The struggle was fierce, but short.

Every time that the fresh Gallic army attacked the besiegers, Vercingetorix and the Gauls of Alesia sallied forth, and joined in the attack.

Caesar and his legions, on their side, at one time repulsed these double attacks, at another themselves took the initiative, and assailed at one and the same time the besieged and the auxiliaries Gaul had sent them.

The feeling was passionate on both sides: Roman pride was pitted against Gallic patriotism.

But in four or five days the strong organization, the disciplined valor of the Roman legions, and the genius of Caesar carried the day.