Invasion! Rome Against the Cimbri, 113–101 BC

by Philip Matyszak

Partly as a result of poor commanders and partly because the Romans had an innate and misguided belief in the invincibility of their legions, the first battles against the Cimbri were a series of disasters. These culminated in the Battle of Arausio in 105 BC when two Roman armies were utterly destroyed.

Rome finally realized that their republic faced an existential threat, and made the necessary painful political and military changes that were needed to face that threat. Rome also found a commander who could take on the Cimbri. Caius Marius was a deeply flawed man – scheming, cautious to the point of cowardice, and quick to claim credit for the achievements of others. Nevertheless, he was a massive improvement on the leaders who had preceded him.

The reshaped Roman army eventually worked out how to weather the savage onrush of the initial barbarian assault. Thereafter, the grim discipline of the legions was enough to wear down the opposition. It helped that Marius never fought unless the situation favored him, and as a result his army gradually became accustomed to victory.

Had the Cimbri overwhelmed Rome, as at one time it seemed inevitable that they would, then European history would have been very different.

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2023

About the author

Philip Matyszak is a British nonfiction author, primarily of historical works relating to ancient Rome. Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford. In addition to being a professional author, he also teaches ancient history for Madingley Hall Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge University.

Reviews

[Rune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who were the Cimbrians (and Teutones)? Proof suggests that they might have been culturally Celtic. It seems weird, especially when you consider that they lived in the most northern part of today's Denmark. But the Celts have settled in weirder places (Anatolia). There's also still doubt of whether they were Celtic or Germanic genetically.

Probably due to a flood (+ tsunami/heavy storm), they had to leave their homeland and look for a new place to call home. This search led them to meet the Roman army multiple times in the field.

Very well researched and written. I especially liked that he didn't push one narrative when the sources or lack thereof seemed rather vague. He gave all the sources and possibilities and left it at that.
If you are interested in Roman or Germanic history, then this is well worth reading. A lesser known part of history, brought to the reader.

[wally walter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good account of a lesser known part of Roman history