The Atrebates – a People on Both Sides of the Channel

History & Finds The Atrebates: From Arras to Britain

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The Atrebates were a Belgic-Celtic people in the north of Gaul, around today's Arras (whose name derives from them).

Commius, the turncoat

Their prince Commius was at first Caesar's ally and mediator in Britain – but then, in the great revolt of 52 BC, switched to the side of Vercingetorix. After the defeat he fled across the Channel.

A kingdom in Britain

In southern Britain the Atrebates under Commius and his successors founded a kingdom of their own (around Silchester/Calleva). So the name of the Gaulish people lived on in Britain – a rare case of a tribe on both sides of the sea.

"Commius, who enjoyed great standing among the Atrebates."after Caesar, The Gallic War IV (public domain, own translation)

What is documented: Atrebates around Arras (Caesar), Commius as ally and later opponent of Caesar, his switch in 52 BC and the British Atrebatic kingdom (Caesar; British coins reading "COMMIOS").

What is interpretation: Whether the British Commius is the same as Caesar's ally is held likely but not conclusively proven. Much rests on coin legends and Caesar's one-sided account.

The Atrebates link Gaul and Britain. Continue with the Britons and Morini.

Glanz & Gravur — From our workshop: Celtic-Germanic motifs on natural slate, laser-engraved. To the shop →

Sources & literature

Caesar, The Gallic War IV, VII; British coin finds; quote public domain (own translation).

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The Atrebates: From Arras to Britain

Commius, the turncoat

A kingdom in Britain

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Sources & literature

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