Image credit: Statue of Vercingetorix, Aimé Millet. Photo credit:Myrabella
Originally from Arvernes, Vercingetorix has gone down in history for having resisted the great military strategist Julius Caesar. Indeed, refusing the Roman invasion, Vercingetorix calls the other Gallic peoples to the insurrection. With his scorched earth technique, he put the Roman troops in difficulty, even winning a victory at Gergovie in -52, remaining in the oppidum (fortifications). And if in the city of Bibracte, on the strength of his success, Vercingetorix had the general command confirmed by the Gallic chiefs, he was caught in his own trap at Alesia. Taken refuge in the oppidum to escape Caesar who has suddenly turned around, the Gauls are prisoners of the Roman strategist who has a double line of fortifications built, preventing any Gauls from leaving and any help from coming to save them. It is therefore a hungry Vercingetorix who gives his surrender. Caesar will take him during his military campaigns, exhibiting him as a trophy, then to Rome, where he only leaves his dungeon to witness Caesar's triumph in -46. The Senate will order his execution that same year.
Approx -72 - -46
Status
Gallic leader