Question About Caesar's Legions

[The Wolf]

Just wondering, how many legions did caesar use to conquer Gaul?

And what was Marc Antony's position exactly, what was he placed in charge of?

[Primus Pilus]

Caesar's legions in Gaul depends on what period of time you are talking about.

 

He started with 4 legions - VII, VIII, VIIII and X (which were already in Gaul) and recruited XI and XII for use against the Helvetii.

 

XIII and XIV were recruited for the war in Belgica.

 

XV was formed when XIV was destroyed in 53 BC. (which was also reformed)

 

Consular Legio I was sent by the Senate after 53 BC to help against Ambiorix.

 

During the war against Vercingetorix Caesar recruited V Alaudae and VI Ferrata.

 

Caesar operated with as many as 12 legions at the height of his command in Gaul.

 

A complete list...

 

I (Consular) - Sent by the senate in 53 BC

I - IV (Consular) - Recruited by Caesar in 48 BC

V (Alaudae) - Recruited 52 BC

VI (Ferrata) - Recruited 52 BC

VII, VIII, VIIII, X (Equestris) - Pre-existing legions in Gaul prior to Caesar's arrival

XI, XII - 58 - 59 BC

XIII, XIV - 57 BC

XV - 53 BC

XVI - XXX - 49 BC

XXXI - XXXIII - 48 BC

XXXIIII - XXXVII - from Pompey's veterans after Pharsalus

XXXVIII - XXXXVII - New recruits in 45 BC to replace Caesar's retired veterans.

 

In total, that's 48 legions in Caesar's career.

[FLavius Valerius Constantinus]

What an interesting find.

[The Wolf]

Thanks for the reply, Pilus.