Page "Helvetii" Paragraph 20

When they reached the boundaries of the Allobroges, the northernmost tribe of the Provincia, they found that Caesar had already dismantled the bridge of Geneva to stop their advance.

The Helvetians sent “ the most illustrious men of their state ” to negotiate, promising a peaceful passage through the Provincia.

Caesar stalled them by asking for some time for consideration, which he used to assemble reinforcements and to fortify the southern banks of the Rhône.

When the embassy returned on the agreed-upon date, he was strong enough to bluntly reject their offer.

The Helvetii now chose the more difficult northern route through the Sequani territory, which traversed the Jura Mountains, but bypassed the Provincia.

After ravaging the lands of the Aedui tribe, who called upon Caesar to help them, they began the crossing of the Saône, which took them several days.

As only a quarter of their forces were left on the eastern banks, Caesar attacked and routed them.

According to Caesar, those killed had been the Tigurini, on whom he had now taken revenge in the name of the Republic and his family.