time to put on their helmets,
to remove the covering from their shields, or to find their proper
places in the ranks. Great confusion followed, and they became almost
panic-stricken. Caesar rushed into their midst, snatched a shield from
a soldier, and by his presence and coolness revived their courage. The
Nervii were checked, and victory was assured. But the enemy fought on
with a bravery that excited the admiration of Caesar. Of sixty thousand
men scarcely five hundred survived. The women and children were cared
for kindly by Caesar, and settled in their own territory.

The Aduatuci, who had assisted the Nervii in their struggle, were
conquered by Caesar and sold into slavery.

Thus ended the Belgian campaign (57). The legions were put into winter
quarters near where the war had been waged, and Caesar went to Italy. In
his honor was decreed a thanksgiving lasting fifteen days.

THE VENETI.--INVASION OF GERMANY.

All the tribes in the northwestern part of Gaul (Brittany) except
the VENETI had given hostages to Crassus, son of the Triumvir, and
lieutenant of Caesar. This tribe refused to give hostages, and, inducing
others to join them, seized some Roman officers sent among them by
Crassus. The campaign of the third year (56) was directed against these
people. They were mostly sailors and fishermen, with villages built
on the end of promontories and easily defended by land. In a naval
engagement, which lasted nearly all day, their whole fleet was
destroyed. The leaders of the Veneti were put to death for their
treachery in seizing Roman officers, and the rest were sold into
slavery.

The legions spent the winter of 56-55 in the northern part of Gaul,
among the Aulerci and neighboring tribes.

During this winter another wave of Germans passed over the Rhine into
Gaul. They had been driven from their homes by a powerful tribe called
the SUEVI. In the spring of 55 Caesar collected his troops and advanced
to within twelve miles of the German camp, and gave the invaders
twenty-four hours to leave the country. Before the expiration of the
time, they attacked Caesar's outposts, killing several Knights, and two
men of aristocratic families. In the general engagement that followed,
the Germans were totally routed and most of them were slain.

Caesar next determined to cross the Rhine into Germany, thinking thus to
inspire the Germans with greater fear of the Romans. He built his famous
bridge, crossed it, remained eig