35.5
The
action began about eight o'clock. The left wing of the allied cavalry and the
"special" corps were fighting in the front line, and two generals of consular
rank -M. Marcellus and Tiberius Sempronius; the latter had been consul the
previous year -were in command of them. The consul Merula was at one
moment at the front and at another holding back the legions who were in
reserve, lest in their eagerness they should go forward before the signal was
given. Two military tribunes, Q. Minucius and P. Minucius, received orders
to take the cavalry of these two legions outside the line and when the signal
was given to deliver an attack from the open. Whilst the consul was making
these dispositions a message came from Ti. Sempronius Longus informing
him that the special corps were not able to withstand the onslaught of the
Gauls, a great many had been killed, and the survivors, wearied out and
dispirited, had lost all heart for fighting. He asked the consul, therefore, if he
approved, to send up one of the legions before they were humiliated by
defeat. The second legion was sent up and the special corps was withdrawn.
The battle was now restored, as the legion came up with its men fresh and its
maniples complete. As the left division was withdrawn from the fighting the
right came up into the front line. The hot sun was blazing down on the
Gauls, who were incapable of standing the heat; nevertheless they sustained
the attacks of the Roman army in mass formation, leaning against each other
or on their shields. On perceiving this the consul ordered C. Livius Salinator,
the allied cavalry leader, to send his men at a hard gallop against them, and
the cavalry of the legions to act as supports. This hurricane of cavalry
confused, disordered, and finally broke up the Gaulish lines, but they did not
turn to flee. Their officers began to stop any attempt at flight by striking the
waverers with their spears and forcing them back into their ranks, but the
cavalry, riding in amongst them, did not allow them to do this. The consul
urged his men on; only a little more effort was needed, he said; victory was
within their grasp, they saw how disordered and demoralised the enemy
were, and they must press the attack. If they allowed them to re-form their
ranks, the battle would begin all over again with doubtful result. He ordered
the standard-bearers to advance, and with one united effort they at last
forced the enemy to give way. When once the Gauls were scattered in flight
the cavalry of the legions was sent in pursuit. Fourteen thousand of the Boii
were killed in that day's fighting, 1902 taken prisoners, as well as 721 of
their cavalry, including three officers; 212 standards were also captured and
63 military wagons. Nor was the victory a bloodless one for the Romans;
they and the allied contingents together lost over 5000 men, including 23
centurions, four praefects of allies and three military tribunes in the second
legion -M. Genucius, Q. Marcius and M. Marcius.