Arverni Guard
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The Arverni Guard was a force of 5,000 of the best warriors in Gaul (though the majority of warriors in the Guard were from the Arverni tribe). 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] Foundation
It was founded by the Gallic chieftain Vercingetorix in 52 BC during the Gallic Wars.
[edit] Engagements
It saw action during the skirmishes leading up to the battles of Gergovia and Alesia.
[edit] Battle of Gergovia
At the Battle of Gergovia, the Arverni Guard led the Gallic attack after the Roman forces were lured into Gergovia. It was the Arverni Guard that took the greatest toll on the Roman legions.
[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 led 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 drove Roman forces back 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 spared the fate of slavery that befell most other Gallic forces in Alesia. They had earned the respect of their Roman adversaries. Other members of the Aedui and Averni tribes were also released and pardoned to secure the alliance of these important tribes to Rome.
[edit] Disbandment
After the Battle of Alesia the Arverni Guard was officially disbanded, with its members either fighting for Rome (in return for being spared, many members enlisted as legionaries[citation needed] or Gallic auxiliaries) or returning to their families among the Arverni tribe.
