Likewise, the Romans viewed the Gauls as boisterous and unstable, more inclined to resort to violence than to rhetoric in order to settle their disputes. Furthermore, the Romans believed the Gauls to be too attracted to the pleasures of the vine.
Impact
The movement of the Helvetii westward across Gaul instigated the Gallic Wars. This mass migration threatened the tenuous stability in Gaul. Prior to this migration, in 60 B.C., Cicero spoke of peace in Gaul. While the management of the area had always been problematic for the Romans, a tolerable equilibrium seemed to envelop the region. Indeed, Caesar's initial desire to control the province did not stem from the need to accomplish any immediate military objectives in Gaul. Instead, Caesar was eager to assume control of Gaul because this position allowed him to amass military forces. He desired these forces so that he could assert his dominance in Rome.
By 60 B.C., the old Roman Republic had degenerated. The Empire was ruled by the impulses of power hungry warlords. Pompey, Caesar, and Crassus competed for ultimate authority. The agreement which the three charted in order to rule has been referred to by historians as the First Triumvirate.
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