The Gallic Wars

They got this idea apparently because Julius Caesar said in book six of the Gallic Wars, something about the Gauls, quote, keeping, they keep birthdays and beginning of months and years in such an order that follows, that day follows the night.

Napoleon had read very extensively in military history and especially military biography when he was at school and later on. In fact, he took Herodotus to Egypt and various other historians. He took Caesar's Gallic Wars and various other books about Alexander the Great.

Napoleon had read very extensively in military history and especially military biography when he was at school and later on. In fact, he took Herodotus to Egypt and various other historians. He took Caesar's Gallic Wars and various other books about Alexander the Great.

Whereas people like Pompey his great rival left accounts written by others of charging sword in hand striking down enemy leaders Caesar doesn't he leaves it to your imagination We get some valuable insights

He deliberately makes them quite sort of impersonal and he's incredibly modest about it all

His literary prowess does not go down well with his opponents who now include the great Cicero They object to the fact that Caesar's writings include something deemed unprintable the mention of roman defeats

Great generals have always had their exploits documented Their pet writers in tow to puff them up Caesar by contrast Decides to pen his own appraisal

Though Caesar makes inevitable exaggerations Usually when it comes to numbering the enemy dead