Gergovia
Plan of the mountain of Gergovia and its environs
Plan of the mountain of Gergovia and its environs
Etymology: Gaulish

Gergovia was a Gaulish town in modern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes[1] in the upper part of the basin of the Allier,[2] near present-day Clermont-Ferrand. It was the capital of the Averni.[3] The city of Gergovia had strong walls and was located on a giant raised plateau surrounded by hills.

It was the chief town (oppidum) of the Arverni and the site of the Battle of Gergovia in 52 BC.[1][4] The battle was fought between a Roman Republic army, led by proconsul Julius Caesar, and Gallic forces led by Vercingetorix.[5] Caesar marched south with six legions to take the hill town of Gergovia.[2] The Gauls won the battle, which led to increased cavalry support for Vercingetorix's campaign for future battles.[6] This was a significant failure in Gallia for Caesar and the Roman army.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Gergovia" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 11 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 767.
  2. ^ a b c Smith 1854, p. 959.
  3. ^ Smith 1854, p. 228.
  4. ^ "Battle of Gergovia". unrv.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  5. ^ Rickard, J. (24 March 2009). "Siege of Gergovia, May 52 BC". History of War. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  6. ^ "(4) Vercingetorix (52 to 50 B.C.E.)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22. Retrieved December 7, 2018.

Bibliography

45°42′30″N 3°7′30″E / 45.70833°N 3.12500°E / 45.70833; 3.12500


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