Vercingetorix (ca. 82-46 BC) was a leader of the Averni, a Celtic tribe in Gaul. During Caesar's Gallic Wars (58-51 BC) Vercingetorix gained kingship of his tribe, and rallied the support of several other tribes with whom he staged the last great resistance against the Romans in Gaul, but was defeated at the Battle of Alesia in September of 52 BC. Alesia was a fortified hill-top citadel, which Caesar surrounded with two impressive fortifications of his own. One keeping the army of Vercingetorix in, and the other facing outward to defend against a relieving army of Gauls. Vercingetorix managed to coordinate an attack with the relief forces on the other side, but the two armies were unsuccessful, and Caesar managed to repell both advances simultaneously. Facing inevitable starvation, Vercingetorix surrendered to Caesar, and was taken to Rome in chains to be killed in Caesar's triumph. However, Vercingetorix would have to wait six years in captivity while Caesar fought a civil war against Pompey, before Caesar could return to recieve his triumph and have Vercingetorix killed. Show less «