Celtic Kings of Wantage - Afternoon Talk

Celtic Kings of Wantage 50 BC - 43 ADThis is the extraordinary tale of Commius, an aristocrat
of the Gallo-Belgic tribe, the Atrebates (fortified capital near Arras), who was appointed client King of his tribe after its defeat by Julius Caesar during the Gallic War (58-52 BC).
Commius then acted as Caesar's loyal translator, trouble shooter and ambassador regarding the Gallic and British tribal leaders for five years, before becoming disillusioned and switching his allegiance back to the Gallic side. He then sailed to England in 50 BC with his Royal Treasury, a large group of his followers and all the paraphernalia of government, to set up a branch of his Atrebates tribe from Selsey, North to the River Thames.
Mr Miller will describe how coins, ancient manuscripts and archaeology show how Commius, his son and his three grandsons, ruled the area and brought new technology, culture, trade and wealth to the area before being defeated by Claudius' Roman invasion of 43 AD.Tickets 7.50 per personSuitable for ages 16+
This talk is held within the museum galleries - food and drink are not permitted.The Vale & Downland Museum are a registered charity (1126995) and all monies raised from these afternoon talks goes to supporting the museum and allowing us to continue providing a welcoming community space for visitors and the local community.