Vercingetorix (redirected from Vercingétorix)

Vercingetorix (vûr'sĭnjĕt`ərĭks), d. 46 B.C., leader of the Gauls, a chieftain of the Arverni. He was the leader of the great revolt against the Romans in 52 B.C. Julius Caesar, upon hearing of the trouble, rushed to put it down. Vercingetorix was, however, an able leader and adopted the policy of retreating to heavy, natural fortifications and burning the Gallic towns to keep the Roman soldiers from living off the land. Caesar and his chief lieutenant Labienus lost in minor engagements, but when Vercingetorix shut himself up in Alesia and summoned all his Gallic allies to attack the besieging Romans, the true brilliance of Caesar appeared. He defeated the Gallic relieving force and took the fortress. Vercingetorix was captured and, after gracing Caesar's triumphal return to Rome, was put to death.

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Vercingetorix

(died 46 BC) Chieftain of the Gallic tribe of the Arverni. Julius Caesar had almost subjugated Gaul (see Gallic Wars) when Vercingetorix, acclaimed king of his people, led the Gauls against him (52 BC), using guerrilla tactics and picking battle sites favourable to his own forces. After winning a major victory at Gergovia, his later attack on the Roman army failed; besieged at Alesia, he was forced to surrender. Taken to Rome in chains, he was displayed in Caesar's triumph and executed six years later.

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Vercingetorix

died ?45 bc, Gallic chieftain and hero, executed for leading a revolt against the Romans under Julius Caesar (52 bc)