The Witch's and Druids Den

The Legacy Unveiled: History of the Carnutes

The Claws of Rome

In 57-56 BC, Julius Caesar dispatched his forces to winter in the territory of the Carnutes, Carnuticâ (the Carnute region or land). This decision presented an opportunity for the Carnutes, who had previously engaged in trade with the Romans and were part of an oligarchic republic, to make a move.

Within this context, the Carnutes were trading with the Romans, maintaining an oligarchic republic in place of a former monarchy. Caesar designated Tasgetios, a noble with substantial familial influence, as the ruler of the territory. Tasgetios faced unpopularity among the tribe, and in the Autumn of 54 BC, he met his end through an act of assassination—a deed supported by the Carnutes. Choosing not to replace him, the tribe declined a new ruler, and Caesar dispatched Plancus, a prominent officer, to leave Belgium with his troops and apprehend the perpetrators behind Tasgetios’ murder. Concurrently, a neighboring tribe, the Senons, liberated themselves from their puppet king Cavarinos through the efforts of nobleman Acco. However, Cavarinos evaded capture, finding refuge with Caesar, who subsequently eliminated Acco.

The news of Acco’s demise, given his respected stature, led to a series of events causing the Gauls to congregate. Tribal leaders convened in a secluded forest location, raising questions about whether this gathering spot aligned with where the druids assembled, possibly connected to the annual Druid assembly. During this assembly, influenced by the druids, the Carnutes took an oath pledging unwavering commitment to their struggle for salvation, vowing to be the first to oppose the Romans.

The spirit of heroism surged forth. Prominent figures among the Gauls assembled in forested enclaves, expressing concern over Acco’s death and its potential implications. The discussions revolved around the possibility of similar fates befalling them and the future of Gaul itself. With promises and rewards aplenty, they implored individuals to ignite the flames of resistance, initiating a war to reclaim Gaul’s freedom. The leaders emphasized the importance of preventing Caesar from reuniting with his legions or reaching his army without being intercepted. The urgency was to cut off Caesar’s connection to his forces before his knowledge of their covert plans would surface. They concluded that embracing battle and risking their lives was preferable to relinquishing their ancestral liberty and the glory that accompanied it.

As these deliberations unfolded, the Carnutes emerged as steadfast champions of the greater good, willingly shouldering the burden of danger. To secure their commitment, they sought a binding oath—a pledge that the rest of the Gauls would stand by them once the war commenced. This solemn oath was taken upon their military symbols, the embodiment of their most sacred obligations.

Heroes Rise

The Carnutes, under the leadership of Cotuatus (Gutuatir) and Conconnetodumnus, spearheaded the uprising alongside their war leaders.

While much remains shrouded in mystery about these valiant figures, the legacy of Cotuatus (Gutuatir) offers more insight than that of Conconnetodumnus. The term “Gutuatir” potentially links to a Gaulish religious official, often associated with Druidic roles, responsible for organizing religious ceremonies. This notion suggests connections to the Druids or even the role of a warrior-priest. The Gallian warrior Gutuatir, hailing from the Carnuticâ (Carnute region or land), notably participated in the war as a freedom fighter, potentially serving as a priest or a druid himself.

These two leaders, accompanied by fellow Carnutes, stormed Cenabum and executed Roman occupants. Among the casualties was Caesar’s trusted officer C. Fufius Cita. This upheaval resonated across Gaul, as if the very heavens themselves were heralding the tempest. The Carnutes’ fervor sparked neighboring tribes to rise against the Romans, rallying behind the would-be Gaulish king, Vercingetorix.

While Caesar traversed Gaul, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake, the Carnutes urgently sought reinforcements to defend Cenabum. Caesar, however, arrived before they could bolster their forces. His retaliation involved the burning, killing, and enslaving of the town’s populace. Around 12,000 Carnutes were dispatched to fortify Alesia, the site of Vercingetorix’s last stand. In a tragic turn of events, Vercingetorix ultimately surrendered to Caesar to safeguard his people, leading to Gaul’s ultimate defeat.

Facing tribulations with rival tribes and the Roman presence, the Carnutes met their demise in Cenabum. In the harshness of winter, weakened by both the cold and their fears of the formidable Roman army, they capitulated, submitting to Roman demands.

Caesar proceeded to Cenabum, driven by the quest to find the catalyst behind the war. In an unexpected turn, he displayed hesitation in confronting Cotuatus, though his ultimate fate remains shrouded in mystery. However, Caesar eventually acted, ending the life of the war’s instigator. Cotuatus met a brutal fate, being beaten and decapitated, while Cenabum lay in ruins. The once-proud tribe, now under Roman control like the rest of Gaul, witnessed the gradual erosion of their identity.

The Ashes

Amid the aftermath, during the era of Augustus, the Carnutes found themselves under Roman dominance, yet they curiously avoided full Romanization. They maintained some autonomy, minting their own coins and governing themselves to an extent. However, they were obligated to contribute soldiers to the Roman military machine. The era also marked the suppression of the Druides and the end of an era of free Gaul.

In memory of the fallen and the valorous heroes who sacrificed for freedom, we recall the indomitable spirit of Cotuatus. Their legacy resonates, a testament to the fiery spark that ignited a war and echoed through the annals of history.

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The leading men of Gaul, having convened councils among themselves in the woods, and retired places, complain of the death of Acco: they point out that this fate may fall in turn on themselves: they bewail the unhappy fate of Gaul; and by every sort of promises and rewards, they earnestly solicit some to begin the war, and assert the freedom of Gaul at the hazard of their lives. They say that special care should be paid to this, that Caesar should be cut off from his army before their secret plans should be divulged. That this was easy, because neither would the legions, in the absence of their general, dare to leave their winter quarters, nor could the general reach his army without a guard; finally, that it was better to be slain in battle, than not to recover their ancient glory in war, and that freedom which they had received from their forefathers.

Caesar’s Gallic War, trans. W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn. 1st Edition. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1869. 7.1

While these things are in motion, the Carnutes declare that they will willingly go into danger to protect the greater good, and promise that they will be the first of all to begin the war. Since they cannot make immediate securities by giving and receiving hostages, because that would expose their plans, they require that a solemn oath be given that they should not be deserted by the rest of the Gauls after the war starts. This oath is given on their military symbols which are brought together, for this is the manner in which their most sacred obligations are bound.

Caesar’s Gallic War, trans. W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn. 1st Edition. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1869. 7.2

Livy. History of Rome, trans. Rev. Canon Roberts. New York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1912. 5.34

Caesar’s Gallic War, trans. W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn. 1st Edition. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1869. 5.25, 6.13, 7.2.