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Mr. Cedric Ebiner

This class is a mix of historical lectures and "discussions" of the Latin passages that the students will read in their original language. Students who have the basics of Latin mastered and the proper interest in Roman history will thoroughly enjoy this course. Through videos of the instructor lecturing, screen recordings of powerpoint presentations and Google Earth animations, this multi-faceted class will keep the students motivated and excited to learn. Roman history and culture, army strategy and tactics, politics of the first century BC, Latin language are all elements that will be covered in the coming lessons.

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This class is a mix of historical lectures and "discussions" of the Latin passages that the students will read in their original language. Students who have the basics of Latin mastered and the proper interest in Roman history will thoroughly enjoy this course. Through videos of the instructor lecturing, screen recordings of powerpoint presentations and Google Earth animations, this multi-faceted class will keep the students motivated and excited to learn. Roman history and culture, army strategy and tactics, politics of the first century BC, Latin language are all elements that will be covered in the coming lessons.

Evaluations through quizzes will provide automatic feedback to students as they move through the presentations.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand julius caesar's time period
  • Discuss the significance of julius caesar and his conquest of gaul
  • Read and understand slightly adapted latin text of "de bello gallico"

Syllabus

So here is what's coming up and how to proceed
Introduction and Welcome!
Textbooks, Quia and Syllabus
You will know how the Gauls had been part of the Roman landscape for over three centuries before Julius Caesar came into the picture
Read more
Basic Dates of Roman History

Read the text p. 325 to familiarize yourself with THE GAULS and then watch the following video.

Veniunt Galli p.378-379
Battle of the Allia
The Story of Camillus (4th Century BC)
The Story of Manlius Torquatus (4th Century BC)
The Burning of Rome
De Gallorum Caede p.393-384
The Roman Landscape at the Time of the Gallic War
Roman Society During the Republic

Watch the presentation and take the quiz here: https://www.quia.com/quiz/5639770.html

After the lecture, watch the first 36 minutes of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-APF0-L14kw

Politics of the 60s and 50s

Having a sense of the region and its geography is crucial to make sense of this historical text. Study the following lectures and documents carefully, it will enhance the relevance of your studies of Caesar's campaign.

Introduction's Wrap Up
58 BC. Caesar is proconsul of Gallia Ulterior and the Helvetians are planning a migration through a territory that Caesar is actually eying for himself.
Tips and Instructions on the Latin Text
Vocabulary List 1

Read, translate and write the translation of the first 23 lines of the Gallic War. Watch the video before taking the quiz: http://www.quia.com/quiz/5642642.html

Translate first these lines in your notebook and watch this video before taking the quiz. Find the quiz here: http://www.quia.com/quiz/5685779.html

After translating and writing lines 52-83, take your QUIA quiz here

Vocabulary List 2
Quiz Lines 84-108
Short Essay: Caesar and the Helvetians at Genava
Caesar's Trek through the Alps

Take the quiz here

Vocabulary List 3
Battle of the Saone
Hot Pursuit
Battle of Bibracte (Part 1)
Battle of Bibracte (Part 2)
Documentary on The Roman Army
Quiz Lines 133-171 & Quiz lines 172-217
Surrender
War against Ariovistus (late 58 BC)
57 BC. After the Helvetian conquest and the German campaign, the Belgians see what's coming their way. They organize.
Vocabulary List 4

Translate, watch and take the following tests:

Test I [this covers the intro and text up to "Caesar's Plan" p. 57-58]
Test II [the rest]

Trouble in the Alps

Find the quiz on this section here: http://www.quia.com/quiz/5832990.html

Also while you are looking up the modern city of OCTODURUS, try to see if you can find a picture of a Roman Monument in that town and email it to me.

Picture Essay
56 BC. Caesar has to deal with the troublesome tribes of the Atlantic coast. He has spread far and wide. Can he engage in his first naval battle and keep order in his newly conquered territories?
Vocabulary List 5

Translate, watch and take the quiz: Take the quiz here

55BC. Caesar has to deal with a migrant problem. Solution: genocide.

-Study the vocabulary well by spending some time on quizlet here: https://quizlet.com/134932262/massacre-of-the-usipetes-flash-cards/?new#

-Then see how you would do with this derivative exercise: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_XgZ1v_D3PAzDZK5rXcQFf3UxyQidAvrzZ9kyyyXQ8k/viewform?formkey=dHdaV2dOb3pPNFNfZlRKVkhkbTJ6SkE6MQ

Roman Navy
Commentaries on the Massacre

Create a series of Drawings in Google Docs (See YouTube Tutorial) that show the sequence of the “German Stratagem” described in lines 11-21 on p. 91-92. (Or if you want to hand draw the sequence and email it to me that's just fine.)

Deep questions & Quiz
After the Massacre
54-52 BC. How Caesar manage to wrap up his campaign even when all tribes rally together behind one leader: Vercingetorix.
Vocabulary List 7
The Final Countdown

After you are done with your translations and you have watched the lectures take this final quiz

http://www.quia.com/quiz/5915888.html

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Blends historical lectures with readings of Latin passages in their original language, which provides a rich, immersive learning experience for students
Uses videos, screen recordings, and Google Earth animations, which caters to different learning styles and keeps students engaged with the material
Includes quizzes with automatic feedback, which allows students to gauge their understanding and reinforce their learning as they progress
Requires students to translate and analyze original Latin texts, which may be challenging for those without a solid foundation in Latin grammar and vocabulary
Relies on external quizzes hosted on Quia, which may present a fragmented learning experience if the external links are broken or outdated
Explores the politics of the 60s and 50s BC, which provides context for understanding the motivations and actions of Julius Caesar and other key figures

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Save Latin III: Julius Caesar's Gallic War (de Bello Gallico) to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Latin III: Julius Caesar's Gallic War (de Bello Gallico) with these activities:
Review Basic Latin Grammar
Reinforce foundational Latin grammar concepts to improve comprehension of Caesar's text.
Browse courses on Latin Grammar
Show steps
  • Review noun declensions and verb conjugations.
  • Practice sentence diagramming with simple Latin sentences.
  • Complete online quizzes on Latin grammar fundamentals.
Review 'The Landmark Julius Caesar'
Gain a deeper understanding of the historical context surrounding Caesar's Gallic campaigns.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and background essays.
  • Consult the maps and timelines while reading *The Gallic War*.
  • Take notes on key historical figures and events.
Translate Passages Together
Improve translation skills and understanding of Latin grammar through collaborative translation.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Select challenging passages from *The Gallic War*.
  • Translate the passages together, discussing grammar and vocabulary.
  • Compare translations and resolve disagreements.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic'
Gain a broader understanding of the political climate of the late Roman Republic.
View Pax on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to Caesar and his contemporaries.
  • Take notes on the key political figures and events.
  • Reflect on how the events described in the book influenced Caesar's actions in Gaul.
Create a Timeline of the Gallic Wars
Solidify your understanding of the chronology of events in *The Gallic War* by creating a visual timeline.
Show steps
  • Research the major battles and events described in the text.
  • Create a timeline using online tools or presentation software.
  • Add dates, descriptions, and images to the timeline.
  • Share the timeline with classmates for feedback.
Create a Map of Caesar's Campaigns
Visualize Caesar's military movements and territorial gains by creating a detailed map.
Show steps
  • Research the geographical locations mentioned in *The Gallic War*.
  • Use mapping software or online tools to create a map of Gaul.
  • Plot Caesar's major battles and campaigns on the map.
  • Label key geographical features and tribal territories.
Write a Short Essay on Caesar's Leadership
Analyze Caesar's leadership qualities and their impact on the Gallic Wars.
Show steps
  • Research Caesar's leadership style and military strategies.
  • Identify examples of his leadership in *The Gallic War*.
  • Write a short essay analyzing his strengths and weaknesses as a leader.
  • Support your arguments with evidence from the text and historical sources.

Career center

Learners who complete Latin III: Julius Caesar's Gallic War (de Bello Gallico) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past by examining historical documents and other sources. This course, with its detailed examination of Julius Caesar's Gallic War, provides a strong foundation for understanding Roman history and culture. The course’s emphasis on ancient sources, especially Latin texts, is directly relevant to the study of primary historical material and the kinds of analysis a historian undertakes. Learning to analyze the context of the text using a variety of media may be helpful in developing a nuanced understanding of the ancient world.
Secondary School Teacher
A secondary school teacher who teaches history or Latin will greatly benefit from this course. The course offers a detailed exploration of Roman history and culture, and this will be a key resource. The course uses a variety of media, including lectures, screen recordings of presentations, and animations. This approach will provide an example for a secondary school teacher looking for more engaging ways to teach history and Latin. The course offers in-depth study of the Gallic War, which directly aligns with a common topic in secondary school curricula.
Academic Researcher
An academic researcher focused on classical studies would find this course relevant. The course's deep dive into Julius Caesar's Gallic War and its analysis of primary Latin texts can help an academic researcher formulate new research questions and approaches. The course's use of varied media may also help the researcher develop new methodologies for the study of the Roman period. The course also provides access to historical context, which is essential to high-quality scholarship.
Translator
A translator who specializes in ancient languages may find this course valuable. The course provides direct engagement with Latin through translated texts, and it offers the translator an opportunity to exercise translation and interpretation skills while engaging with primary source material. The course is useful due to its close engagement with the nuances of Latin vocabulary and grammar and its emphasis on the historical context of the text. As a result, a translator will find the content of this course very useful.
Archaeologist
An archaeologist excavates and studies physical remains of past human life and activities, often requiring a deep understanding of specific historical periods. This course is beneficial given its in-depth look at Roman army strategy and tactics, politics of the first century BC, in addition to its survey of Roman history and culture. By exploring the historical context of the Gallic War, the course can help an aspiring archaeologist understand the material culture of the Roman period. The course's geographical focus, with use of Google Earth animations, may also improve skills useful in the field.
College Professor
A college professor specializing in ancient history or Latin would find this course helpful. The focus on Julius Caesar's Gallic War, as well as Roman history and culture, provides a solid base for more advanced research and teaching. The course’s reading of original Latin texts and the analysis it implies is essential to the work of a professor of classics. The course's multi-faceted approach, encompassing lectures, presentations, and quizzes may also assist in the development of more refined teaching methods.
Museum curator
A museum curator manages and develops collections of artifacts, and a strong knowledge of historical periods is essential. The course's detailed exploration of Roman history, culture, and army strategy provides context for understanding artifacts from this era. The course's focus on Julius Caesar’s time period will provide useful background on the historical moment, and the examination of original Latin texts can be beneficial. In particular, the course's multi-faceted approach, including videos and presentations, can aid in curating engaging museum experiences.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer who creates educational materials for history or language courses may find this course helpful. The course’s approach to teaching Latin and Roman history, including the use of videos, presentations, and quizzes, provides a model for designing engaging educational content. The focus on Julius Caesar's Gallic War and the detailed analysis of the text offers a wealth of material for curriculum development. The course’s organization and assessment methods may be useful in creating effective and comprehensive educational programs.
Historical Consultant
A historical consultant provides expertise on specific historical periods for various projects, from films to documentaries. The course is helpful due to its focus on Roman history, military tactics, and politics, offering a solid foundation for this role. The course's detailed analysis of the Gallic War may be useful when consulting on projects featuring this era of history. The varied materials, and the insights gained from reading original texts, may inform richer consulting work.
Editor
An editor with an interest in historical texts or classical studies may find this course useful. The course's detailed examination of Latin passages will provide a deep understanding of the source material, which improves editing quality. The focus on the Gallic War and the various elements of Roman history covered in the course provide a background that is useful for editors in this space. The course's mix of lectures, readings, and discussions may hone the analytical skills required of editors.
Archivist
An archivist is responsible for appraising, arranging, describing, and preserving historical records. The course is useful because it allows students to engage with primary historical texts in their original Latin, which allows for the development of skills in document analysis. This knowledge will be essential when dealing with historical artifacts in Roman history. The course’s inclusion of historical context and analysis may help an archivist to gain a deeper understanding of Roman documents. The course’s varied content, from lectures to translations, may help an archivist approach records from many points of view.
Historical Interpreter
A historical interpreter who works at historical sites or museums would find this course helpful. The detailed exploration of Roman history, culture, and army strategy in this course is directly relevant to informing engaging and accurate interpretations of the period. The focus on the Gallic War, in particular, is something that can provide unique insights that will enhance the historical interpreter’s work. The use of varied media, like videos and animations, will also suggest new ways of introducing aspects of Roman history to different audiences.
Librarian
A librarian in a special collections department, particularly one focused on ancient history, would find this course valuable. The course provides a thorough exploration of Roman history, culture, and military strategy. The librarian’s work often involves understanding and categorizing historical texts, and this course provides practical engagement with Latin language and historical documents, essential to this area of librarianship. The course's various materials and the discussions around them can also help librarians develop a nuanced understanding of their collection.
Content Writer
A content writer specializing in historical topics, particularly those focused on Roman antiquity, may find this course beneficial. The course’s focus on Julius Caesar's Gallic War offers in-depth knowledge of the Roman era. The course's detailed exploration of historical events and cultural contexts will help the writer create well-researched and engaging content. The variety of materials, and the analysis provided, can also offer unique insights that can be translated to compelling prose.
Political Analyst
A political analyst with an interest in historical contexts of political strategy may find this course relevant. The analysis of Roman politics of the first century BC contained in this Latin course, as well as the examination of army strategy and tactics, have direct parallels in modern political analysis. Understanding the mechanics of power in an ancient empire may provide useful background for analyzing modern political movements. The course may give the political analyst a new perspective useful in their career.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Latin III: Julius Caesar's Gallic War (de Bello Gallico).
Provides extensive historical context and annotations for Caesar's writings, including *The Gallic War*. It offers maps, appendices, and essays that illuminate the political and military strategies discussed in the course. This book valuable resource for understanding the broader historical context of Caesar's campaigns and the world in which he lived. It is highly recommended as a companion to the primary text.
Save
Provides a compelling narrative of the political turmoil and social upheaval that characterized the late Roman Republic. It offers valuable insights into the context in which Caesar rose to power and the factors that led to the collapse of the Republic. While not directly focused on *The Gallic War*, it provides essential background for understanding Caesar's motivations and the stakes of his actions. This book is best used as additional reading.

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