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Brennus

Type Figure Region Gaul Time c. -500–-387 Also known as Brennus (Gaul)

Brennus was a chieftain of the Senones of Gaul in the early 4th century BCE who led his people south into Italy, defeating the Romans at the River Al…

Timeline

  1. -500–-391Senones territory · SenonesAccording to classical writers, Brennus was the military leader of the Senones; amid tribal population growth and land pressure, he organized a southward migration and expansion.
  2. -391–-390River Allia · LazioBrennus led some 30,000 men south into the Italian peninsula, routing the Roman army near the River Allia and clearing the way for the subsequent attack on Rome.
  3. -390–-387Rome · RomeThe Gallic army occupied the city of Rome except for the Capitoline Hill and plundered extensively. According to Livy, Brennus threw out the words 'Vae victis' (woe to the vanquished) during ransom negotiations; the event became a major traumatic memory in Roman collective consciousness.

Sources