against Aristobulus in Judea, and in support of Ptolemy XII in Egypt. In the ensuing campaign, he demonstrated his talents as a cavalry commander and distinguished himself with bravery and courage."

"In 54 BC, Antony became a member of the staff of Caesar's armies in Gaul and early Germany. He again proved to be a competent military leader in the Gallic Wars"

* Quintus Tullius Cicero [younger brother of the great orator Cicero].

"He was a distinguished Roman soldier and administrator"

"Quintus was a brave soldier and an inspiring military leader. At a critical moment in the Gallic Wars he rallied his legion and retrieved an apparently hopeless position; for this he was commended by Caesar"

[being commended by Caesar WAS HIGH PRAISE INDEED??!!]

* Publius Lucinius Crassus Dives. [given the appellation of Dives, meaning "RICH"]

Was the son of Marcus Crassus. At the time, the richest man [Marcus] in the world! Publius was a skilled cavalry commander who fought with Caesar in Gaul.

"Publius appears in the "Gallic Wars" in the phrase 'Publius Crassus.' . . . one of legates who assist Caesar . . . During the battle between the Romans to the Germans of Arioviste, in the plain of Alsace, maybe near Cernay, he commanded cavalry and takes the initiative . . . This initiative ensures victory over Arioviste."

"The following year (57 BC. J.C.), Publius Crassus is sent with the 7th legion throughout Armorica the western part of Gaul between Seine-et-Loire . . . In September-October 56 [B.C.], Crassus is [in] Aquitaine . . . He defeated the Vocates and Tarusates [other Gallic tribes] . . . and thus ensures Rome submission of Aquitaine."

Both Publius and his father met a bad end!! Beheaded by the Parthians following the Roman defeat at the Battle of Carrhae. THE HEADS OF FATHER AND SON BEING PUT ON DISPLAY AND THE HEAD OF MARCUS USED AS A THEATER PROP!!

So Caesar during the Gallic Wars DID have very good subordinates he could rely upon for advice and command in battle. Even act indepedently when needed. As to a professional military staff that ran day-to-day affairs of the Roman legions?? This I am unsure about.

coolbert.

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