ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the serious revolts faced by Gaius Julius Caesar in Gaul, to emphasize his tactical and inspirational qualities, and to argue that there was nothing easy or predetermined about Caesar's conquest of Gaul. The Theatre of Pompey, under construction since the great man's third triumph in 61 BCE, was Rome's first permanent theatre complex. He had advertised victory in Gaul in 56 BCE prematurely as it turned out, though no one was yet to know. He created an incredible personality cult and employed his personal charisma and the successes of the campaign to build an extraordinary level of morale within his Gallic legions. If not a military genius, then there is personal genius in what was accomplished in Gaul between 58-51 BCE. Victory was crucial to Caesar's aspirations, but it was by no means assured.
