Synopsis

The subject of this beautifully colored picture is the great Gaulish chieftain. Vercingetorix, of the tribe of Arverni. He was a powerful adversary of Caesar and was continually perpetrating hostilities against the mighty monarch. In the first view Gaul's hero is seen among his own people, who honor and respect him for his valiant deeds. Many times has he led them in battle against the Romans, and each time has he come out victorious. Now, however, after a long siege, we see the brave Gaul shut up in Alesia where Caesar's army, after a prolonged battle, eventually capture the powerful fortress and take Vercingetorix a prisoner. The latter is led before his hated enemy, Caesar, where he surrenders and instead of being extended the usual courtesy that is due to the vanquished, Caesar has his prisoner bound in chains and keeps him captive in the camp, where Vercingetorix is compelled to witness many ghastly deeds perpetrated against his own people. In one scene he is led into the great arena, where he is forced to witness Caesar enter in triumph and in full power, while he is thrown to the ground like an animal and made to bear the jeers of the vast multitude. Finally when Caesar feels that he has tortured his prisoner quite enough, and wishing to be rid of him, he sends two powerful men to the cell, where Vercingetorix is confined, and, in the presence of his wife, who is fighting for his liberty, the great chieftain is strangled to death.