The Romans did not consider the Eburone a threat, but under Ambiorix’s leadership they massacred 6,000 legionnaires. Living in modern-day Belgium, the Eburone had long been clients to stronger tribes, who made them pay tributes and surrender hostages. So when Roman conquest freed them from their obligation in 57 CE, the soldiers thought Ambiorix’s people would be grateful.
However, when the Romans themselves began demanding all tribes surrender a portion of their food supplies to local garrisons, Ambiorix decided to act. At first, the Eburone leader tried to besiege a Roman fort, but he didn’t have the numbers. When this failed, Ambiorix approached the Roman commanders for parley, apologising for the assault and claiming he’d been pressured to do it by other tribes. He warned the Romans a Gallic uprising was coming and offered them safe passage through his lands.
Trusting Ambiorix, the Romans followed but when they passed through a ravine, the Eburone ambushed them, raining down javelins. As news of their victory spread, other tribes – including those that had formerly oppressed the Eburone – rallied under Ambiorix’s banner. The Gaul had sparked the very insurrection he had warned the Romans was coming and it took Julius Caesar himself, armed with a vast cavalry, to stamp it out.