Alesia: The Gallic Chieftain at Caesar’s Feet

In the autumn of 52 BC, the Gallic relief force scatters at Alesia. Vercingetorix rides out to the Roman camp and lays down his arms before Caesar.

Transcript

The Gallic relief force has scattered like a dream.

Silence falls over the hilltop town.

Vercingetorix knows this is the end.

According to Plutarch, he puts on his finest armor and adorns his horse.

He rides out through the gate straight into the Roman camp.

He circles Caesar, who does not even rise.

He dismounts and takes off his armor.

He sits at his feet and says nothing.