In 52 BCE, Julius Caesar's Roman legions besieged Alesia, the Gallic stronghold defended by Vercingetorix. Caesar's account describes one defensive line built around the settlement and a second facing outward to protect the Roman army from relief forces approaching from outside.
The system incorporated ditches, ramparts, palisades, towers and other obstacles. The Roman army had to withstand pressure from the besieged defenders and the outside force without losing the siege line.
Caesar reported that the defenses held and that Vercingetorix surrendered. His account remains a crucial ancient source, but it was written from the perspective of the victorious Roman commander.
This cinematic reconstruction explores one of the most striking examples of Roman military engineering.
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