The Aedui: Rome's Allies between Loyalty and Revolt

The Aedui were a leading Celtic people in today's Burgundy, between the Loire and the Saône. Their capital was the mighty oppidum of Bibracte on Mont Beuvray.

Brothers of the Roman people

Even before Caesar the Aedui were allied with Rome and bore the honorary title "brothers and kinsmen of the Roman people". When the Helvetii moved through Gaul in 58 BC, the Aedui called Caesar to help – the start of the Gallic War.

Caught between the sides

But the close bond with Rome split the people. In 52 BC the Aedui too joined the revolt of Vercingetorix – too late and divided. At Bibracte Vercingetorix was elected commander-in-chief. After Alesia the Aedui were bound again into Rome's order.

"The Aedui called themselves brothers and blood-kin of the Romans."after Caesar, The Gallic War I (public domain, own translation)

The Aedui show the two faces of an alliance with Rome. Continue with their rivals, the Arverni, and the Senones.

Read more with us

The Arverni · The Helvetii · The Senones · Celtic Princely Graves · Celtic Religion.

Sources & literature

Caesar, The Gallic War I, VII; excavations Bibracte/Mont Beuvray; quote public domain (own translation).

Visit the Shop More posts