# Commius — Commentaries on the Gallic War character guide

> Commius in Commentaries on the Gallic War by Julius Caesar.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Commius the Atrebatian

**First appearance:** 0003-book-iv

## Snapshot

An Atrebatian king who first lent Caesar his local knowledge and cavalry, then found himself caught between Roman gratitude and Gallic solidarity.

## Who they are

Commius enters the Commentaries as a trusted ally, a tribal leader Caesar uses as a diplomatic bridge to other Gallic states and even to Britain. His value lies in his dual standing: he can speak for Rome to Gauls and for Gauls to Rome, but that same position makes him suspect to both sides. As revolt spreads, his loyalty becomes a live question, and his arc embodies the impossible choices facing native elites who allied with an occupying power.

## Relationships

### [Julius Caesar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se/characters/julius_caesar)

_rivalry_

Commius, initially an ally of Caesar, later turns against him and leads a guerrilla campaign in Britain.

## In the story

### [Book IV: The Rhine Crossing and First Invasion of Britain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se/chapters/book-iv)

Sent by Caesar to Britain to persuade states to submit to Rome before the invasion.

### [Book VI: The Gallic Campaign Intensifies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se/chapters/book-vi)

Left with cavalry as a guard among the Menapii after their surrender.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se/characters/commius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/commentaries_on_the_gallic_war_se/characters