Battle of Aquae Sextiae
Near Aix-en-Provence, Provence, France
What happened
A Roman army under the consul Gaius Marius fought the Teutones and Ambrones, Germanic and Celtic peoples led by King Teutobod. After a string of Roman defeats, migrating tribes were moving toward Italy through southern Gaul. Marius waited in a fortified camp, then followed them and took a position on high ground near Aquae Sextiae. When the tribes charged uphill, the Roman infantry held, and a hidden Roman force attacked from behind until the tribal army broke.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It stopped the Teutones and Ambrones from invading Italy through the Alps. Together with a victory the next year, it ended the threat from the northern tribes.
What came next
Marius was elected consul again. In July 101 BCE he and Quintus Lutatius Catulus defeated the Cimbri at Vercellae.
Did you know?
Marius was consul seven times, more than any other Roman of the Republic.
Timeline
- c. 157 BCEGaius Marius is born near Arpinum.
- 107 BCEMarius is consul for the first time.
- 102 BCEMarius wins at Aquae Sextiae.
- July 101 BCEThe Romans defeat the Cimbri at Vercellae.
- 13 January 86 BCEMarius dies during his seventh consulship.