Brennus (lived 4th century BC)

Chieftain of the Celts of Gaul. According to the Roman historian Livy, in 390 BC Brennus led the Gallic tribes into Italy and, having practically annihilated a large Roman army, marched on Rome and invaded the city.

In Rome, only the Capitol sustained a two-month siege. The Gauls at last consented to withdraw if they received 1,000 Roman pounds (about 300 kg) of gold. While the gold was being weighed, the Romans complained of some unfairness, and Brennus threw his sword into the opposite scales, exclaiming ‘Vae victis’ (woe to the vanquished).

Brennus (lived 3rd century BC)

Chieftain of the Celts of Galatia in Asia Minor. He led the Gauls on two expeditions into Macedonia and Thrace. During the second 279 BC the Gauls advanced on Delphi, but were beaten back by the determined resistance of the citizens. Rather than return defeated, Brennus committed suicide.