Battle of Bibracte

Definition: The Battle of Bibracte was one of the first engagements of the Gallic Wars, as chronicled by the Roman commander Julius Caesar in his De Bello Gallico (Gallic Wars). When the Gallic Wars began, Julius Caesar was governor of the two Gallic provinces, Transalpine and Cisalpine Gaul, as well as Illyria. The Romans had entered into treaties of friendship with the Gallic tribe of the Aedui and, more recently, with the Suebi, under Ariovistus, who were enemies of the Aedui.

In 58 B.C. the Helvetii were about to cross Transalpine Gaul (Roman territory) on their route to the west of France. Caesar took the legion that was in the Transalpine province to head off the Helvetii. The Helvetii decided on an alternate route across the land of the Aedui.

The Romans demanded that the Helvetii stop and give them hostages, but the Helvetii refused and, instead, continued to cross the Aeduan land. There the Helvetii ravaged the land and so the Aeduans asked the Romans for help, calling on their friendship treaty. The Romans had their own motives. They wanted revenge for the historic defeat they had suffered at Celtic hands, and so agreed. Caesar met the Helvetii and allies with 6 Roman legions. Caesar was almost defeated near Bibracte, but when Caesar won, in June 58 B.C., the Helvetii returned home.

Battle of Bibracte in Summary

Helvetii, Boii and Tulingi led by Divicus against Julius Caesar in charge of 6 Roman legions. Roman victory in June 58 B.C., in France.

• Ancient Rome Glossary