Avaricum
The Bituriges oppidum of Avaricum sat on very fertile lands near what is now the city of Bourges. This fortified settlement was flanked by a river and marshland on most sides. Only a single, narrow entrance remained open for any assault. Julius Caesar described this terrain as making an effective blockade nigh impossible to create. The Roman army camped at the foot of the slope leading directly to the town in the winter of 52 BC.
Vercingetorix proposed avoiding battle with the far superior Roman army during the Great Gallic Revolt of 52 BC. He enacted a scorched-earth policy that destroyed all towns, crops and supplies in their path across central Gaul. The Gallic council agreed to this harsh strategy after suffering defeat at Vellaunodunum, Cenabum, and Noviodunum. The Bituriges pleaded with Vercingetorix to spare their capital because they argued it was impregnable. Vercingetorix reluctantly agreed and made Avaricum the only major town left in the region.
Caesar ordered his engineers to design siege works starting from high ground two days into the operation. Two flanking walls or ramps were built along with two towers carrying battering rams. Between these walls a 330 feet wide and 80 feet high siege terrace rose toward the enemy fortifications. Manlets protected the Roman work crews while Caesar deployed scorpions for covering fire. Construction continued for 25 grueling days despite sallies from the oppidum and attempts to set the ramps on fire.
The shortage of grain became so acute that the men ate only meat during the long winter months. This diet was rare for a Roman field army accustomed to eating bread and vegetables. Caesar's allies, the Aedui and the Boii, were unable to supply him with food. The former had quietly joined Vercingetorix in his rebellion while the latter simply did not have any food to spare. Thousands of auxiliaries, allies, mercenaries, slaves and camp followers struggled to survive on this meager ration.
A fierce storm struck after 25 grueling days of construction driving Gallic sentries to seek cover instead of standing watch. Caesar stealthily moved his soldiers into the towers and onto the siege terrace taking advantage of this lack of discipline. The walls fell quickly as the surviving Gauls retreated to the town centre to form a wedge formation. Panic struck the defenders who fled for wherever they thought an avenue of escape existed. Roman legionaries failed to descend from the walls and simply stood at ease watching the chaos unfold.
Caesar's legions were in no mood to spare any of the 40,000 Gauls within Avaricum after 25 days of short rations. Only 800 managed to escape the massacre that followed the breach of the city gates. Julius Caesar stated that almost all inhabitants were killed during the final assault. After feeding and resting his men at Avaricum until early June, Caesar moved on Gergovia. This campaign would eventually culminate in the Battle of Alesia against Vercingetorix.
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Common questions
Where was the fortified settlement of Avaricum located?
The Bituriges oppidum of Avaricum sat on very fertile lands near what is now the city of Bourges. This fortified settlement was flanked by a river and marshland on most sides.
When did Julius Caesar camp at the foot of the slope leading to Avaricum?
The Roman army camped at the foot of the slope leading directly to the town in the winter of 52 BC. Construction continued for 25 grueling days despite sallies from the oppidum and attempts to set the ramps on fire.
Why did Vercingetorix choose to defend Avaricum instead of destroying it like other towns?
The Bituriges pleaded with Vercingetorix to spare their capital because they argued it was impregnable. Vercingetorix reluctantly agreed and made Avaricum the only major town left in the region.
How many Gauls escaped the massacre that followed the breach of the city gates of Avaricum?
Only 800 managed to escape the massacre that followed the breach of the city gates. Julius Caesar stated that almost all inhabitants were killed during the final assault.
What happened after Caesar moved his legions onto the siege terrace following the storm?
Caesar stealthily moved his soldiers into the towers and onto the siege terrace taking advantage of this lack of discipline. The walls fell quickly as the surviving Gauls retreated to the town centre to form a wedge formation.