Definition: In 56 B.C. Roman messengers went to the Gallic tribes to demand grain for the troops. They were seized by the Veneti who said they would return the messengers when their own hostages had been released. The Veneti were a coastal maritime people living in what is modern Brittany. Caesar was afraid that other tribes would follow in the footsteps of the rebel veneti so he led his forces against them storming their villages on land. The Veneti took to their trading vessels, which were wind-powered and oar-less. D. Junius Brutus took charge of the Roman naval fleet which destroyed the Veneti sails and rigging. When the winds suddenly died down, the Veneti were out of luck. They surrendered. Because they had rebelled and Caesar feared that other Gallic tribes might follow suit, he punished the Veneti severely. Everyone on the governing council was beheaded and the rest of the Veneti were sold into slavery.
Source: Adrian Goldsworthy Caesar - Life of a Colossus
