Backstory

Over several generations the tribes of Gaul have been conquered separately by the Romans. The Romans have demanded tribute and soldiers, and have ordered the Gauls to remain on such lands as the Romans have allowed them.

The Gauls are miserable at their subjection.

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Cingeto decides to fight the Romans. He is a young chieftain who has inherited his throne as leader of the Arveni, one tribe of the Gauls. He is related to other chieftains. He is the youngest chieftain, but among the more formidable, dependable and powerful leaders of the Gauls.

Cingeto realizes how difficult it will be to fight the very capable and formidable armies of the Romans.

The Gauls will have larger numbers, but the Romans will have unity, generalship, experience, and discipline.

Cingeto is prepared to take them on. He lived for some years as a prisoner in Rome, and observed Roman customs and attitudes. He has adopted some features of Roman dress. His one worry is if Julius Caesar, the popular leader of Rome, is put in charge. Cingeto is afraid that Caesar is the most capable of the Romans.

Cingeto fiercely loves his people, but he understands them. They are too divided, too jealous of each other. They are not likely to fight as one for long. They are too fiercely independent, too individually brave -- but always reluctant to be organized. Cingeto knows that their pride and independence is such that he must labour hard to keep the Gauls fighting against the Romans, and not against each other.

Cingeto is not certain that anyone can make the Gauls fight together as one for long. Can he hold them together long enough?

The Play Begins

At the play's beginning Caesar is only one of the leaders of the Romans. By Act III he becomes the Roman leader against the Gauls.

ACT I

It is spring.

The Gauls meet in council. Several of their young leaders decide to push aside their chieftains, and lead a rebellion. Who should be their leader? Cingeto rises from the background, and tells them to select him. Cingeto is wise, a shrewd judge of people. He tells the Gallic chieftains that he has a plan. If the Gauls are to win they must go to war now. The Romans are momentarily divided and distracted, while the Gauls are prepared. But the Gauls must trust each other and him above all. He warns them that he will not have time to explain all his plans to them. He warns them that all he can do is coordinate them; he knows they are too independent to give him much power to command them. They are too full of distrust. The time is short. Nevertheless, they can win if, when he specifically orders them, they will obey. He knows they will not allow him enough troops to force them to obey. Therefore, they must choose to obey. Cingeto swears to avoid all rash actions, and to consult the Gallic chieftains when he can.

Cingeto is unanimously made king of the Gauls. He becomes known as Vercingetorix (at the end of ACT I).

ACT II

Cingeto organizes the beginnings of the rebellion. The Gauls fight several battles with the Romans (not Caesar). At first, Cingeto's efforts seem to succeed. Cingeto grows more confident.

A Celtic chieftain disobeys an order of Cingeto, captures and puts to death the Roman military leader. Cingeto warns the chieftain that this action will rouse the Romans. Angry, he threatens the man if he disobeys Cingeto again.

The Roman leadership debates what to do. If the Gauls succeed in breaking free of Rome's authority, Rome itself would be threatened. It is decided that Caesar will be put in charge of the Roman forces against the Gauls.

ACT III

For different reasons several of the chiefs refuse Cingeto's orders. Cingeto warns them that this indiscipline, this shortsightedness will destroy them. Exactly as Cingeto had predicted, Caesar takes advantage of the chiefs' divisions, and pours through the gaps in their forces.

Cingeto realizes that he must, despite his previous counter promises to the Gallic chiefs (and his own inner reservations), act to force them to work together. He orders his tribe to take authority away from the other tribes.

Caesar fights shrewdly at a disadvantage. Cingeto is forced, while fighting, to take several steps to build central authority.

A chieftain defeated and defanged by Cingeto warns him that another step like the one he has just taken will fatally arouse Cingeto's tribal enemies.

Cingeto orders a subordinate to set up a meeting with Caesar.

Roman soldiers discuss the situation.

Cingeto and Caesar meet. Cingeto tells Caesar that their forces will surely clash soon. He urges Caesar, if he wins, not to march on Rome. Caesar replies that he has not yet made up his mind. He tells Cingeto that he intends to win and put down the Gallic menace to Rome forever. The two men part.

ACT IV

The final battle at Alesia is about to occur. Cingeto meets with his his chief tribal antagonist, tells him of his plan, and warns him of the most critical part. The rival agrees to obey Cingeto's plan.

Cingeto arms, and leads his tribe against the enemy.

But the antagonist decides to do something other than he had assured Cingeto he would do. The Gauls lose. Their women lament.

ACT V

The Romans discuss the loss of the Gauls. Autumn is almost over. The time is short -- will Caesar march on Rome?

Cingeto appears in hs finest armour, and rides slowly into the Roman camp. He dismounts, and sits down by a campfire. Someone leads off his horse.

The Germans lead him off. They kill him offstage. His scattered limbs are brought on. Caesar orders them gathered and buried decently according to the customs of the Gauls.

Then he gives orders to march on Rome.

T H E   E N D

Last modified: 11:37 AM 05/04/2003