Ariovistus, Germanic Chieftan Supply

Leader of the Suebi, Ariovistus led a confederation of Germanic tribes to Gaul aiding allied tribes of the Arverni against the Aedui. Their success was upturned by the arrival of Julius Caesar and the battle of Vosges. All the detail we have comes from Caesar’s Rex Germanorum. At one point Ariovistus was seen by the Roman senate as friend, but increasing migrations from across the Rhine caused consternation amongst Rome and her Gaulish allies. Ariovistus refused all demands to quell the tide of settlers and ridiculed Rome, even inviting Caesar to attack – an offer the power hungry consul could not refuse. In the aftermath of the battle the former war leader fled back across the Rhine and into political obscurity – at least in the eyes of Rome.