Diviciacus (Aedui)

Diviciacus
Born1st century BCE
Died1st century BCE
Occupationdruid of the Aedui tribe
RelativesDumnorix

Diviciacus or Divitiacus was a druid of the Aedui tribe who lived in Gaul during the 1st century BC. He is the only druid from antiquity whose existence is attested by name. The name may mean "avenger".[1] His date of birth is unknown, though he was an adult during the late 60s BC, and an aristocrat who took part in the clans' decision-making, as described by Julius Caesar in Caesar's The Gallic War.

Diviciacus supported the Aedui's pre-existing alliance with Rome. He was a leader of the pro-Roman faction, and would ultimately aid Julius Caesar in his conquest of Gaul. However, his younger brother Dumnorix was a leader of the tribe’s anti-Roman faction; who “...thought it better to be dominated by their fellow Gauls... rather than the Romans.”.[2] Dumnorix would secretly work to undermine Caesar’s and Diviciacus’ efforts in Gaul. Both brothers appear in Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War.

  1. ^ Delamarre 2003, p. 145–146.
  2. ^ Goldsworthy, Caesar, 206