AEDUI

Celtic tribe of central Gaul (occupying most of what was later Burgundy), chiefly responsible for the diplomatic situation exploited by Julius Caesar when he began his conquests in that region in 58 BC. The Aedui had been supported by Rome since 121 BC, but they were heavily defeated in about 61 BC by the Sequani and lost their revenue from tolls on the Arar (Sane) River. Appealing to Rome, they were rescued by Caesar, who made them his principal allies. Under Augustus they became a civitas foederata ("allied state"), and a new capital was built at Augustodunum (Autun). In AD 21 they joined the Treveri in a revolt but were quickly crushed by the Roman army. In AD 48 the Aedui became the first tribe of Gallia Comata to send senators to Rome.