Novempopulani

The Novempopulani were a people of Aquitania in Gallia Narbonensis, mentioned by Julius Caesar in his Commentarii de Bello Gallico. Their territory was situated between the Garonne River and the Pyrenees mountains. The name itself, "Novempopulani," is generally interpreted as "of the nine peoples" or "of the nine tribes," suggesting a confederation or a collection of distinct groups that came to be collectively identified under this designation.

Caesar encountered the Novempopulani during his campaigns in Gaul. He described them as a people distinct from the Aquitani to their west, though sharing some similarities. Their relationship with other Gallic tribes and with Rome was complex, evolving over time. Like many groups in the region, they likely experienced periods of conflict and cooperation with Roman forces and neighboring tribes.

The precise number and identity of these nine peoples are not definitively known, and scholarly debate continues regarding their specific composition. Archaeological evidence and later historical mentions offer glimpses into their culture and social organization, indicating they were likely skilled in warfare and possessed a distinct regional identity within the broader context of Roman Gaul. Their territory became an integral part of Roman Aquitania, and their distinct identity gradually assimilated into the broader Gallo-Roman culture.