Famous figure from Gaul , sworn enemy of Julius Caesar and great warrior, Vercingetorix rocked our History lessons . The story of his conquests probably still resonates in your mind. But we often forget the mystery that hovers around the death of Vercingetorix . I suggest you take a leap of 2000 years in the past to talk about the discreet and tragic end of the most famous of the Gallic leaders.
Vercingetorix falls into the hands of Julius Caesar
Who is Vercingetorix?
It is important to mention in a few lines the portrait of Vercingetorix, famous name in the History of France . Born in Arverne territory around 82 BC, this young man worked throughout his life to incite each Gallic tribe to come together to fight against the Roman power. He finally succeeds in gathering part of the troops, and will be at the head of a troop capable of a triumph over the Roman political and economic power, the legion of Julius Caesar.
The Siege of Alesia
Vercingetorix is considered to be the unifier of the Gallic peoples, facing a fierce and above all very agile enemy:the Romans. Warlord, he managed to gather many troops to fight against Julius Caesar, eager for power and conquest. These two leaders are waging a merciless fight , with mutual respect. Vercingetorix leads many battles, some of which end in victory. We can mention in particular the famous Battle of Gergovie . These successes undoubtedly caused the death of Vercingetorix, because they gave such confidence to the Gallic peoples that they decided to lead an offensive against the Romans. Vercingetorix wants to bring down his lifelong enemy for good.
The Gallic troops attack by surprise the army of Julius Caesar on the outskirts of Alesia, the death of Vercingetorix is then not very far. Caesar, cunning Emperor, then shows all his military ingenuity and deploys many troops all around the Gauls . The lack of organization of the army leads to the loss...and probably to the death of Vercingetorix. The leader of the Gauls has no choice but to lock himself within the walls of Alesia . It is then the beginning of the end for Vercingetorix who signs his death warrant. The opportunity is too good for Caesar, who decides to besiege Alesia. There followed 40 days of siege during which the fight will be fierce between the two enemies . Many losses are to be deplored among the Gallic peoples, despite Vercingetorix's desire to save them and send them home. Inside Alésia, everything is organized to hold out as long as possible, while waiting for reinforcements. Wheat is requisitioned, and decrees the death penalty to all those who do not obey.
Vercingetorix grows impatient, the relief troops do not arrive. Each passing day brings Julius Caesar closer to victory, and Vercingetorix to death. After several days of waiting, military support finally made its appearance, to the great relief of the Gauls. Unfortunately the troops are not sufficiently prepared. This is the last chance fight , the Gauls attempt a breach and are pursued by the Romans. It's a real massacre.
The next day, the leader of the Gauls forms an assembly and decides to surrender. The death of Vercingetorix has never been so close. Emperor Julius Caesar is victorious.
Before the death of Vercingetorix:The leader of the Gauls exhibited as a trophy
The scene where Vercingetorix is handed over to him is then recounted by Julius Caesar. We can then suspect that it is somewhat improved by its author, to embellish his victory. The Emperor says that Vercingetorix threw down his arms at his feet . However, this remains in accordance with Celtic customs.
Julius Caesar then wishes to organize his victory. Does he foresee the death of Vercingetorix, or does he plan to keep him alive. No one can say what he planned to do with his nemesis. He first givesthe prisoners of Alesia as slaves to his soldiers . As for Vercingetorix, he was moved to Rome, where he was exhibited like a trophy. This practice is particularly common during successful military campaigns. We can assume that Vercingetorix was not mistreated during this exposure to the people. It is customary to show that the defeated enemy is strong and healthy, then the victory is even stronger.
Vercingetorix is imprisoned by Caesar
After being defeated and then presented as a trophy to the Roman people, Vercingetorix was apparently imprisoned, probably in the Tullianum jails , a former prison in Rome.
The death of Vercingetorix, a mystery that remains intact
The great Vercingetorix remained imprisoned in Rome for many years, under the yoke of Julius Caesar. The latter is now all-powerful, his lifelong enemy being behind bars . He no longer lives under the threat of the chief of the Gauls. Is Julius Caesar no longer satisfied with knowing he is in prison in Rome? Would he have wished for the death of Vercingetorix?
Hard to say. What we do know is that 6 years after his imprisonment, Vercingetorix died in prison. But the reasons for the death of Vercingetorix still remain very vague. Did Vercingetorix die because of the conditions of imprisonment? Did Vercingetorix's death occur because of soldiers seeking revenge? Or was it Julius Caesar who ordered the death of Vercingetorix to permanently get rid of his rival? The mystery still remains intact, which undoubtedly adds to this fascination that one can have for Vercingetorix, this great warrior who became the sworn enemy of the greatest Roman Emperor.
Source:
– “Vercingetorix” by Jean Markale – Editions de Crémille