Battle of the Sabis

Positions of the Roman and Belgic forces in the Battle near the "Sabis" River, here corresponding to the Selle River

Campagne de César contre les Belges (Détail de la carte de la Gaule en 57 av. J.-C.)

Merbes-le-Château, Belgium: The river Sambre

Bataille de la Sambre entre César et les Belges en 57 av. J.-C.

La battaglia tra Cesare ed i Belgi del fiume Sabis del 57 a.C.

Sabinus's battle (Caesarː A History Of The Art Of War Among The Romans Down To The End, vol. I, 1892)

Battle of the Sambre River- from History Department, US Military Academy http://www.dean.usma.edu/history/web03/atlases/AncientWarfare/index.htm
Historical Overview
A near-catastrophic battle for Caesar. The Nervii surprised the legions during camp construction, but Caesar personally stabilized the front.
Quick Facts
Roman Republic
- Commander: Julius Caesar
- Strength: ca. 40.000 Mann (8 Legionen)
- Casualties: Hoch (ca. 2.500)
Nervii (Belgae)
- Commander: Boduognatus
- Strength: ca. 60.000 Krieger
- Casualties: Extrem hoch (ca. 50.000)
Strategic Context
Subjugation of the warlike Belgae tribes in northeastern Gaul.
Conflict / War
Gallic War
Related Literature
Historical Locations
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