Commentaries on the Gallic War · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides endnotes and explanatory references for the preceding text, including conversions of Roman measurements and dates, clarifications of Latin terms, and historical cross-references.
What happens
This chapter provides endnotes and explanatory references for the preceding text, including conversions of Roman measurements and dates, clarifications of Latin terms, and historical cross-references.
Key passages
“Roman miles.”
Roman miles are used as a unit of distance.
Clarifies the unit of measurement.
“I.e. the 28th of March.”
This refers to March 28th.
Provides a calendar date equivalent.
“BC 58.”
The year is 58 BC.
Historical year reference.
“According to their own representations. The Latin oratio obliqua, indirect citation, is meant to declare not the fact but the assertion of it by somebody.”
The phrase 'according to their own representations' indicates that the text reports what someone claimed, not necessarily the truth.
Explains the use of indirect discourse.
“On April 12th.”
The date is April 12th.
Provides a specific date.
“Roman, not quite eighteen english.”
A Roman mile is slightly less than eighteen English miles.
Conversion between Roman and English miles.