Dumnorix

Family: Aedui · Role: chief · First appears: The Gallic War, Book I, 1–6

In Book I of the Gallic War, Orgetorix persuaded Dumnorix, brother of Divitiacus and a leading Aeduan, to seek sovereignty and gave him his daughter in marriage. Dumnorix, Orgetorix and Casticus pledged to pursue their plans together. He also persuaded the Sequani to allow the Helvetii passage through their territory and arranged an exchange of hostages.

Later in Book I, Caesar identified Dumnorix as the man secretly obstructing the Aedui’s grain contribution and disclosing Roman plans; he also learned that Dumnorix and his cavalry had begun a flight that dismayed the rest of the cavalry. At Divitiacus’s request, Caesar pardoned him, but warned him and set spies to monitor his actions and communications.

In Book V, Caesar resolved to take Dumnorix with him and rejected his entreaties to remain in Gaul. Dumnorix urged Gallic leaders to stay behind and sought to organize opposition on the continent. When he resisted being recalled, Caesar ordered his pursuit and killing; the Aeduan horsemen returned to Caesar.