Brennius facts for kids

Statues of Brennius and Belinus at the Church of St John the Baptist, Bristol

Brennius was a legendary king from ancient stories, especially those told by Geoffrey of Monmouth. He was said to be the son of King Dunvallo Molmutius and the brother of Belinus. Some historians believe his story might be based on real ancient leaders named Brenni. Brennius was known as a king of Northumberland and later as a leader of the Allobroges, a group of people in ancient Gaul.

Fighting for the Throne of Britain

Brennius and his brother Belinus both wanted to be king of Britain after their father. They fought many battles against each other. Eventually, their friends stepped in and helped them make a deal. Belinus became the King of the Britons, and Brennius ruled Northumberland.

Five years later, Brennius married the daughter of the King of Norway. He did this without asking Belinus first. Belinus was angry and took over Brennius's land in Northumberland. When Brennius heard about this, he gathered a big army from Norway and sailed towards Britain.

On his way, a fleet of ships from the King of Denmark attacked him. The Danish king wanted Brennius's wife for himself. They fought at sea, and the ships scattered. The King of Denmark managed to capture Brennius's wife. But then he got lost and landed in Britain. Belinus captured both the Danish king and Brennius's wife.

Brennius landed in Albany (part of Britain) and demanded his lands and his wife back. He swore he would kill Belinus if they met in battle. Belinus called all of Britain to arms, and their armies met in the forests of Calaterium. The battle was fierce, and Belinus defeated Brennius's army. Brennius fled to Gaul, and Belinus became king over all the Britons.

Becoming a Duke in Gaul

While in Gaul, Brennius traveled from one king to another, explaining his situation. No one would help him until Segnius, the Duke of the Allobroges, became his friend. Brennius became very important in the duke's court. He was even given the duke's daughter to marry.

The duke and his men promised Brennius that if the duke had no sons, Brennius would become the next leader of the Allobroges. The duke died within a year, and Brennius became duke. He shared the duke's treasures with the people and welcomed everyone to his court.

Soon after becoming duke, Brennius gathered another army. He made agreements with other groups in Gaul to let his army pass through their lands. Eventually, he invaded Britain again with his army and met Belinus on the battlefield. However, their mother convinced Brennius to make peace. After that, the two brothers ruled their lands together in peace.

Conquering Rome

After making peace, Belinus and Brennius joined their armies into one huge force. They then invaded Gaul. After a year of fighting, their combined army took control of all the Frankish kingdoms in Gaul. With an even bigger army, Belinus led his forces into Italy. He threatened to invade Rome.

Outside Rome, two Roman leaders, Gabias and Porsenna, asked for peace. They offered wealth, tribute (payments), and hostages as a sign they would obey. Belinus and Brennius accepted and took their large army to Germany. Soon after they moved north, Rome broke the peace treaty and marched north. Brennius went to fight the Romans, while Belinus continued fighting the Germans, who were getting help from other Italian troops.

Brennius traveled south and surrounded Rome for three days. Then his brother Belinus arrived to help with the invasion. The Romans defended their city for many days and successfully pushed back the invaders. Finally, the two Roman leaders put on their armor and joined the defenders. They pushed the invaders back, but Belinus was able to regroup his lines and stop their attacks. Brennius and Belinus kept pushing forward until they broke through the city walls. The Britons and Gauls then entered and took over the city.

Brennius stayed in Rome and ruled very strictly for the rest of his life.

About the History

The city of Rome was indeed captured by a Gaulish chieftain named Brennus. This happened after the Battle of the Allia on July 18, 390 BC. However, the Roman leaders Gabias and Porsenna are not mentioned in actual Roman historical records. Lars Porsena was a real King of the Etruscan civilization who fought against the new Roman Republic around 500 BC.