Gergovia was a Gaulish town in modern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes^[1] in the upper part of the basin of the Allier,^[2] near present-day Clermont-Ferrand. It was the capital of the Averni.^[3] The city of Gergovia had strong walls and was located on a giant raised plateau surrounded by hills.

It was the chief town (oppidum) of the Arverni and the site of the Battle of Gergovia in 52 BC.^[1][4] The battle was fought between a Roman Republic army, led by proconsul Julius Caesar, and Gallic forces led by Vercingetorix.^[5] Caesar marched south with six legions to take the hill town of Gergovia.^[2] The Gauls won the battle, which led to increased cavalry support for Vercingetorix's campaign for future battles.^[6] This was a significant failure in Gallia for Caesar and the Roman army.^[2]