Galatian War

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict= Galatian War


caption=A map showing the location of Galatia.
date=189 BC
place=Galatia, Asia Minor, present day Turkey
territory=
result=Roman Allied victory
casus=Galatian support of Antiochus in his war against Rome.
combatant1=Galatians
combatant2=Roman Republic,
Pergamum
commander1=Eposognatus
commander2=Gnaeus Manlius Vulso,
Attalus
strength1=Over 50,000 men
strength2=Unknown number of Romans,
2,800 Pergamese troops

The Galatian War was a war between the Galatian Gauls and the Roman Republic supported by their allies Pergamum in 189 BC. The war was fought in Galatia in central Asia Minor, in present day Turkey.

The Romans had just defeated the Seleucids in the Roman-Syrian War and had forced them to thereby sue for peace. Following their recently successful operation in Syria, the Romans then turned their attention towards the Gallic tribes of Galatia who had emigrated to Asia Minor almost 100 years prior to the ensuing military engagement. Gnaeus Manlius Vulso, the consul, excused the invasion by saying that it was in retaliation for the Galatians supplying troops to the Seleucids during the war. Vulso embarked on this campaign without the permission of the Roman Senate. Joined by Pergamum, the Romans marched inland and attacked the Galatians. They defeated the Galatians in a battle on Mount Olympus and followed up the victory by defeating a larger army near Ankara.

These defeats forced the Galatians to sue for peace and the Romans returned to the coast of Asia Minor. However, when Manlius Vulso returned to Rome, he was charged with threatening the peace between the Seleucids and Rome. He was cleared and was granted a triumph by the Senate.

Prelude

In 191 BC, Antiochus the Great, the Emperor of the Seleucid Empire of Asia invaded Greece.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy35.html 35.43] ] The Romans decided to intervene and they defeated the Seleucids at the Battle of Thermopylae.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy36.html 36.19] ] The defeat to Rome forced the Seleucids to retreat back to Asia Minor.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy36.html 36.21] ] The Romans followed them across the Aegean Sea and together with their allies, Pergamum, they decisively defeated the Seleucids at the Battle of Magnesia.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy37.html 37.44] ]

The Seleucids sued for peace and began settling it with Scipio Asiaticus.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy37.html 37.45] ] In spring, the new consul, Gnaeus Manlius Vulso arrived to take control of the army from Scipio Asiaticus.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.12] ] He was sent to conclude the treaty that Scipio was arranging.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] However, he was not content with the task given to him and he started to plan a new war. He addressed the soldiers and congratulated them on their victory and then proposed a new war, against the Galatian Gauls of Asia Minor.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.12] ] The pretext he used for the invasion was that the Galatians had supplied soldiers to the Seleucid army at the Battle of Magnesia.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.12] ] Pennell [http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext04/8rome10.txt] ] The principal reason for the invasion was Manlius' desire to seize the wealth of the Galatians who had become rich from plundering their neighbours and to gain glory for himself.Pennell [http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext04/8rome10.txt] ]

This war was the first occasion that a Roman general had started a war without the permission of the senate or the people.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] This was a dangerous precedent and this became an example for the future.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112]

Manlius started his war preparation by summoning the Pergamese to help.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.12] ] However, the King of Pergamum, Eumenes II was in Rome so his brother, Attalus who was the regent took command of the Pergamese army.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.12] ] He joined the Roman army a few days later with 1,000 infantry and 500 cavalry.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.12] ]

March inland

The combined Roman-Pergamese army started their march from Ephesus.Mommsen [http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10703/10703.txt] ] They advanced inland passing Magnesia and into the territory of Alabanda where they were met by 1,000 infantry and 300 cavalry led by Attalus' brother.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.13] ] They then marched to Antiochia where they were met by Antiochus' son, Seleucus who offered corn as part of the treaty that was being concluded.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.13] ]

As they marched inland through the upper Maeander valley and Pamphylia gathering levies from local princes and tyrants without much opposition.Mommsen [http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10703/10703.txt] ] However, they advanced in to the territory of Cibrya, ruled by the tyrant Moagetes, known for his cruelty.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.34 21.34] ] When the Roman envoys reached the city, the tyrant begged them not to ravage the territory because he was a Roman ally and promised to give them fifteen talents.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.34 21.34] ] The envoys asked Moagetes to send envoys to Vulso's camp. Vulso met them as they approached the camp and addressed them as Polybius writes:

"Not only had Moagĕtes shown himself the most determined enemy of Rome, of all the princes in Asia, but had done his very best to overthrow their empire, and deserved punishment rather than friendship."Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.34 21.34] ]

The envoys were terrified by his angry response and asked the consul to meet the tyrant for an interview to which Vulso agreed.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.34 21.34] ] The next day the tyrant emerged from the city and pleaded with Vulso to accept the fifteen talents. Vulso replied:

"If he did not pay five hundred talents, and be thankful that he was allowed to do so, he would not loot the country, but he would storm and sack the city."Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.34 21.34] ]

The tyrant however, was able to persuade Vulso to reduce the price to 100 talents and promised to provide him with 1,000 medimni of wheat.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.34 21.34] ] Thus Moagĕtes managed to save his city.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.34 21.34] ] When the consul crossed the River Colobatus he was met by ambassadors from the town of Sinda in Pisidia.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.35 21.35] ] The ambassadors asked for assistance against the city of Termessus who had taken over all their country except for the capitol.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.35 21.35] ]

The consul agreed to the offer. He entered Termessian territory, allowing them to enter his alliance for fifty talents and for their withdrawal from Sindian territory.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.35 21.35] ] Vulso proceeded to seize the city of Cyrmasa in Pisidia and with it a large booty.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.36 21.36] ] He then took the city of Lysinoe before accepting a tribute of fifty talents and 20,000 medimni of barley and wheat from the city of Sagalassus.Polybius [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+21.36 21.36] ]

The consul reached the Rhotrine Springs and he was once again met by Seleucus. Seleucus took the injured and sick Romans with him to Apamea as well as supplying the Romans some guides.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.15] ] They marched for three days after departing from the springs and on the third day they arrived on the border with the Tolostoboii, one the three Galatian tribes.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.18] ] The consul held an assembly and addressed his troops about the upcoming war. He then sent envoys to Eposognatus, chieftain of the Tectosagi, the only chieftain who was friendly with Pergamum.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.18] ] The envoys returned and replied that the chieftain of the Tectosagi begged the Romans not to invade his territory. He also claimed that he would attempt to force the submission of the other chieftains.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.18] ]

The army marched deeper inland and pitched camp near a Galatian stronghold called Cuballum.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.18] ] While they were there, the Galatian cavalry attacked the army's advance guard and caused significant casualties before the Roman cavalry counter-attacked and drove back the Galatians with heavy losses.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.18] ] The consul knowing that he was in reach of the enemy decided to move forward more cautiously.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.18] ]

Battle of Mount Olympus

The Romans and the Pergamese arrived at the city of Gordium and found it deserted.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.18] ] As they camped there they were met by a messenger sent by Eposognatus. The messenger reported that Eposognatus had not been successful in persuading the Galatians not to attack and that they were mustering nearby in the mountains.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.18] ]

The Tolostobogii occupied Mount Olympus, while the Tectosagi and the Trocmi went to another mountain.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.19] ] On Mt Olympus, the Galatians had fortified themselves with a ditch and other defensive works.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.20] ] For the first two days, the Romans scouted the mountains. On the third day, the Romans attacked the Galatian position with their skirmishers.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.21] ] At first the battle was evenly matched but when the fighting came to close range, the superior Roman weapons and armour won them the battle.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.21] ] The battle turned to a massacre for the Galatians when the Romans stormed their camp.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.22] ] The Galatians lost some 10,000 men and had around 40,000 captured during the aftermath.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.23] ]

Battle of Ancyra

After the Roman victory at Mount Olympus, the Tectosagi begged them not to attacked them and asked to meet him for a conference half way between their camp and Ancyra.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.25] ] The main of the conference was for the Tectosagi was to delay the Roman attack so that they could allow the women and children to retreat across the Halys River.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.25] ] Their other aim was to assassinate Manlius while he was at the conference.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.25] ] While they were going to the conference the Romans saw the Galatian cavalry charging at them.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.25] ] In the skirmish that followed the Galatians were overpowered Manlius' bodyguard due to their numbers but were driven back when the escort that had been accompanying the Roman forgers arrived and forced the Galatians to retreat.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.25] ]

The Romans spent the next two days scouting the surrounding area and on the third day they met the Galatian army consisting of 50,000 men.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.26] ] The Romans started the battle by attacking with their skirmishers. The Galatian centre shattered at the first attack and fled in the direction of the camp.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.26] ] The flanks stood their grounds for longer but where eventually forced to retreat.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.26] ] The Romans chased them, plundered the Galatian camp as the surviving Galatians fled across the river to join the women, children and the Trocmi.Mommsen [http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10703/10703.txt] ] Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.27] ]

Aftermath

These two crushing military defeats forced the Galatians to sue for peace.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.27] ] This campaign greatly enrichened Vulso and his legions as the Galatians had gathered great wealth through their many conquests in Asia Minor.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.27] ] The Galatians sent envoys to Vulso asking for peace but Vulso who at the time was hurrying back to Ephesus because winter was approaching bade them to come to Ephesus.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.27] ]

Vulso remained in Asia Minor for another year.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] During that time he concluded the Treaty of Apamea with AntiochusLivy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.38] ] and divided the lands of the Asia Minor coast between Pergamum and Rhodes.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.39] ] When the Galatian envoys came, Vulso told them that King Eumenes II of Pergamum would give them the terms of the peace when he arrived back from Rome.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.37] ]

Vulso began his return journey to Rome in 188 BC and arrived in 187 BC.Smith, "A Smaller History of Rome", 112] When he returned to Rome, he received much of criticism because of his unauthorised war against the Galatians.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.45] ] However, he eventually overcame the arguments and was awarded a triumph by the senate.Livy [http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/txt/ah/Livy/Livy38.html 38.50] ]

Citations

References

Primary sources

*Livy, translated by Henry Bettison, (1976). "Rome and the Mediterranean". London: Penguin Classics. ISBN 0-14-044318-5.
*Polybius, translated by Frank W. Walbank, (1979). "The Rise of the Roman Empire". New York: Penguin Classics. ISBN 0-14-044362-2.

On-line sources

* cite news
title = A History of Rome. Vol III
last = Mommsen
first = Theodor
publisher = Project Gutenberg
url = http://www.gutenberg.org/files/10703/10703.txt
date = 2004-05-01
accessdate = 2007-07-16
* cite web
title = Ancient Rome : from the earliest times down to 476 A. D.
last = Pennell
first = Robert
publisher = Project Gutenberg
url = http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/6989
date = 2004-11-01
accessdate = 2007-07-16
* cite web
title = A Smaller History of Rome
last = Smith
first = William
publisher = Project Gutenberg
url = http://www.gutenberg.org/files/19694/19694-h/19694-h.htm
date = 2006-11-01
accessdate = 2007-07-16