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The Limitations of Roman Military Logistics during the Gallic War

Bae Eun Suk 1

1계명대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to reveal whether the logistics system is properly prepared in the actual battlefield, as Caesar emphasized the logistic system. Caesar relied on the supply of munitions from the Gauls, allied with Rome. However, Caesar was not well prepared for the betrayal of the allies. One way was to loot food or livestock from local residents. However, looting was a way to refrain from spreading of the hostile Gauls. Harvesting on the battle spot during the harvest season was also a method, but this also had the disadvantage of being highly likely to be attacked by enemies due to loose boundaries due to harvesting. Caesar's lack of munitions led to hasty and improvised operational changes to secure munitions, which led to operational failure. When munitions were transported to battlefields or other garrison sites, it was cheaper and took less time to transport by sea than by land. However, the battlefield of Caesar's army was inland away from the sea or river, so it was not easy to take advantage of the sea route. Mountains, forests, and swamps were used as logistical bases, which made it difficult to connect with the logistics lines behind them. In addition, munitions were kept in one place for the convenience of defense and distribution, and there is a possibility that munitions may be lost due to an enemy attack. Therefore, there were problems in Caesar's method of transporting and storing munitions and selecting a logistical base. Even if it is a victorious war, it cannot be said that all strategies, tactics, leadership, and military logistics are perfect. Caesar made great efforts to secure military supplies, but suffered from a constant shortage of military supplies. His situation was poor compared to the period of the Punic War, when there was a centralized military logistical system, or the Imperial period when the supply of munitions was constant with the standing army system and the permanent garrison system. Therefore, it can be said that the late republican period had limitations in military logistics compared to the previous or later periods.

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