The Allobroges: On the Threshold of the Roman World

The Allobroges were a Celtic people in the south-east of Gaul, between the Rhône, Isère and the Alps, in the area around Vienne and later Geneva.

Early subjugation

As early as 121 BC – long before Caesar – the Allobroges were subdued by Rome and incorporated into the province of Gallia Narbonensis. They were thus among the first Gauls under Roman rule.

The Catiline conspiracy

In 63 BC Allobrogian envoys played a surprising role in Rome: the conspirators around Catiline tried to win them as allies. The Allobroges reported it to the authorities – and gave Cicero the evidence that brought the conspiracy down. Later they themselves rose against Rome's harsh administration, but were put down.

"The Allobroges, subdued only shortly before, were not yet well disposed to Rome."after Caesar, The Gallic War I (public domain, own translation)

The Allobroges stand at the transition from the Celtic to the Roman world. Continue with the Helvetii and Aedui.

Read more with us

The Helvetii · The Aedui · The Arverni · The Celtic Warriors · Celtic Religion.

Sources & literature

Caesar, The Gallic War I; Cicero, Against Catiline; Sallust, Catiline; quote public domain (own translation).

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