2017/03/22 by Louis Rawlings · 4 citations
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Medieval European History and Architecture #Historical and Archaeological Studies #Historical Geopolitical and Social Dynamics #Battle #CONQUEST #Ancient history #History #Archaeology
paper · doi:10.1002/9781119099000.wbabat0450
openalex publication_date 2017/03/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/14
Abstract The Romans’ expansion in southern Gaul was intended to help its ally Massilia and open a land route to Roman possessions in Spain. In 121 bc the Allobroges were defeated at Vindalium, and a Gallic confederation was routed on the banks of the Isara. Around 118, the Cimbri and Teutones began their great migration, and in 113 they plundered tribes allied with Rome. After defeating the Romans at Noreia, by 110 the Cimbri and Teutones had entered Gaul, requesting leave to settle. They were unsuccessfully attacked again, and by 107 had been joined by Helvetian tribes. While pursuing these, a Roman army was ambushed and ignominiously surrendered at Aginnum. In 105, facing an even larger tribal confederation and suffering from divided command, the Romans were defeated at Arausio, causing panic in Italy. Marius was elected consul in the emergency, but the tribes turned on Spain instead. They marched on Italy in 102, but the Teutones were decisively defeated by Marius’ reformed army at the river Arc. The Cimbri could not be prevented from crossing the Alps, but in 101 they were brought to battle at Vercellae and again wiped out by Marius.