The Bellovaci (Gaulish: Bellouacoi) were a Belgic tribe who lived in the modern Picardy region, near the city of Beauvais today, during the Iron Age and the Roman period. They were defeated by Caesar in 57 BC. In 52 BC, they gave limited support to the Gallic revolt led by Vercingetorix. However, the Bellovaci still organized resistance against Rome in 51 BC.

Name

The Bellovaci are named by different ancient writers. Caesar wrote about them as Bellovacos and Bellovaci in the middle of the first century BC. Strabo, writing in the early first century AD, called them Belloákoi (Βελλοάκοι). Pliny, in the first century AD, also used the name Bellovaci. Ptolemy, writing in the second century AD, referred to them as Belloúakoi (Βελλούακοι).

The name Bellovacī comes from the Gaulish language and was later written in Latin. The original Gaulish name was Bellouacoi (singular: Bellouacos). This name is believed to come from the word bello- meaning "strong" or "forceful." However, the meaning of the ending -uaco- is not certain. It might relate to the idea of "curved," similar to the Latin word uaccilare, or it could be connected to words in Irish and Scottish Gaelic that mean "striving" or "fighting."

The city of Beauvais was first recorded around 400 AD as civitas Bellovacorum, which means "the city of the Bellovaci." It was also called Belvacus in 874 AD and Biauvais in 1132 AD. The name of the city comes from the Bellovaci tribe.

Geography

The Bellovaci lived in the Thérain valley, which is located south of the Ambiani territory. They controlled the forested high ground, which formed a natural boundary with the Veliocasses. To the east, the more powerful Suessiones lived. They likely prevented the Bellovaci from expanding beyond the Oise River.

The capital of their civitas was called Caesaromagus, which is now known as Beauvais, during the Roman era. The Bellovaci probably controlled the hill-fort at Gournay-sur-Aronde. This area may have been a place where people gathered for fairs, including members of the Ambiani and Viromandui tribes.

Economy

Their territory covered the area between the Seine and Somme valleys. They were clients of the Aedui in central Gaul by the first century BC. The absence of gold coins linked to the Bellovaci suggests their economic power was not very strong.

History

This campaign took place in the Compiègne Forest, an area previously occupied by the Suessiones. The Bellovaci aimed to take control of this land, a move Julius Caesar feared could grow into a larger threat. To show Roman strength, Caesar decided to act.

The Bellovaci used guerrilla warfare, focusing attacks on Roman foragers. Caesar’s plan was to lure the Bellovaci into open areas for battle. Caesar sent troops into the Suessiones’ territory but led the effort himself. The Bellovaci, led by Correus, set up camp at Mount St. Marc, planning to attack directly if Caesar brought three legions or use guerrilla tactics if more forces arrived. The Roman camp was at Mount St. Pierre, protected by two ditches and two lines of defenses. Aulus Hirtius recorded these events, though his description of the Bellovaci’s camp as a "high wooded place surrounded by marsh" does not fully match the region’s geography.

The Bellovaci were surprised by the sudden arrival of Roman troops. Despite having about 30,000 men, including four legions, tribes, and baggage trains, Caesar felt intimidated by the size of the enemy force. Neither side started a battle.

Small skirmishes occurred in the marsh near Bellovaci territory, with mixed results. Bellovaci warriors trapped Roman foragers in the woods and held a strong position, forcing Caesar to request three additional legions from Trebonius. Fearing a siege and the arrival of more Roman troops, Correus sent non-combatants to flee at night. They escaped successfully, though Caesar’s forces might have stopped them if they had intervened.

Eventually, Caesar built a bridge across the marsh near Mount St. Marc, placing his troops within range of the Bellovaci camp. Correus and the Bellovaci retreated to a stronger camp 10 miles away, using fire to block Roman vision and leaving traps to slow pursuit. Correus then tried to ambush Caesar’s troops, sending about 6,000 men to a spot he thought Caesar would use for foraging. Caesar learned of the plan, though how remains unclear, and had reinforcements ready. When he arrived, the Bellovaci were defeated, and their leader, Correus, was killed. After the battle, the Bellovaci reportedly respected Caesar’s clemency, which was secured through unclear actions by Diviciacus. According to The Gallic Wars, the leaders of the revolt fled to Britain.