In the heart of Tongeren, Belgium’s oldest city, stands one of the country’s most iconic monuments: the Ambiorix statue. Created by Belgian sculptor Jules Bertin in 1866, this bronze statue honors the legendary Celtic chieftain who became a symbol of resistance against the mighty Roman Empire.
Who Was Ambiorix?
Ambiorix was a chieftain of the Eburones, a Celtic tribe that lived in the region during the 1st century BC. At the time, Julius Caesar and his legions were expanding Rome’s control over Gaul. In this climate of unrest, Ambiorix rose as a leader who dared to challenge the most powerful army of the ancient world.
His brilliance lay not in brute force but in guerrilla tactics. Rather than facing the Romans head-on, he relied on hit-and-run attacks, ambushes, and surprise offensives that disoriented the disciplined Roman legions. One of his most famous victories was the ambush of a Roman legion, which sent shockwaves through Caesar’s forces.
Unfortunately, Rome retaliated with overwhelming force. The Eburones were ultimately defeated, their lands devastated, and Ambiorix himself disappeared from history. Still, his courage and defiance made him a folk hero and symbol of freedom.
The Statue: A Landmark of Local Pride
Unveiled in 1866, the Ambiorix statue was commissioned to honor this legendary warrior. It depicts him as a fierce Celtic leader, wearing traditional attire, with a sword at his side, a proud reminder of the spirit of resistance that lives on in Tongeren.
Standing on the Grote Markt, the city’s main square, the statue has become one of Tongeren’s most photographed attractions. It is not just a monument, but also a point of local identity and pride.
Practical Information
Location: Ambiorix statue, Grote Markt, 3700 Tongeren, Belgium
Entry: Free to view the statue on the square
Nearby attraction: Gallo-Roman Museum, just a short walk away