L. Aurunculeius Cotta

Also known as: Cotta / L. Cotta · Family: Roman · Role: lieutenant · First appears: The Gallic War, Book II, 7–13

In Book II of the Gallic War, Caesar sent L. Aurunculeius Cotta and Q. Pedius ahead with cavalry to harass the retreating enemy, while Titus Labienus followed with three legions. The pursuing forces killed many of the fleeing enemy. In Book IV, Caesar entrusted Cotta and Q. Titurius Sabinus with leading the remaining army into the territories of the Menapii and Morini; there, they laid waste the Menapii’s lands, cut down their corn, and burned their houses.

In Book V, Caesar appointed Cotta and Sabinus to command soldiers wintering among the Eburones. About fifteen days after they arrived, Ambiorix and Cativolcus led a sudden revolt and attacked the camp. Ambiorix warned the lieutenants that a large German force was approaching and urged them to withdraw. At the council over what to do, Cotta strongly opposed leaving, but at last yielded, and Sabinus’s opinion prevailed. At break of day, their forces left camp with a large amount of baggage; Ambiorix’s forces ambushed them in a disadvantageous position. Cotta refused to go to the armed enemy or confer with Ambiorix, and was slain while fighting, together with most of the soldiers.