bga_458494 - GALLIA - SOUTH WESTERN GAUL - RUTENI (Area of Rodez) Drachme VIIRIA / BIRACOS “au sanglier”

GALLIA - SOUTH WESTERN GAUL - RUTENI (Area of Rodez)

(1st century BC)

Neighbors of the Arvernes, the Cadurques and the Gabales, their territory corresponded to the former Rouergue (current department of Aveyron) to the north of the Tarn, the course of which constituted the border with the province of Narbonnaise. The Rutenes, allies of the Arvernes, had participated in the operations which led to the defeat of Bituit, king of the Arvernes in 121 BC and the creation of the province of Narbonnaise. On this occasion, the Rutenes had found themselves cut in two, following the natural border of the Tarn. Active in the coalition against the Romans in 52 BC, they provided a contingent of 12,000 men to the relief army. Sources: Caesar (BG. I, 45; VII, 5, 64, 75 and 90).