died 46 BC
Chieftain of the Gallic tribe of the Arverni.
Julius Caesar had almost subjugated Gaul (see Gallic Wars ) when Vercingetorix, acclaimed king of his people, led the Gaul s against him (52 BC), using guerrilla tactics and picking battle sites favourable to his own forces. After winning a major victory at Gergovia, his later attack on the Roman army failed; besieged at Alesia, he was forced to surrender. Taken to Rome in chains, he was displayed in Caesar's triumph and executed six years later.