Celtic Rebellion Research Paper

Historical Investigation – Hamish McPhie
The Celtic Rebellions

Essay Question:
“Assess the impact of the Celtic rebellions and both the immediate and long term consequences of these events.”

The rebellions of the Celtic tribes against the expanding Roman Empire had a great impact on both cultures, and caused a series of significant consequences, both immediate and long term. The expansion of the Roman Empire into Gaul and the island of Britannia caused a great deal of conflict between the native Celtic tribes and the conquering Romans. The Gallic leader, Vercingetorix, led the united tribes of Gaul in an attempt to repel the forces of Julius Caesar, explored in the writings of Caesar account of the Gallic Wars. The queen of the Iceni
Each had personal reasons for leading rebellions but the catalyst for both situations was the expanding of the Roman Empire between the years of 58BC and 61AD. For centuries the Gallic tribes were scattered across Gaul, where they lived and fought with other tribes. Two of the greatest tuatha tribes in Gaul were the Arverni and the Aedui who, at irregular intervals, had been at war with one another. In the desperate attempt to gain the upper hand the Aedui tribe formed an alliance with the Roman Empire. In the following years the Gallic tribes were threatened by invasion of the Ariovistus German mercenaries. In the year 61BC the druid Diviciacus went to Rome to seek help, which was denied. He returned three years later in another attempt to gain assistance. Caesar’s writings ‘Bellum Gallium’ state that the Diviciacus asked that Caesar “deter [Ariovistus] from bringing fresh hordes across and protect all Gaul from his depredations.”1 This source tells historians that due to this call for aid Caesar had justifiable grounds to move the expansion of the Roman Empire north, into Gaul. It was not until some time afterwards that the native tribes realised the situation that was looming. A speech made by Critognatus, a Gallic nobleman, explains that the Romans “mean to install themselves in our lands and towns and fasten the yoke of slavery on us forever.”2 The imposing threat was becoming a reality and the Romans were now conquering the land that the tribes had so desperately tried to protect. Even after Gaul had been conquered the Roman Empire expanded further across to the island of Britannia. Here the Romans expanded and set up settlements and towns. Their oppressive regime in this land caused the spark that would set off Boudica’s rebellion. However the reinforcing troops as a posting in Britain was seen more as a punishment than a promotion. The