The action takes place during the first century before Christ. The Roman troops invade Gaul (France of this time) and shamelessly plunder the Gallic population. Refusing to submit to Caesar (Klaus Maria Brandauer), Celtill, the chief of the arvernes is murdered and burned in public place in front of his young son Vercingetorix (Christopher Lambert). Brought up by Druids, he learned how to fight. Vercingetorix wants to return to Gergovia to reclaim the legacy of his father. Fooled by Caesar, flabbergasted by the cowardice of Gallic chiefs, he decides to fight the Roman emperor making stubborn resistance and epic battles for the liberation of Gaul.