Thucydides in Gaul: The Siege of Plataea as Caesar’s Model for his Siege of Avaricum

Authors

  • Christopher B. Krebs

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/histos325

Keywords:

Thucydides, Caesar, Plataea, Avaricum, Gallic War, Intertextuality, Signposting

Abstract

In his account of the Roman siege of Avaricum (BG 7.14–28), Caesar adapts and alludes to Thucydides’ description of the siege of Plataea (2.75–7). This is evinced by instances of translation and close paraphrases and numerous common narrative details; and with the help of the verbs imitari and tradere, Caesar even seems to signpost his engagement with Thucydides. He thus enhances both his own narrative and his accomplishment in Gaul.

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Published

2016-02-01

How to Cite

Krebs, Christopher B. 2016. “Thucydides in Gaul: The Siege of Plataea As Caesar’s Model for His Siege of Avaricum”. Histos 10 (February). https://doi.org/10.29173/histos325.

Issue

Vol. 10 (2016): HISTOS 10 (2016)

Section

Articles

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