The Witch's and Druids Den

Divitiacus the Druið

In 63 BCE, Divitiacus emerged as a survivor of the Battle of Magetobriga, a gruesome conflict pitting the Aedui against the Sequani and the Averni tribes in Gaul. The Suebi, led by King Ariovistus, a Germanic tribe, played a significant role in the bloodshed. The aftermath witnessed the Aedui being massacred and subsequently becoming a tributary tribe under the Sequani’s control. In response, the Aedui, including Divitiacus, sought aid from Rome, sending diplomats to plead their case.

Following the battle, Divitiacus embarked on a journey to Rome, where he engaged with the Roman Senate, appealing for military support. During his stay, he found refuge with Cicero, who lauded Divitiacus for his expertise in divination, natural philosophy, and astronomy, referring to him as a Druid.

Caesar, recognizing Divitiacus’s diplomatic prowess, commended him after their collaboration in defeating the Helvetii tribe. Divitiacus then assumed a crucial role as the chief spokesman for the Gallic delegation to Caesar, voicing concerns about Ariovistus’s actions and the plight of the Gaulish people.

Dumnorix, Divitiacus’s younger brother and chieftain of the Aedui Tribe, added complexity to the narrative. Although the Aedui were aligned with Rome, Dumnorix led an anti-Roman faction, preferring Gaulish dominance over Roman rule. His actions, including conspiracies with Orgetorix and the Helvetii, created tension. Captured by Caesar, Dumnorix’s fate unfolded tragically, marked by a daring escape and subsequent death.

As Uergobretos, the chief magistrate of the Aedui, Divitiacus wielded significant influence, balancing religious and military responsibilities. His pivotal role in the Roman campaign against the Helvetii showcased his collaboration with Caesar. In 57 BCE, Divitiacus led the Aeduan army during the Roman campaign against the Belgae, displaying strategic prowess.

Despite his accomplishments, Divitiacus faced personal and political challenges, especially when the Sequani and Germans defeated his nation. The exact timing of his death remains unknown, but Cicero’s mention of him in the past tense in 44 BCE indicates his lasting impact on history as the only named Druid.

Words from the Druid

I know,” said he, “that the reports are true, and no one is more pained thereat than I, for at a time when I had very great influence in my own state and in the rest of Gaul, and he very little, by reason of his youth, he owed his rise to me; and now he is using his resources and his strength not only to the diminution of my influence but almost to my destruction. For all that, I feel the force of brotherly love and public opinion. That is to say, if too severe a fate befalls him at your hands, no one, seeing that I hold this place in your friendship, will opine that it has been done without my consent; and this will turn from me the feelings of all Gaul.”

Divitiacus, Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar 1,20

The passage above is Divitiacus talking about his brother Dumnorix with Caesar. It reveals the complex web of personal and political relationships of the internal struggle he faced caught between conflicting interests and emotions.

Diviciacus the Aeduan spoke on their behalf. “In all Gaul,” he said, “there are two parties; in one of them the Aedui have the primacy, in the other the Arverni. For many years there was a vehement struggle between the two for the dominion; then it came about that the Arverni and the Sequani summoned the Germans to their aid for a price. About fifteen thousand of them crossed the Rhine in the first instance; then, when those fierce barbarians had got a liking for the farmlands, the civilization, and the wealth of the Gauls, more were brought over, and at the present time there are about 120,000 of them in Gaul. “With them the Aedui and their dependents have repeatedly fought in battle: defeat has brought great disaster, the loss of all our nobility, our senate, and our knights. It is these battles and disasters that have broken the men who by their own valor, and by the courtesy and the friendship of Rome, were formerly paramount in Gaul, and have obliged them to give as hostages to the Sequani the noblest men of the state, and to bind the state by oath not to require the return of the hostages, not to entreat the assistance of Rome, nor to refuse eternal submission to the sway and sovereignty of the Sequani. I am the one man of all the state of the Aedui upon whom it has not been possible to prevail to take the oath or give his children as hostages. It was for that reason that I fled from the state and came to the Senate at Rome to demand assistance because I was the only man not bound by oath or hostages. But a worse fate has befallen the victorious Sequani than the conquered Aedui: Ariovistus, king of the Germans, has settled within their borders and seized a third part of their territory, the best in all Gaul; and now he orders them to evacuate another third, because a few months since 24,000 of the Harudes joined him, for whom he had to provide a settlement and a home. In a few years all the natives will have been driven from the borders of Gaul, and all the Germans will have crossed the Rhine; for there can be no comparison between the Gallic and the German territory, none between our usual scale of living and theirs. Having once conquered the forces of the Gauls in battle near Magetobriga, Ariovistus is exercising a proud and cruel tyranny, demanding as hostages the children of the greatest nobles, and perpetrating upon them all the direst forms of torture, if anything be not performed at his nod or at his pleasure. He is a passionate, a reckless barbarian: we can endure his tyrannies no longer. Unless some means of assistance is to be found in Caesar and in the Roman people, all the Gauls must needs do just what the Helvetii have done — emigrate, to seek another habitation, other abodes far from the Germans, and risk any fortune that may befall them. If these remarks of mine be reported to Ariovistus, I make no doubt that he will inflict the severest punishment on all the hostages in his keeping. You, Caesar, by your own and your army’s influence, or by your late victory, or by the name of the Roman people, can prevent the crossing of a larger host of Germans over the Rhine, and defend the whole of Gaul from the outrage of Ariovistus.”

Divitiacus, Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar 1,31

The passage above is Divitiacus speaking to the Roman senate asking for help against the expanding Germanic presence in Gaul. Diviciacus shows the political landscape in Gaul, emphasizing the division between two major parties—the Aedui and the Arverni. He describes a prolonged struggle for dominance between these factions, eventually leading to the Arverni and the Sequani seeking aid from the Germans. Around 15,000 Germans were initially called upon for assistance, but their numbers swelled to approximately 120,000. These Germanic tribes, attracted by the wealth of Gaul, have become a formidable force. The Aedui, having faced defeats, were forced to submit to the Sequani, providing hostages and swearing oaths of eternal submission. Diviciacus, however, remains the exception, refusing to take the oath or give his children as hostages, which prompts his flight to Rome seeking aid. The situation worsens as Ariovistus, the Germanic king, establishes himself within Sequani borders, seizing territory and demanding further evacuations. He exercises a cruel tyranny, inflicting torture on hostages and imposing his will on the conquered Gauls. Diviciacus implores Caesar and the Roman people for assistance. He describes Ariovistus as a passionate and reckless barbarian whose actions have pushed the Gauls to a breaking point. Diviciacus suggests that unless aid is provided, Gaul may face mass emigration similar to the Helvetii, seeking refuge from the Germanic threat. Diviciacus emphasizes that Caesar, with his influence and recent victory, can prevent a larger host of Germans from crossing the Rhine. He sees Caesar as the defender of Gaul against Ariovistus’s outrages and hopes for intervention to avoid further suffering.

The lot of the Sequani,” he said, “is more pitiable, more grievous than that of the rest, inasmuch as they alone dare not even in secret make complaint or entreat assistance, dreading the cruelty of Ariovistus as much in his absence as if he were present before them. The rest, for all their suffering, have still a chance of escape; but the Sequani, who have admitted Ariovistus within their borders, and whose towns are all in his power, must needs endure any and every torture

Divitiacus, Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar 1,32

The above passage shows more of Divitiacus plea for help.

The Bellovaci have always enjoyed the protection and friendship of the Aeduan state. They have been incited by their chiefs, who declared that the Aedui have been reduced to slavery by Caesar and are suffering from every form of indignity and insult, both to revolt from the Aedui and to make war on the Roman people. The leaders of the plot, perceiving how great a disaster they have brought on the state, have fled to Britain. Not only the Bellovaci, but the Aedui also on their behalf, beseech you to show your wonted mercy and kindness towards them. By so doing you will enlarge the authority of the Aedui among all the Belgae, for it is by the succours and the resources of Aedui that they have been used to sustain the burden of any wars that may have occurred.”

Divitiacus, Gallic Wars, Julius Caesar 2,14

This passage show more complex political situation involving historical alliances, allegations of mistreatment, incitement to revolt, and a plea for intervention. It show the interconnectedness of tribes in the region and the delicate balance of power and relationships.

What does the Druid show us?

The power of the spoken word, especially when delivered with eloquence and wisdom, holds a unique and profound influence over us. His ability to articulate ideas with clarity and persuasive eloquence played a crucial role in shaping alliances, seeking assistance, and navigating complex political landscapes. The magical art of using language with precision, sincerity, and empathy can forge strong connections, inspire trust, and sway opinions. This to me speaks of Ogmios (using golden chains to connect his followers to him—symbolizing the captivating power of his words) and why he was so important to some of the Gauls as oratory skill can elevate a leader’s standing and rally support. The skillful use of language, when guided by wisdom and empathy, has the potential to create lasting connections and influence the hearts and minds of those who listen.

Divitiacus had a deep struggle that comes with being in his position, and to me that’s a position of liminality, (refers to the state of being in-between or on the threshold, often associated with challenges, transitions, and transformation). Stemming from his efforts to navigate the complex political landscape of ancient Gaul. As a Druid and a leader of the Aedui, he faced internal conflicts, family dynamics, external threats, and the difficult task of maintaining balance and harmony within his tribe and in relations with other tribes and Rome.

I know many within Gaulish Paganism look at him as a traitor and well I feel that is a very ignorance stance to take as Divitiacus was doing what he thought was right, this brought much ethical dilemmas and moral challenges struggling to find common ground and prevent bloodshed, especially considering his desire for peace and connection. His refusal to take oaths or give children as hostages, shows us he was not willing to compromise certain principles, even at personal cost. Seeking assistance from Rome while maintaining Gaul’s autonomy would likely have been a delicate diplomatic dance. As a representative of his people, he faced challenges in balancing loyalty to Gaul with the necessity of seeking external support.

Divitiacus operated in the in-between spaces, trying to bridge gaps and find common ground. This liminality could have brought both internal and external challenges, shaping his character as a leader who faced struggles with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to the greater good.

Divitiacus the Archetype of the Druid

Wisdom‘s mantle graced Divitiacus, A Druid of Gaul, where divination’s whispers met his ear. In the celestial dance, his gaze saw the secrets of stars, Philosopher of nature, an astronomer of realms near and far.

Diplomacy adorned him, a dance of eloquence and grace, In the corridors of Gaul and Rome, his words found their place.

Uergobretos, a leader of the Aedui, in power’s embrace, Guiding the Aeduan army, his presence left its trace. Peacemaker in turmoil, after battles left their scar, Rome heard his plea for peace, echoing from afar.

Amid familial tempests, loyalty held its sway, Dumnorix’s intrigues met with nuanced dismay. Preserver of culture, a Druid’s sacred art, In whispers of tradition, he played his part.

Courage, unspoken but felt in the folds of time, In seeking Rome’s aid, he wove a tale sublime. Long-term visions painted on Gaul’s vibrant canvas, A spokesperson’s voice, an envoy’s grandeur amass.

The Mentions Of Divitiacus

Cisco (De Divinatione 1,41)
“I myself knew one of [the Druids], Divitiacus of the Aedui, your guest and eulogist, who declared that he was acquainted with the system of nature which the Greeks call natural philosophy and he used to predict the future by both augury and inference.
Gallic War by Julius Caesar
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