Ruteni


The Ruteni were a Gallic tribe of the La Tène and Roman period, dwelling in the modern region of Aveyron. They were known as producers of lead.

Name

They are mentioned as Rutenos by Caesar, as R̔outēnoì by Strabo, as Ruteni by Pliny, and as R̔outanoì by Ptolemy.

Geography

The territory of the Ruteni was situated south of the Massif Central, between the Arverni in the north, the Cadurci in the west, the Gabali in the east and the Volcae in the south. They were tributary to the Arveni, and part of their territory was taken by the Romans after the defeat of the Arvenian king Bituitus in 121 BC.
During the reign of Augustus, Segodunum became the main town of their civitas.

History

During the Gallic Wars, they sent 12,000 men to the Battle of Alesia in 52 BC.