Elusates facts for kids
The Elusates were an ancient tribe. They lived in a region called Aquitani in what is now France. Specifically, they lived around the modern town of Eauze in the Gers area. This was during the Iron Age and when the Romans were powerful. The Romans, led by P. Licinius Crassus, took control of their land in 56 BC.
Who Were the Elusates?
Ancient writers like Caesar and Pliny mentioned the Elusates. They wrote about them in the 1st century BC and AD. The tribe's name also appeared as Elusa on an old Roman map called the Tabula Peutingeriana.
The exact meaning of the name Elusates is not fully known. Many experts think it comes from the ancient Aquitanian language. Some also suggest it might be linked to a Celtic word meaning 'numerous'. The modern city of Eauze is named after this ancient tribe.
Where Did the Elusates Live?
The Elusates lived in a specific part of ancient Aquitaine. They were located south of the Sotiates tribe. To their north were the Onobrisates. The Tarusates lived to their west, and the Lactorates were to their east. The Ausci tribe lived southeast of them.
Their main settlement before the Romans arrived was a fortified town. This town, called an oppidum, was located at Esbérous. It was about 3 kilometers northwest of modern Eauze.
During the time of the Roman Empire, their most important town was known as Elusa. This is the modern town of Eauze. In the early 3rd century AD, Elusa became a Roman colonia. This meant it was a Roman settlement with special rights. By the 4th century, Elusa was the capital of the Roman province called Novempopulania.
See also
- Aquitani
- Gallia Aquitania
In Spanish: Elusates para niños
