Vercingetorix

(died 46 BC) Chieftain of the Gallic tribe of the Arverni. Julius Caesar had almost subjugated Gaul (see Gallic Wars) when Vercingetorix, acclaimed king of his people, led the Gauls against him (52 BC), using guerrilla tactics and picking battle sites favourable to his own forces. After winning a major victory at Gergovia, his later attack on the Roman army failed; besieged at Alesia, he was forced to surrender. Taken to Rome in chains, he was displayed in Caesar's triumph and executed six years later.

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