Battle of the Arar
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Battle of the Arar | |||||||
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Part of the Gallic Wars | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Roman Republic | Helvetii | ||||||
Commanders | |||||||
Julius Caesar | |||||||
Strength | |||||||
5 Roman legions | About 220,000 (Including tribal non-combatants). |
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The Battle of the Arar was fought between the migrating tribes of the Helvetii, and five 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's legions in the attack.