Siege of Noviodunum

The Battle of Noviodunum (52 BCE) took place between Julius Caesar and Vercingetorix during the Gallic Wars (58-51 BCE).

During the winter of 53 BCE, Vercingetorix was besieging the Boii in Gergovia, a town given to them by the Aedui.
The Boii were a Helvetic tribe, from the migration of 58 BCE, whom Caesar had given permission to settle.
These were Roman Allies, like the Aedui, and Caesar could not allow Gergovia to fall, as the other Gallic Allied Tribes would have deserted him, risking the complete loss of Gaul.
Caesar wanted to force Vercingetorix to leave Gergovia and confront him in open battle at Noviodunum, which was one of four Gallic cities Caesar laid siege to. By the time Vercingetorix reached Noviodunum, the city had fallen and the main battle was postponed until the two armies met at Gergovia.

Caesar raced back from Italy, and immediately pushed the Cadurci out of Gallia Transalpina.
In January 52 BCE he crossed the snow covered Passes of the Cevennes in mid winter, catching the Arverni by surprise, and bypassing the Rhone valley blocked by Vercingetorix‘ Gallic Army. He then headed north to rejoin his Legions.
Caesar forced march northwards and started besieging the Gallic cities, trying to force Vercingetorix to pursue and confront him. and relinquish the siege of Gergovia.

Caesar positioned two Legions at Agedincum (Sens) to protect the Baggage Train and Supplies, and besieged the first three cities:
- The Siege of Vellaunodunum (2 days from Sens), a city of the Senones. It surrendered and Caesar took 600 hostages.
- The Siege of Genabum (Orleans) a city of the Carnutes. The city was burnt and its population massacred.
- The Siege of Noviodunum Biturigum (Neung-sur-Beuvron 20 miles or 32km south of Orleans) in March 52 BCE. The town surrendered and hostages were given.

Vercingetorix raced to confront Julius Caesar at Noviodunum, but the town had already surrendered.
However, when the citizens saw Vercingetorix‘ cavalry approaching, they closed the Gates and imprisoned the Romans inside.
Caesar then sent his German Cavalry to meet the Gauls. They successfully defeated the Gallic Cavalry, and forced them to return to Vercingetorix’ main Army, still some distance away.
The imprisoned Romans managed to recapture the town and it was re-occupied by Caesar.

Caesar besieged Avaricum (Bourges) whilst Vercingetorix camped nearby and harassed Caesar’s besieging forces from a safe distance.
After 25 days, two siege engines were built in front of the walls and a Ramp constructed. Despite many attempts by tunneling under, and throwing pitch to set fire to them, the Engines finally reached the town walls, which then were breached.
Of the entire population of 40,000 only 800 escaped alive.

Caesar then set out to relieve Gergovia, whilst Vercingetorix attempted to prevent him arriving.
Finally the two armies met, resulting in the Battle of Gergovia.

Noviodunum (Neung-sur-Beuvron)