chiefdom · France and the Low Countries

Bellovaci

300 BCE – 51 BCE (approx.) · capital Bratuspantium

The most powerful of the Belgic peoples, around Beauvais, who fought Caesar in 57 BCE and led one of the last Gallic revolts in 51 BCE.

Origins

The Bellovaci lived in the modern Oise and Picardy around Beauvais. Caesar was told that they could field a hundred thousand men and had promised sixty thousand to the Belgic league of 57 BCE.

Rule and society

Their society was led by a warrior nobility, and they had ties to the Aedui. Large sanctuaries such as Gournay-sur-Aronde, with displays of weapons and sacrificed animals, show their religious practice.

Decline and legacy

In 57 BCE they surrendered at Bratuspantium after the Aeduan Diviciacus spoke for them. In 51 BCE they rose under Correus, who died fighting. Under Rome their chief town became Caesaromagus, later Beauvais.

Connections (1)

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Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Bellovaci. In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/bellovaci
MLA
“Bellovaci.” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/bellovaci. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Bellovaci.” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/bellovaci.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Bellovaci’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/bellovaci (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻