Gergovia

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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[1] in the upper part of the basin of the Allier,[2] near present-day Clermont-Ferrand and Gergovie. It was the capital of the Averni.[3] It was the town of the Boii.[4] 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][5] The battle was fought between a Roman Republic army, led by proconsul Julius Caesar and Gallic forces led by Vercingetorix.[6] Caesar marched south with six legions with the intention of taking the hill town of Gergovia.[2]The Gauls won the battle, which led to increased cavalry support for Vercingetorix's campaign for future battles.[7] This was a significant failure in Gallia for Caesar and the Roman army.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Gergovia" . Encyclopædia Britannica. 11 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 767.
  2. ^ a b c Smith 1854, p. 959.
  3. ^ Smith 1854, p. 228.
  4. ^ Smith 1854, p. 416.
  5. ^ "Battle of Gergovia". unrv.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  6. ^ Rickard, J. (24 March 2009). "Siege of Gergovia, May 52 BC". History of War. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  7. ^ "(4) Vercingetorix (52 to 50 B.C.E.)". YouTube. Retrieved December 7, 2018.

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]

  • Media related to Gergovia at Wikimedia Commons

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