Arverni Guard
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[edit] Early History
The Arverni Guard was founded by the Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix in 52 BC. The Guard was made up of 5,000 of the best warriors in Gaul, though the majority of warriors in the Guard were from the Arverni tribe.
During the Gallic War, the Arverni Guard saw action during the skirmishes leading up to The Battle of Gergovia and the Battle of Alesia. Of all the Celtic warriors, they were the highest quality troops. They were as disciplined as the Roman legions, and their fighting skills equalled that of the Bellovaci and other Belgic tribes.
[edit] Battle of Gergovia
At the Battle of Gergovia, the Arverni Guard led the Gallic attack after brilliantly luring the Roman forces into Gergovia. It was the Arverni Guard that took the greatest toll on the Roman legions at the battle accounting for the majority of Roman casualties.
[edit] Battle of Alesia
Before the Battle of Alesia, the Arverni Guard led all of the major sorties against the Romans as they constructed their fortifications. It was the Guard that opened the gaps in Roman lines long enough for 8,000 Gallic cavalry to escape and call for a relief force.
As they had in the skirmishes before the major conflict, the Arverni Guard lead the largest Gallic assaults during the Battle of Alesia with major success before other Gallic forces fell back forcing a general withdrawal of all forces from the assaults. On the last day of the battle the Arverni Guard again and again driving Roman forces back every time before having to fall back due to overwhelming numbers. In the last assault on the Roman fortifications the Arverni Guard broke through both Roman perimeters when Caesar led his last reserves into the battle. After several hours of fierce rear-guard action the Arverni Guard finally fell back into Alesia. The Arverni Guard were the only Gallic forces in Alesia that were spared from slavery after earning the respect of their Roman adversaries.
[edit] Disbandment
In return for being spared, many members of the Arverni Guard joined the Roman army in the legions or as Gallic auxilliaries. After the Battle of Alesia, the Arverni Guard was officially disbanded with its members either fighting for Rome or returning to their families among the Arverni tribe.
