Caesar on the Factors of Success in the War

Abstract

This article investigates Caesar’s thoughts about the factors of victory in the war on the basis of his remarks in the «Commentaries on the Gallic War» and the «Commentaries on the Civil War». The influence of the gods, the impact of natural phenomena, the fortune are the factors of the military success that do not depend on people. The knowledge (scientia), an experience (usus), the valour (virtus) and the spirit (animus, voluntas) of soldiers, as well as a skilful influence of the commander on it and his correct decisions are the factors that depend on people. Caesar does not attribute the activity of the gods to the important factors of victory. In his opinion, the natural phenomena influence only the military operations at sea and near the river. According to Caesar, the fortune (fortuna) is important enough, however, the behavior of soldiers and commander is decisive for victory. He describes the influence of fortune, knowledge, experience, valour and spirit of warriors, the decisions and ac- tions of commander as the universal factors of success that are effective both in battles against barbarians and in conditions of civil war.