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HelvetiiThe Helvetii (in Latin) were the Celtic inhabitants of the current Switzerland. They were described by Julius Caesar in his De Bello Gallico. Caesar was called upon by the Gauls which had already been conquered to defend them from the invading Helvetii, who were attempting to migrate into Gaul with their entire tribe. Caesar, at the time, commanded 6 legions comprised of nearly 290,000 men. The Helvetii, according to Caesar's writings, had 370,000 people (including children and women) but only 110,000 men-at-arms. Lured to a disadvantageous position, with the Romans taking the high ground, Caesar attacked them, and the superior Roman forces managed to kill nearly 60% of the tribe and capture another 20% as slaves. The remainder of the Helvetii were driven back into their old lands, Helvetia. In 52 BC 10,000 Helvetii joined Vercingetorix's forces in his attempt to liberate Gaul.
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