What role did hostages play in Roman control of Gaul?
Hostages were used as a form of leverage to ensure the loyalty and compliance of Gallic tribes. They served as a deterrent against rebellion.
What are some key differences between Gallic and Germanic cultures according to Caesar?
Gauls had Druids and practiced sacrifices, while Germans lacked Druids and believed only in visible gods. Germans were also more nomadic and warlike.
What was the significance of the Druids in Gallic society?
The Druids were a learned class who played a key role in religious rituals, education, and legal matters. They held significant influence in Gallic society.
How did Caesar portray himself in *The Gallic Wars*?
Caesar often wrote in the third person to create a sense of objectivity and to highlight his own leadership, strategic brilliance, and achievements.
What was the Roman attitude towards 'barbarian' cultures?
Romans often viewed 'barbarian' cultures as uncivilized and inferior, which justified their expansion and conquest as a civilizing mission.
What role did intertribal conflict play in Caesar's strategy?
Caesar exploited existing rivalries among Gallic tribes to weaken their collective resistance and maintain Roman control.
What does Acco's punishment reveal about Roman justice?
Acco's public flogging and execution demonstrate the harshness of Roman justice and the severe consequences for those who rebelled against Roman authority.
What was the significance of burning fields as a military tactic?
Burning fields was a tactic used to deprive the enemy of resources, discourage future rebellions, and assert Roman dominance.
What does the story of Publius Sextius Baculus illustrate about Roman values?
The story of Baculus highlights Roman courage, duty, and the willingness to fight for Rome even when sick or injured.
How did Caesar use descriptions of Germanic customs to justify his actions?
By portraying the Germans as barbaric and warlike, Caesar could justify his military campaigns as necessary for the security and stability of Gaul and Rome.
Explain the use of the ablative absolute.
A phrase consisting of a noun/pronoun and a participle, both in the ablative case, grammatically independent of the main clause. It provides background information.
Explain the use of the subjunctive mood in indirect questions.
The subjunctive mood is used in indirect questions to express uncertainty or dependence on the main verb of questioning.
Explain the use of the gerundive of obligation.
The gerundive (future passive participle) combined with a form of 'esse' expresses necessity or obligation. E.g., 'Mihi scribendum est' means 'I must write'.
Explain the sequence of tenses in indirect discourse.
In indirect discourse, the tense of the subjunctive verb in the subordinate clause depends on the tense of the main verb. Primary sequence: present/future main verb, present/perfect subjunctive. Secondary sequence: past main verb, imperfect/pluperfect subjunctive.
Explain the use of the dative of agent with the gerundive.
The dative of agent is used with the gerundive to indicate who must perform the action. E.g., 'Haec tibi facienda sunt' means 'These things must be done by you'.
Explain the difference between cum causal and cum circumstantial clauses.
Cum causal clauses explain the reason for the action in the main clause and use the subjunctive. Cum circumstantial clauses describe the circumstances surrounding the main action and use the subjunctive.
Explain the use of the accusative of duration of time.
The accusative case is used to indicate the length of time an action lasts. E.g., 'Multos annos regnavit' means 'He reigned for many years'.
Explain the use of the genitive of description.
The genitive of description is used with a noun to describe a quality or characteristic of something. E.g., 'Vir magnae virtutis' means 'A man of great courage'.
Explain the use of the partitive genitive.
The partitive genitive is used to indicate a whole from which a part is taken. E.g., 'Pars militum' means 'Part of the soldiers'.
Explain the use of the ablative of means.
The ablative of means indicates the instrument or means by which an action is performed. E.g., 'Gladio vulneravit' means 'He wounded with a sword'.
What is the meaning of 'legio'?
A large unit of the Roman army, typically composed of several thousand soldiers.
What is the meaning of 'hiberna'?
Winter quarters; the place where soldiers stayed during the winter months.
What is the meaning of 'obsides'?
Hostages; persons given as a pledge to ensure that agreements are kept.
What is the meaning of 'Druides'?
Druids; members of the learned class among the ancient Celts.
What is the meaning of 'equitatus'?
Cavalry; soldiers who fought on horseback.
What is the meaning of 'proelium'?
Battle; a military engagement.
What is the meaning of 'peditatus'?
Infantry; soldiers who fought on foot.
What is the meaning of 'oppidum'?
Town; a fortified settlement.
What is the meaning of 'commeatus'?
Supplies; provisions, especially for an army.
What is the meaning of 'consilium'?
Plan; counsel, advice, or a deliberative body.
