Jeker

The Jeker and specifically the Valley of the Jeker is an important historical site. It was here that the Romans suffered defeats in the first century BC. Between 58 and 51 BC, the Romans were a true occupying power. They regularly plundered the grain supplies of the common people. Eventually, the local Gallic farmers had enough of this. This would lead to an attack on the Plateau of Caestert.

Ultimately, the Roman army would withdraw along the Jeker valley. In places where the Jeker cut very deep, the heavily armed army was still vulnerable. Ambiorix could launch an attack on them from the flanks of the Jeker valley with an alliance of Eburones, Nervii, and Menapii. What was deemed impossible happened: the forces of over 6,000 men were almost completely slaughtered. The surviving Romans largely committed suicide out of shame.

This defeat, the Battle of the Jeker, created a widespread uprising until 52 BC. The Gauls united and began to attack the Romans everywhere. Until Caesar sent 10 legions with auxiliaries, totaling 50,000-80,000 soldiers, here. Then followed a true genocide and destruction. "The intent is to completely wipe the Eburones from the face of the earth" wrote Caesar in his Commentarii de bello Gallico.

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