Overview of Caesar's Gallic Wars | Battle of Bibracte Basics
Battle of Bibracte Profile

The Battle of Bibracte was the first major battle in the Gallic Wars. It was fought in Gaul (modern France) by Julius Caesar in charge of 6 Roman legions against the Helvetii (whence the modern name of Switzerland, 'Helvetica') and allies during the spring of 58 B.C.
Julius Caesar in 58 B.C.:

When the Gallic Wars began, Julius Caesar was proconsul of the two Gallic provinces, Transalpine and Cisalpine Gaul [see map], as well as Illyria [see map].

Roman Relations With Gaul:

Ever since the Roman defeat at the Battle of the Allia, the Romans had held a grudge against the Celts/Gauls. Despite this, they lived as neighbors and had entered into treaties with one another.

The Romans had entered into treaties of friendship with the Gallic tribe of the Aedui and, more recently, with another Gallic tribe, the Suebi, led by Ariovistus, who were enemies of the Aedui.

Caesar's Gallic Wars began when Germanic tribes began pushing their way into Gaul by means of Roman and then allied territory.

Start of the Battle of Bibracte:

In 58 B.C. the Helvetii were about to cross Transalpine Gaul (Roman territory) on their route to the west of France. Caesar took the legion that was in the Transalpine province to head off the Helvetii. The Helvetii sensibly decided on an alternate route, but chose one across the land of the Romans' allies, the Aedui.

Roman Involvement:

The Romans demanded that the Helvetii stop, and more than that, show their cooperation by giving hostages.

The Helvetii refused and, instead, continued to cross the Aeduan land. There the Helvetii ravaged the land and so the Aeduans asked the Romans for help, calling on their friendship treaty. The Romans had their own motives. They wanted revenge for the historic defeat they had suffered at Celtic hands, and so agreed.

The Helvetii Go After the Romans:

Caesar's troops needed to be fed, so he took his troops to Bibracte, where he thought the Aedui would have an adequate store of grain. The Helvetii may have mistaken this for retreat because of other recent events, specifically the failure of the Romans to act when the praetorian Titus Labienus and two Roman legions took a hilltop but did nothing. Whether it was because they thought the Romans scared or thought they could separate the Romans and their provisions [Caesar suggests both possibilities], they went after the Romans from their rear.

Caesar Fights the Helvetii:

Caesar took to the high ground from where he could shower javelins on the enemy. After the javelins, they charged with swords and harrassed the Helvetii and allies to the point that they retreated up another mountain. The Romans pursued. After further fighting, the Romans gained possession of the Helvetii baggage train and the Helvetii withdrew. Without provisions, they had to surrender.

Settlement of the Battle of the Bibracte:

Caesar ordered the Helvetii and their allies, the Tulingi and Latobrigi, to return to their territories. Since they were without food, he also ordered the Allobroges to feed them.

Google Earth Bibracte

Next: Vosges Battle

Source:

Main source is an English translation of De bello Gallico, Caesar's Gallic Wars.

© N.S. Gill June 2007.