Mallius and Caepio were denied fire and water within Roman territory, effectively forcing them into exile, even though Mallius had also lost both sons in the battle. The Rhône became a lethal barrier during the collapse: high, cold October water made retreat in armor exceptionally dangerous, while a camp positioned with the river behind it restricted escape. Caepio received much greater blame and a fine linked to the vanished Gold of Tolosa. The Senate then recalled the proven general Gaius Marius from Africa and accepted repeated consulships because normal constitutional practice no longer seemed adequate to the emergency.
Chapter · 1:31:43-1:39:02
Exile, the Gold of Tolosa, and Marius's recall
Rome punished both commanders, imposed an immense financial penalty on Caepio, and broke its own normal election timetable to recall Gaius Marius.