hteen days in Germany, and, thinking his
object accomplished, returned to Gaul, destroying the bridge behind him.

INVASION OF BRITAIN.

It was now August and Caesar occupied the rest of the season by crossing
the Channel to Britain (England). Landing near Deal, with but little
resistance on the part of the natives, he explored the country for a
short time, and returned in September, as the equinox was near and the
weather unsettled. The legions were sent into winter quarters among the
Belgae, and Caesar set out for Cisalpine Gaul.

During this winter (55-54), orders were given to build a large fleet,
as Caesar intended to return to Britain the next year. After all
preparations were completed, he set sail, July 20, 54, and the next
day landed on the island. He defeated the Britons under their leader
CASSIVELAUNUS, and compelled them to pay tribute and give hostages. Many
thousand prisoners were taken, and sold in Italy as slaves.

FINAL STRUGGLES OF THE GAULS.

In the winter of 54-53 the legions were distributed among several
tribes. That stationed in the territory of the Eburones was commanded
by the lieutenants, Gabinus and Cotta. News reached the encampment that
there was an uprisal of the Eburones. It was decided to break up camp,
and go, if possible, to the winter quarters of their nearest companions.
On the march they were surprised and nearly all killed. Only a few
stragglers carried the news to Labienus, who was wintering with a legion
among the Remi.

This success moved the Nervii to attack Quintus Cicero, the lieutenant
who was wintering with his legion among them. Word was sent to Caesar,
who had fortunately not yet left Gaul. He hastened to Cicero's relief,
raised the siege, and all but annihilated the revolting Nervii.

In 53 Caesar punished the Eburones for their action in the previous
winter. The tribe was completely destroyed, but their leader, Ambiorix,
escaped and was never captured. During this summer Caesar again crossed
the Rhine. At the close of the summer he returned to Cisalpine Gaul,
supposing that the Gauls were totally subdued. He was mistaken. The
patriotism of the people was not yet extinguished. The chiefs of all
the tribes secretly established communication with each other. A day was
settled upon for a general uprising. The Roman inhabitants of Genabum,
on the Liger, were massacred. The leading spirit in this last struggle
of the Gauls was VERCINGETORIX, chief of the Averni.