Battle of Lutetia

The Battle of Lutetia was a battle on the plain of Grenelle in what is now Paris between Roman forces under Titus Labienus and an anti-Roman Gallic coalition in 52 BC during the Gallic Wars. It was a Roman victory.[1]

48°51′N 2°21′E / 48.850°N 2.350°E / 48.850; 2.350

Battle of Lutetia
Part of the Gallic Wars

Battle of Lutetia (sketch from 1892)
Date52 BC
Location
Plain of Grenelle
Result Roman victory
Belligerents
Roman Republic Gallic coalition forces (Northern Coalition):
 • Parisii
 • Senones
 • Aulerci
Commanders and leaders
Titus Labienus Camulogenus †
Units involved
  • Legio VII (the Seventh legion)[2]
  • Legio IX (the Ninth legion)[2]
  • Legio XII (the Twelfth legion)[2]
  • Legio XIV (the Fourteenth legion)[2]
  • Auxiliary Cavalry
  • Auxiliary light infantry
  • Army of the Northern Coalition
    • Strength
  • Four legions[3][4]
  • 2,000 cavalry[3][4]
  • an unknown number of auxiliaries[5]
    • 10,000–20,000 legionaries[6]
    • 2,000 cavalry
    • Unknown number of auxiliaries infantry (skirmishers)
    		 unknown
    Map centered on France. From the previous year, territory has expanded all the way to the Rhine river.
    Campaign map 52 BC. Most of southern and central Gaul is in revolt. Note Labienus (2) for Labienus's Lutetia campaign
    1. ^ Julius Caesar, Commentarii de Bello Gallico, VII, 62
    2. ^ a b c d "Caesar's legions - Livius".
    3. ^ a b Julius Caesar, Commentarii de Bello Gallico, VII, 34; Caesar mentions sending Labienus with four legions and 2,000 cavalry.
    4. ^ a b Rickard, J (23 March 2009), Battle of Lutetia, May 52 BC , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_lutetia.html
    5. ^ Caesar's armies were almost always accompanied by an unknown number of skirmishers (archers, slingers, javelinmen). Caesar mentions them on several occasions.
    6. ^ Caesar's legions were understrength most of the time (as a result of hard campaigning). They usually numbered between 2,500–5,000 men.