Uxellodunum
Uxellodunum is an ancient fortress located on the plateau of Le Puy d'Issolu in northern Dordogne, France. This site has a rich history, having been occupied since the Neolithic period. It is most notable for being the location of the final stand by Gallic forces during Julius Caesar's conquest of Gaul around 51 BC. As the Roman legions advanced, approximately 2,000 Gallic warriors, who had previously suffered defeats, sought refuge at Uxellodunum. They were led by leaders Drappes and Lucterius, who faced immense challenges during the siege. The situation became dire when Caesar managed to cut off the water supply, leading to the eventual surrender of the defenders. In a harsh demonstration of power, Caesar ordered the amputation of the hands of the captured fighters to deter further resistance among other Gauls. Uxellodunum remains a poignant symbol of the struggles and resilience of the Gallic people during a significant period of their history.
Uxellodunum
(generally identified, despite dissenting opinions, with Saint-Denis-lès-Martel and Vayrac)
A fortress in Gaul, on the isolated plateau of Le Puy d'Issolu (northern Dordogne), which had been occupied since Neolithic times. Uxellodunum was the scene of the last nationalist stand during Julius Caesar's invasion of Gaul (51 BC). Two thousand men of the Gallic armies, when he had defeated elsewhere, fled south and occupied the hill, which Caesar besieged. One of their leaders, Drappes, starved himself to death, and his colleague Lucterius was betrayed to the Romans, but the blockade dragged on until Caesar succeeded in diverting the single spring from which the members of the garrison derived its water supply. This loss compelled them to surrender, and Caesar ordered their hands to be cut off as a warning to other Gauls who might be contemplating continued resistance.