Celtic Northeast Gaul, Bellovaci
Beauvais mint
Circa 60-30/25 BCE
Cast Potin 2.67g, 17mm
Obv: male head left with prominent eye and bristled hair.
Rev: S shape above lines. head right.
D&T 535
The Bellovaci were a Belgic tribe whose principal city was Bratuspantium, believed to be modern-day Beauvais, France. In Roman times, it was renamed to Caesaromagus.
Julius Caesar mentioned the town. When the Bellovaci sought to attack the Suessiones, Caesar worried they would become too powerful. He then marched against them and the Bellovaci were surprised by how quickly he arrived, while Caesar was concerned about the size of his army, though he had 30,000 with him.
When Caesar built a bridge and positioned his troops within missile range, the Bellovaci under their leader Correus retreated. When Correus then attempted an ambush, Caesar somehow learned of it and flipped the tables. In the resulting battle Correus was killed and the remaining leaders fled to Britain.
They were well-known for their use of guerrilla warfare. They were also mentioned by Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy.
Bellovaci defeated by Julius Caesar
Bellovaci provide lukewarm support to rebellion led by Vercingetorix
Bellovaci organize resistance against Rome