Brennus

Brennus (flourished 4th century bc) was the chief of the Senones, who in 390 or 387 bc annihilated a Roman army, occupied and plundered Rome, and exacted a heavy ransom before withdrawing. He is famous for his reputed saying, “Vae victis” (“Woe to the vanquished”). The name, which is not found in the best sources, may be invented.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.