My CGW Book Library

Caesar’s Gallic Wars 58–50 BC

Julius Caesar, an ambitious politician of the late Roman Republic, conquered the Celtic tribes, forming the Roman province of Gaul. His campaign from 58–50 BC was marked by violence and strategic brilliance, solidifying his military legacy in history.

Caesar’s detailed commentaries on the Gallic Wars offer invaluable first-hand insights into one of antiquity’s most significant campaigns. These writings provide an unparalleled perspective on his tactics, leadership, and the brutal nature of the conquest.

Kate Gilliver examines the Gallic Wars through Caesar’s accounts and other evidence, linking their impact to the Republic’s downfall. She explores how these events contributed to the eventual slide into civil war, reshaping Rome’s political landscape forever.

Alesia 52 BC The final struggle for Gaul

In 52 BC, Vercingetorix led a Gallic revolt against Caesar’s annihilation strategy, causing major battles at Noviodunum, Avaricum, and Gergovia. Unable to defeat the Romans in open combat, Vercingetorix utilized defensive maneuvers and cut off Caesar’s supplies, creating a desperate situation.

Caesar’s Gallic campaign faced disaster during the summer as the revolt escalated, challenging his leadership and military strategies. However, through brilliant tactics, relentless force, and moments of luck, Caesar managed to overcome these obstacles, culminating in Alesia’s brutal siege.

Vercingetorix ultimately surrendered after Alesia, marking the end of significant Gallic resistance. Never again would an independent warlord oppose Rome’s dominance over the Celts of Gaul, securing Caesar’s enduring legacy in history.

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar, one of history’s greatest military leaders, used his conquest of Gaul as a stepping stone to power. His decisive victories against the Gauls enabled him to challenge for Rome’s political leadership, demonstrating audacity and brilliance.

In 49 BC, Caesar famously crossed the Rubicon with a single legion, igniting a civil war that ended the Roman Republic. This pivotal action marked the beginning of the Roman Empire, with Caesar ascending to supreme leadership and transforming Rome forever.

This detailed account explores Caesar’s remarkable achievements, rare defeats, and the factors behind his military genius. It highlights the strategic brilliance that cemented his legacy as a formidable commander and statesman.

Roman Battle Tactics 109BC–AD313

This book explores Rome’s rise to dominance through the tactical innovations of its legions from 109 BC to AD 313. Using insights from ancient writers, it examines strategies employed during the late Republic and early Empire.

Detailed battle plans and vivid colour interpretations bring these tactics to life. The Roman Army’s doctrines, pivotal in shaping Western military traditions, are thoroughly analyzed, highlighting their influence on later professional armies.

Siege Warfare in the Roman World

This book explores the critical role of siege warfare in Rome’s conflicts, including battles with Macedonians, Carthaginians, and Sassanid Persians. It highlights the exceptional siegecraft skills of Rome and its adversaries during both Republican and Imperial periods.

Contrary to the belief of a decline after the 1st century AD, the text reveals innovative siege techniques developed in later centuries. It provides insights into the evolution and enduring significance of siege tactics throughout Rome’s history.

The Forts of Celtic Britain

Half a millennium before the Romans, the Celts settled in Britain, establishing dominance in south-eastern England through their ferocity. Despite invasions, many Celts retained their heritage, defending their remaining lands against external threats and territorial conflicts.

To protect their territories, Celts built fortified sites that served as wartime refuges and peacetime hubs for trade and administration. These forts showcased their ingenuity in adapting to diverse challenges, ensuring their cultural survival.

The forts varied significantly, including brochs and duns in northern Britain, sprawling hilltop forts, and promontory forts forming formidable coastal defenses.

Roman Military Clothing (1) 

This book delves into the lesser-studied clothing of Rome’s legionaries and auxiliaries, unlike the widely researched weapons and armour. Drawing from literary, sculptural, and archaeological sources, it reconstructs tunics, cloaks, footwear, and more, covering late Republic to c.200 AD.

The detailed analysis is complemented by drawings of relief sculptures, especially soldiers’ gravestones, and eight vivid colour plates. This meticulous study presents a fresh perspective on the daily lives of Roman officers and soldiers across the vast empire.

The Roman Army from Caesar to Trajan

The Roman Army from Caesar to Trajan explores the army’s vast conquests through literature, archaeology, and Roman sculpture analysis. It reveals insights into army composition, recruitment, training, and campaign routines, offering a deep understanding of the Roman military.

Michael Simkins provides meticulous details on weapons, uniforms, and equipment, supported by his vast knowledge and expertise. This special edition combines Men-at-Arms 283, 291, and 46 as Caesar’s Legions, making it an essential resource for Roman military enthusiasts.

Celtic Warrior 300 BC–AD 100

Strabo described the Celts as warlike and spirited, always ready for battle with courage as their strength. This book explores the life of Celtic warriors, their roles as foot soldiers, horsemen, and charioteers. It also examines Celtic society, emphasizing the ritualistic aspects of warfare, including gaesatae and woad-painted warriors.

Caesar’s Legions: The Roman Soldier, 753 BC to 117 AD

This book chronicles Rome’s military dominance from 753 BC to 117 AD, combining three detailed Men-at-Arms volumes. It highlights the Roman army’s pivotal role in governing vast territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

Barbarians Against Rome Rome’s Celtic, Germanic, Spanish and Gallic Enemies

This book examines Rome’s expansion and cultural clashes with Celtic, Germanic, Spanish, and Gallic enemies, highlighting their fierce resistance. Combining three Men-at-Arms volumes, it vividly portrays battles, cultures, and the consequences of Roman conquests.

Rome and Her Enemies

This book examines the Roman Empire’s rise, fall, and enduring legacy through wars, battles, and its formidable enemies. Lavishly illustrated, it contrasts Roman and enemy societies, offering insights into an empire shaped by conflict.

Caesars Legion

Stephen Dando-Collins’ Caesar’s Legion chronicles the Tenth Legion’s pivotal campaigns, from Munda to Masada, highlighting Caesar’s leadership and military strategies. The book offers vivid insights into Roman military life, emphasizing daily routines, discipline, and the gory realities of Classical Age warfare.

Caesar Against the Celts

This book analyzes Julius Caesar’s campaigns in France, Britain, and Germany, detailing his battles on land and sea. It explores his England invasions, Rhine bridge construction, and sieges of Celtic strongholds, offering comprehensive insights into his military strategies.

The Complete Roman Army

The Complete Roman Army presents a vivid portrayal of Rome’s military using archaeology, ancient art, and original documents. It examines soldier life, campaigns, and commanders, supported by illustrations and key battle analyses.

Legions of Rome

Stephen Dando-Collins’ Legions of Rome delivers a comprehensive history of every Imperial Roman legion and their achievements. The book, based on 30 years of meticulous research, covers legionary life, unit histories, and campaigns, appealing to history enthusiasts.

Complete Roman Legions

This book explores all 45 Roman imperial legions, detailing their victories, defeats, and roles in policing and expanding the empire. With over 200 illustrations, it highlights their postings, campaigns, construction work, and historical significance, offering vivid insights into Rome’s military machine.

Roman Military Dress

Graham Sumner’s book explores 1000 years of Roman military attire, detailing garments, materials, manufacturing methods, and their significance, supported by illustrations and historical evidence.

Romans – Clothing

Stef Verstraaten’s photographs vividly capture Roman reenactors, showcasing clothing, weaponry, religious attributes, and daily life, bringing ancient history to life in striking detail.