# @itsaihistory on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DQkD52tD1Uy
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/61744771-itsaihistory-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/d803596a49.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-11-02T18:04:34.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Parker Gordon (@itsaihistory) — https://gondola.cc/itsaihistory

## Caption

⚔️ Siege of Avaricum | 52 BC | Real Roman Catapult

What you’re seeing:
A Roman torsion-powered siege engine (often called onager — Latin onager, “wild ass,” for its kick) readied by Caesar’s legionaries outside Avaricum in central Gaul. Mud, mist, and timber palisades show freezing spring conditions.

What was Avaricum — and why did it matter?
Avaricum (modern Bourges, France) was the fortified capital of the Bituriges Cubi (Gallic tribe of central Gaul; their chief town and a grain hub on key river routes). In 52 BC, Vercingetorix ordered scorched earth, but the Bituriges begged to spare Avaricum—giving Caesar a prime target to feed his army and break morale.

Why they’re positioned here:
Slightly higher, drier ground across marshy approaches—ideal for causeways, ramparts, and stable artillery beyond bow-shot.

How we know:
Described by Julius Caesar in Commentarii de Bello Gallico (Book 7); later notes by Aulus Hirtius and archaeology around Bourges align with his account.

Discrepancies (for transparency):
• Armor shows lorica segmentata (later); Avaricum era was lorica hamata (chain mail).
• Engine resembles a later onager; onager is a later term—Caesar cites catapultae/ballistae (Book 7).
• Torsion bundle/arm likely undersized.
• Crew should stand to one side of the beam for recoil safety.

Historical impact:
After weeks of rain-soaked works, Romans stormed Avaricum and massacred most residents—shattering local morale, foreshadowing Gergovia, and showcasing Roman engineering.

Language note:
Legionaries spoke vernacular (Vulgar) Latin, not Caesar’s Classical Latin. Line heard: Apparatum, non limite, primate torsiones — “Ready the equipment; without restraint, prime the torsions.”

Production note: Original AI-assisted historical recreations engineered by itsaihistory.

#itsaihistory #history #rome #europe #europeanhistory #ancienthistory #romanempire #caesar

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## Tags

caesar, romanempire, europe, history, europeanhistory, rome, itsaihistory, ancienthistory

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