Gergovia

Gergovia was a Gaulish town in modern Auvergne[1] in the upper part of the basin of the Allier,[2] near present-day Clermont-Ferrand and Gergovie. It was the capital of the Averni.[3] It was the town of the Boii.[4] The city of Gergovia had strong walls, and was located on a giant raised plateau surrounded by hills.

Gergovia
Plan of the mountain of Gergovia and its environs
Etymology: Gaulish

It was the chief town (oppidum) of the Arverni and the site of the Battle of Gergovia in 52 BC.[1][5] The battle was fought between a Roman Republic army, led by proconsul Julius Caesar and Gallic forces led by Vercingetorix.[6] Caesar marched south with six legions with the intention of taking the hill town of Gergovia.[2]The Gauls won the battle, which led to increased cavalry support for Vercingetorix's campaign for future battles.[7] This was a significant failure in Gallia for Caesar and the Roman army.[2]

References

  1. Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Gergovia" . Encyclopædia Britannica. 11 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 767.
  2. Smith 1854, p. 959.
  3. Smith 1854, p. 228.
  4. Smith 1854, p. 416.
  5. "Battle of Gergovia". unrv.com. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  6. Rickard, J. (24 March 2009). "Siege of Gergovia, May 52 BC". History of War. Retrieved 4 May 2018.
  7. "(4) Vercingetorix (52 to 50 B.C.E.)". YouTube. Retrieved December 7, 2018.

Bibliography

  • Media related to Gergovia at Wikimedia Commons

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