November 54 BC · Belgica (modern Belgium, near Tongeren) Theater
November 54 BC
Ambiorix of the Eburones had been a client of Caesar's, receiving gifts and favors. In the autumn of 54 BC, with 15 cohorts — roughly 1.5 legions under Sabinus and Cotta — wintering in Eburones territory, Ambiorix approached the Roman camp under a flag of truce. He warned the two commanders that a great Germanic invasion was planned and advised them to march to the nearest Roman camp. It was an elaborate trap. Sabinus believed him; Cotta suspected treachery; they argued for days. Finally Sabinus prevailed and the column marched — directly into a valley ambush that Ambiorix had prepared. The Roman column was attacked from every side in broken, wooded terrain that nullified their disciplined formations. Both commanders died; the few survivors who reached a hilltop position fought through the night and committed suicide at dawn rather than surrender. Fewer than a handful escaped to tell Caesar what had happened.
Commanders