The story of his career in Gaul has been related by Caesar
himself in the famous Commentaries. This book describes a series of
military successes which have given the author a place among the world's
generals. Caesar overran Transalpine Gaul, twice bridged the Rhine and invaded
Germany, made two expeditions to Britain, and brought within the Roman
dominions all the territory bounded by the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Rhine, and
the Atlantic Ocean.
ROMANIZATION OF GAUL
Caesar's conquests in Gaul are more than a chapter in the
history of the art of war. They belong to the history of civilization.
Henceforth the frontier of prehistoric Europe retreated rapidly to the north.
The map of the ancient civilized world widened from the Mediterranean basin to
the shores of the Atlantic. Into the conquered lands came the Latin language,
the Roman law, and the customs and institutions of Rome. Gaul speedily became
one of the most flourishing parts of the Roman world. "Let the Alps
sink," exclaimed Cicero, "the gods raised them to shelter Italy from
the barbarians, but now they are no longer needed."
