Battle of Mulhouse
The Battle of Mulhouse was a significant military engagement during Julius Caesar's governorship, occurring within the context of his efforts to assert Roman control over the Gallic tribes in the region of Alsace. The battle arose as Caesar confronted Ariovistus, a Germanic leader aiming to consolidate power among local tribes. Initially, Ariovistus attempted to leverage his forces' mobility to disrupt Caesar's logistics, but Caesar managed to establish a fortified position to protect his supply lines. Through inspiring leadership and strategic maneuvers, Caesar drew the German forces into a decisive confrontation. The battle culminated in a fierce attack from the Germans, organized in close formations, which Caesar and his legate Publius Licinius Crassus ultimately repelled. The victory not only fractured the Suevi alliance but also contributed to a prolonged period of stability for the Gallic tribes along the Rhine River. This encounter exemplified Caesar's military acumen and the effectiveness of having experienced commanders directly in charge of troops on the battlefield.
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Battle of Mulhouse
Type of action: Land battle in the Gallic Wars
Date: 58 b.c.e.
Location: The plains of Upper Alsace between Mülhausen and Thonn
Combatants: Four Roman legions and Gallic cavalry vs. approximately 6,000 German light infantry and 6,000 cavalry
Principal commanders:Roman, Julius Caesar, Roman governor of Gaul (100-44 b.c.e.); German, Ariovistus, king of the German Suevi (fl. 71?-58 b.c.e.)
Result: Nearly two-thirds of the German force perished
In the first year of Julius Caesar’s governorship, Ariovistus was consolidating his hold over the Gallic tribes in Alsace. Claiming that he was acting to stem a dangerous German advance, Caesar moved against the Germans at the Battle of Mulhouse. At first contact, Ariovistus tried to use his superior mobility against Caesar’s line of supply, but Caesar built a second fortified camp to guard his flank. To lessen the fear among his soldiers, Caesar employed inspiring rhetoric and daily forays to draw the Germans into battle. Their long-delayed attack came suddenly and with great force in seven closely formed columns that closed quickly with the Romans. Caesar personally led the Roman right, but it was the legate Publius Licinius Crassus who ordered in the reserves to hold the startled left and rout the Germans.
Significance
The battle broke up the alliance of the Suevi and initiated a long period of security for the Gauls along the Rhine. It demonstrated the boldness, speed, and energy that characterized all of Caesar’s Gallic campaigns. The initiative shown by Publius Crassus demonstrated the wisdom of having legates in direct control of battle units.
Bibliography
Bernard, Charlotte. Caesar and Rome. New York: Henry Holt, 1996.
Dodge, Theodore A. Caesar. New York: Da Capo Press, 1997.
Meier, Christian. Caesar. New York: Basic Books, 1982.