a nation of Belgica, whose territory was situated N. of the Ambiani, are first mentioned by Caesar at the date 57 B.C. At that time they were a simple-living, warlike, and patriotic people, abjuring all commerce with other nations, prohibiting wine and other luxuries from being imported into their territory, and zealously stirring up their neighbours to resist the coming invasion of the Romans. On receiving intelligence that Caesar was advancing into their country, they sent away their old men, women, and children to a place of refuge among the marshes by the sea-shore, and posted themselves in ambush on the banks of the Sabis (Sambre). The invaders had approached close to the place of concealment, and, unsuspicous of any danger, were engaged in forming a camp, when they suddenly found themselves attacked by 60,000 fierce barbarians. The Romans would have been immediately routed, had not the invincible genius of Caesar been there to sway and turn the tide of battle. After a hard-fought contest, the Nervian forces were almost annihilated; but the Nervii were not yet subdued. They are found, in 54 B.C., assisting the Eburones in the unsuccessful attack upon the camp of Quintus Cicero; and it was not until the following year that they finally submitted to the Romans. The Nervii possessed two important towns,—Bagacum (Bercat), their capital; and Camaracum (Cambrai).