Definition: In 54 B.C. the Eburones, a Germanic tribe in the area now known as Belgium, revolted from Rome. The Eburones were under the leadership of Ambiorix and Catuvoleus, two tribal kings who intially complied with the Roman demands to provision the wintering Roman legion under the command of Quintus Titurius Sabinus and Lucius Aurunculeius Cotta.
Ambiorix promised the Romans safe passage, away from the imminent onslaught of other rebellious German tribes, but it was a trick. When the Romans agreed, the Eburones ambushed them. Most of the legion were killed by missiles, but a few survived, retired to their camp, and committed suicide rather than be taken prisoner by the Eburones.
Source: Peter Heather: The Fall of the Roman Empire.
