The Suebian Retreat: Caesarʼs Oft-Overlooked Use of the Suebi in Commentarii de bello Gallico

Abstract

The present study examines Caesar’s portrayal of the Suebian retreat in his Commentarii de bello Gallico, a dimension of his narrative that has received relatively limited attention within the broader context of the work. I argue that Caesar’s depiction of the Suebian retreat not only underscores his strategic and military acumen but also serves to reinforce his broader Roman-Germanic narrative. In doing so, it forms part of Caesar’s literary strategy to assert both Roman authority and his personal command on the Rhine frontier.