In 101 BCE, Roman Consul Quintus Lutatius Catulus Caesar annihilated a large invasion force of the Germanic Cimbri near the settlement of Vercellae, located in Transpadane , Gaul. Much credit for this victory has been given to the actions of his legate, Lucius Cornelius Sulla.

The victory of Vercellae, following close on the heels of Consul Gaius Marius defeat of the Teutons at Aquae Sextiae the previous year, put an end to Germanic plans to invade Rome.