Arverni (Caesar in Gaul)

Formed from many smaller tribal groupings, the Arverni are ruled by chieftains, but deferent to their druids. Venerating the heroic tradition of their Celtic forebears, political power stems as much from an individual’s abilities as a war-leader as his lineage.

The Arverni were one of the most powerful tribes of central Gaul until their defeat by the Romans in 121BC. Although able to negotiate continued independence from Rome, they lost great swathes of their southern territories to the newly founded Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis.

Seeking revenge on their bitter rivals, the Roman-backed Aedui, the Arverni forged an alliance with the Sequani and, more recently, the Germanic Suebi King Ariovistus. The utter defeat of the Aedui at the Battle of Magetobriga in 63BC, without apparent repercussions from Rome, has paved the way for the Arverni to reclaim both territory and influence in Gaul. Now, as the Suebi demand more land from the Sequani and pressurize the Helvetii to migrate, throwing southern Gaul into confusion, the tribes need only unite under a king such as Celtillus of the Arverni, or his son Vercingetorix, to conquer the whole of Gaul.