Ariovistus

From Freepedia

Ariovistus was king of the germanic tribe of the Suebis, as described in Julius Caesar's De Bello Gallico.

Ariovistus leader of sizable group of Sueves. Rome was acquiring an empire in this era. Certain individuals in the senate made positions for self that threatened oligarchy (state governed by few) such as Pompey, Crassus, Caesar. There had long been conflict between the Aedui and Sequani in Gaul, fighting over tolls along the Saone River (taxing movement along river, each wanted all merchants and traders). Finally Sequani ask Sueves to come help. Ariovistas accepted. Sequani defeated Aedui in 70, but had to give Ariovistas 1/3 of their land, brought Sueves in. Made Sequani uncomfortable. Sequani and Aedui then joined together. Ariovistas waited until armies started to break up and then fought, won. Battle of Magetobriga (61). Bribed Caesar when he was consul in 59 and got title “friend of Roman people”, now an ally of Rome.