Caesar's Exaggerations and Omissions on Helvetian Migration during Gallic Wars

Question 1

Sacrifices

Answer 1

Exaggerates role of human sacrifices among Gauls (emphasize barbarity)

Question 2

Ambition

Answer 2

Overstates ambition of Gallic leaders, they want to usurp power in their own kingdoms, Caesar says they want control of all Gaul, Caesar’s oath and the first triumvirate?

Question 3

Exaggeration of Wall

Answer 3

Exaggerates how tall the Roman wall built along the Rhone river

Question 4

Aedui

Answer 4

Enlarges pillaging of the Aedui, kidnapping of children, lands being ravaged

Question 5

Allies

Answer 5

Overstates supposed pleas from Gallic allies of Rome for military intervention

Question 6

Proximity of Helvetian Settlement

Answer 6

Says not far from Roman province, is actually 200km away

Question 7

Omission of Gore

Answer 7

Does not describe gore in battle scenes, only tactical movements

Question 8

Reason for Helvetians Migration

Answer 8

Says Helvetians had to leave land because they were being attacked by Germans, at the end says they are to be settled back in their own lands (Germans did not take over?)

Question 9

Omission of Brutality

Answer 9

Caesar does not report the killing of innocents, yet the census taken at the end says many who migrated did not survive