Battle of the Arar
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Battle of the Arar | |||||||
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Combatants | |||||||
Roman Republic | Helvetii | ||||||
Commanders | |||||||
Julius Caesar | |||||||
Strength | |||||||
3 Roman legions | estimated at 250,000 (including tribal non-combatants) |
Gallic Wars |
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Arar - Bibracte - Vosges - Axona – Sabis – Gergovia – Alesia |
The Battle of the Arar was fought between the migrating tribes of the Helvetii and three Roman legions under the command of Gaius Julius Caesar in 58 BC. This was the first major battle of the Gallic Wars.
The Helvetii were a tribe that originated from what is now modern day Switzerland, who prior to battle with Caesar had been migrating through Roman Cispaine Gaul.
The Helvetii tribe were surprised by Caesar as they crossed the River Arar. One quarter had not crossed and these were massacred by Caesar.