February–March 52 BC · Central Gaul (Bourges, Bituriges territory) Theater
February–March 52 BC
The great revolt of 52 BC began with a massacre of Roman merchants at Cenabum (Orléans) on the same night across all of Gaul — the signal for a coordinated rising. Vercingetorix, a young Arvernian aristocrat of remarkable political and military talent, had forged a coalition of tribes and adopted a strategy of denying Caesar supply by destroying towns and food stores. Avaricum (Bourges) was the Bituriges' capital and the richest city in Gaul; Vercingetorix wanted it burned but was overruled by the Bituriges who refused to abandon their home. Caesar besieged it through a freezing February, constructing a massive ramp and siege terrace of timber despite constant Gallic sorties and fire attacks. When a storm drove in the sentries one night, Caesar's legions poured over the walls. Caesar reported the city was put to the sword — out of 40,000 inhabitants, fewer than 800 escaped. Vercingetorix's prediction that the city could not be defended had proved correct.
Commanders