# Endnotes explained — Commentaries on the Gallic War

> Chapter companion for Commentaries on the Gallic War by Julius Caesar.

## 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 lines

> 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._

> Viz. Tolosa, Toulouse.

That is, Tolosa, which is modern-day Toulouse.

_Identifies the ancient city with its modern counterpart._

> BC 107.

The year is 107 BC.

_Historical year reference._

> I.e. 12 (noon)⁠–⁠1 p.m.

This refers to the time period from noon to 1 p.m.

_Clarifies a time interval._

> Lit. “of the heads of the Helvetii.”

Literally, 'of the heads of the Helvetii.'

_Provides a literal translation of a Latin phrase._

> BC 59.

The year is 59 BC.

_Historical year reference._

> BC 61.

The year is 61 BC.

_Historical year reference._

> Rome

The city of Rome.

_Place reference._

> The decurions.

The decurions, a type of Roman official.

_Defines a Roman term._

> I.e. for cowardice arising thence.

That is, for cowardice resulting from that.

_Explains a phrase about cowardice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se/chapters/endnotes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se/chapters