Uxellodunum & Julius Caesar

Posted by Jack Tobin at 11/9/2007 12:09 PM and is filed under REGIONAL HISTORY


IT never ceases to amaze me how rich the history of our little area is ... in 51BC, Julius Caesar finally defeated the Gaul’s, just a 15 minute drive from Rancho Escargot, on a high plateau above the Dordogne River known as Uxellodunum (modern day, Puy D’Issolu).

           
                     (Gaul's @ Uxelodunum)                   (Gaul's surrender at the feet of Julius Caesar)

The siege was a long one as the Gaul’s had found this a naturally fortified position with the plateau’s steep & craggy cliffs protecting it. The top was lush agricultural land fed by a natural spring thus providing sustenance for the few thousand Gaelic defenders. With Roman legions surrounding the base of the stronghold for almost 2 years without a victory, Julius Caesar became furious with the Gaul’s continued defiance. Determined to subdue Gaul while he was still its governor, he personally lead his cavalry from Italy to Uxellodunum and quickly devised a scheme to cut off the spring feeding the plateau at its source. Once this was accomplished the Gaul’s were driven to utter dispare and defeat. However, Caesar's mercy had come to an end with this siege and to prevent other tribal uprisings he had the hands cut off all the Gaellic defenders, but permitted them to continue living. He then had the hands scattered throughout Gaul to show that there would be no tolerance for continued defiance. Talk about tough love!

Well, the life around here now is certainly far more civilized ... and I'll give you my hand on that! a bientôt! Jack

                           CLICK HERE for RANCHO ESCARGOT reservations and information

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