Editing Nervii (section)

==Gallic Wars==
The Nervii were part of the Belgic alliance that resisted Julius Caesar in 57 BC. After the alliance broke up and some tribes surrendered, the Nervii, under the command of [[Boduognatus]] and aided by the [[Atrebates]] and [[Viromandui]], came very close to defeating Caesar (the [[Atuatuci]] had also agreed to join them but did not arrive in time). In 57 BC at the [[battle of the Sabis]]  (now identified as the river [[Selle (Somme tributary)|Selle]], near modern [[Saulzoir]]; previously identified as the [[Sambre]]),<ref>Pierre Turquin ("La Bataille de la Selle (du Sabis) en l' An 57 avant J.-C.", ''Les Études Classiques'' 23.2 (1955), 113-156)</ref> they concealed themselves in the forests and attacked the approaching Roman column at the river. Their attack was so quick and unexpected that some of the Romans didn't have time to take the covers off their shields or even put on their helmets. The element of surprise briefly left the Romans exposed. However Caesar grabbed a shield, made his way to the front line, and quickly organised his forces; at the same time, the commander of the [[Legio X Gemina|tenth legion]], [[Labienus|Titus Labienus]], attacked the Nervian camp. The two legions who had been guarding the baggage train at the rear arrived and helped to turn the tide of the battle. Caesar says the Nervii were almost annihilated in the battle and is effusive in his tribute to their bravery, calling them "heroes".<ref>Julius Caesar, ''Commentarii de Bello Gallico'' [[s:Commentaries on the Gallic War/Book 2|2]]</ref>

When [[Ambiorix]] and the [[Eburones]] rebelled in 53 BC, the remaining Nervii joined the uprising and besieged [[Quintus Tullius Cicero]] – brother of the orator – and his legion in their winter camp until they were relieved by Caesar in person.<ref>Julius Caesar, ''Commentarii de Bello Gallico'' [[s:Commentaries on the Gallic War/Book 5#38|5.38-52]]</ref> They were able to rapidly build a rampart around the Roman fortification, using only swords to dig, "in less than three hours they completed a fortification of ten miles in circumference; and during the rest of the days they began to prepare and construct towers of the height of the ramparts, and grappling irons, and mantelets". Caesar reported that this technique was learned from the Romans, and under the advisor of captured Roman soldiers.<ref>Julius Caesar, ''Commentarii de Bello Gallico'' [[s:Commentaries on the Gallic War/Book 5#42|5.42]]</ref> 
<blockquote>On the seventh day of the attack, a very high wind having sprung up, they began to discharge by their slings hot balls made of burned or hardened clay, and heated javelins, upon the huts, which, after the Gallic custom, were thatched with straw. These quickly took fire, and by the violence of the wind, scattered their flames in every part of the camp.<ref>Julius Caesar, ''Commentarii de Bello Gallico'' [[s:Commentaries on the Gallic War/Book 5#43|5.43]]</ref></blockquote>
The situation was recovered when a Nervian in the Roman camp was able to send a slave with a message, who managed to remain inconspicuous and get it to Caesar.<ref>Julius Caesar, ''Commentarii de Bello Gallico'' [[s:Commentaries on the Gallic War/Book 5#45|5.45]]</ref> Caesar was able to amass forces and defeat some of the Nervians.

The Nervii and their allies, the Aduatuci, Eburones, [[Treveri]] and [[Menapii]] continued to prepare for war with the Romans, and sought assistance from the Germanic peoples east of the Rhine. The Roman struck a significant blow when they killed the Treveran king [[Indutiomarus]]. Soon after:
<blockquote>Accordingly, while the winter was not yet ended, having concentrated the four nearest legions, he marched unexpectedly into the territories of the Nervii, and before they could either assemble or retreat, after capturing a large number of cattle and of men, and wasting their lands and giving up that booty to the soldiers, compelled them to enter into a surrender and give him hostages.<ref>Julius Caesar, ''Commentarii de Bello Gallico'' [[s:Commentaries on the Gallic War/Book 6#3|6.3]]</ref></blockquote>

In the final phase of Caesar's war in Gaul, the Nervii were called upon to contribute to the large allied force of [[Vercingetorix]] which amassed at [[Alesia (city)|Alesia]], but these were defeated in the [[Battle of Alesia]].