Why Caepio may have attacked during negotiations

The Cimbri and Teutones appear to negotiate with Mallius because they understand that the consul holds the decisive Roman authority. Their request for land and seed corn offers Rome a route to settlement without battle. If those talks succeed, however, Mallius receives the political reward while Caepio gains nothing from his year of waiting in Gaul. This prospect may explain why Caepio abandons cooperation and rushes to attack a prepared position. The apparent promise of diplomacy becomes a likely trigger for a rival commander's reckless decision.