The Remi: Loyalty that Paid Off

The Remi were a Belgic Celtic people in the north-east of Gaul, around today's Reims, which takes its name from them.

At Rome's side

When Caesar marched against the Belgae in 57 BC, the Remi were the first to submit and offered him alliance and intelligence. Unlike their neighbours the Nervii, they stayed loyal to Rome throughout the war – even in the great revolt of 52 BC.

The reward of loyalty

The Remi became Rome's most important partner in Belgic Gaul and kept a leading position. Their capital Durocortorum (Reims) grew into one of the most important cities of northern Gaul – a counter-image to the fate of the crushed rebels.

"Of the Belgae, the Remi were the first to come to Caesar, offering friendship and obedience."after Caesar, The Gallic War II (public domain, own translation)

Rome's most loyal ally

The Remi were a Belgic tribe in the north-east of Gaul, around today's Reims. Among the warlike Belgae they stood out through a shrewd decision: they took Rome's side early and lastingly – and fared well by it.

At Caesar's side

When in 57 BC the Belgae stood together against Rome, the Remi held with Caesar and gave him valuable information about the strength of the opponents. This loyalty made them the most important Gaulish ally in the north.

The rivals of the Aedui

Rome promoted the Remi as a counterweight to the Aedui. Thus two powerful tribes became supports of the Roman order – clever power politics that made Gaul governable.

Durocortorum – the Roman Reims

Their chief town Durocortorum grew into one of the largest cities of Roman Gaul and became a provincial capital – today's Reims, later the coronation city of the French kings.

Why this moves us

The Remi show that clever diplomacy made history just as much as the sword. At GLANZ & GRAVUR we tell this from the sources – for not every victory was won on the battlefield.

The Remi show the other side of conquest: adaptation instead of ruin. Continue with the Treveri and Nervii.

Read more with us

The Treveri · The Aedui · The Arverni · The Nervii · The Celtic Warriors.

Sources & literature

• Image credit (header image): “Porte Mars 13”, Vassil, public domain (Wikimedia Commons).
Caesar, The Gallic War II, VII; quote public domain (own translation).

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