In 57 BCE, Julius Caesar faced off against the Belgian tribe of the Nervians in a battle near the river Selle in Northern France. The outcome of this conflict is now known as the Battle of the Sabis and it marked one of Rome’s most decisive victories.
The Belgae were eventually defeated, marking an important turning point for Roman expansionism. Although little remains today to commemorate this event, it remains an important part of Roman history and mythology. For more information on Julius Caesar and other historical figures, be sure to check out our library resources.

What Happened In 57 Bce?
In 57 BCE, Julius Caesar led an army against the Belgian tribe of the Nervians in what is now Northern France. The Battle of the Sabis was a decisive victory that cemented Caesar’s power and legacy as one of Rome’s most famous generals.
The river Selle played a significant role in the battle, providing water to his troops and enabling them to cross it easily. Today, the area around the river is known for its wine production and historical monuments like fortresses and cathedrals.
Caesar is also remembered for his military campaigns in Gaul, Britain and Spain.
Julius Caesar
In 57 Bce, Julius Caesar was assassinated and the Roman Republic was born. The republic would last for over 500 years until it fell to the imperial rule of Augustus Caesar in 27 BC.
Under Augustus, Rome became an empire with a centralized government and a complex system of laws that stretched across Europe and Asia Minor. Cicero is considered one of Rome’s greatest orators and he played an important role in defending the republic against charges of treason during Nero’s reign (54-68 AD).
Christianity began to spread through areas under Roman control around 100 AD but it wasn’t legalized as a religion until 313 by Constantine I, who also changed its name from Mithraism to Christiandom.
Battle of the Sabis (57 BCE)
In 57 BCE, the Battle of Sabis took place between Rome and Carthage. The battle was a major victory for Rome, which solidified its control over Sicily and southern Italy.
It also demonstrated Rome’s military might to other Mediterranean powers like Macedon and Pyrrhus. As a result, the Battle of Sabis has been cited as one of the reasons why Hannibal could not decisively defeat Roman legions in the First Punic War (264-241 BCE).
Scholars continue to debate what impact this battle had on future events such as the fall of Corinth or Gallia Cisalpina becoming part of Italy.
Belgian Tribe of the Nervians
The Belgian tribe of the Nervians lived in 57 BCE. They were a group of people who worshipped a goddess known as Nerthus. Their culture is thought to have influenced the development of modern day Europe and North America.
Today, there are only around 30 members remaining from this once large tribe. Many believe that their disappearance was caused by contact with Roman settlers, which led to their language and traditions being lost over time.
River Selle in Northern France
In 57 BCE, the River Selle burst its banks and flooded much of Northern France. The disaster was so severe that it is still remembered today as a dark time in French history.
Many people died because they were trapped in their homes or on the streets when the water came rushing in. Today, there are several memorials and monuments to remember those who lost their lives as a result of this flood.
The event has even been used by some filmmakers to create movies and TV shows about historical events.
To Recap
In 57 BCE, the Roman Republic was founded and Lavender became an important part of Roman culture. In 8CE, Emperor Constantine proclaimed Christianity as the state religion and lavender began to be used in Christian ceremonies.
The plant continued to be grown and used throughout the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. By 1692 CE, when William Kent first described Lavender in his book “The Beauties of England”, it was well-established in English gardens.
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