The Arverni were a significant Celtic tribe that inhabited the region of modern-day central France, particularly in the area known as Auvergne. They were known for their strong warrior culture and played a crucial role in the resistance against Roman expansion during the late Iron Age and early Roman period. Their capital was the fortified settlement of Gergovia, which became famous for its strategic importance.
The Arverni were led by notable chieftains, including Vercingetorix, who united various Gallic tribes in a revolt against Roman forces led by Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars. This uprising culminated in the famous siege of Alesia in 52 BCE, where Vercingetorix was ultimately defeated, marking a significant turning point in the Roman conquest of Gaul.