Teutates is a Celtic god worshipped in Gaul and Britain. The word “Teutates” may in fact be a title rather than a name, but in either case it appears to identify the god; he may have been a tribal god, a protector, a god of battle and victory–in any case, a god of his people.

With regard to the Roman tendency to equate Gaulish gods with their own, the Bern Scholia (Commenta Berensia) provides evidence that the interpretatio romana wasn’t always easily determined: it describes two possibilites, either that Teutates=Mercury, Esus=Mars, and Taranis=Dis Pater; or that Teutates=Mars, Esus=Mercury, and Taranis=Jupiter. Another scholia, the Adnotationes Super Lucanum suggests that Teutates=Mercury, Esus=Mars, and Taranis=Jupiter.

Myth
Unknown.

Cult
Teutates received votive and dedicatory offerings from his worshippers; seven altars have been found dedicated to him across Gaul.

According to the Roman poet Lucan, human sacrifice was made to him during which the victims were drowned.

Etymology
Teutates’ name is derived from the Gaulish *teuta- or “tribe.”

Region
Teutates was honored widely through Gaul and Britain. He had a particularly large center of worship eastern England.

Literary evidence

• In his Pharsalia the Roman poet Lucan referred to three great Gaulish gods: Taranis, Teutates and Esus and spoke of how each received human sacrifice.
• In the Bern Scholia or Commenta Berensia (written in the 10th c. AD), the scholiast provides a more detailed description of the sacrifices received by the Gaulish gods, stating that the victim was burned in a wooden cask for Taranis, drowned in a kettle for Teutates, and hung on a tree for Esus.

Archaeological evidence
Seckau, Austria; Seggauberg, Austria; Ancaster, England; Barkway, England; Benwell, England; Boston, England; Caistor, England; Caunton, England; East Stoke, England; Edlington, England; Fillingham, England; Frampton, England; Fullbeck, England; Gate Burton, England; Goadby Marwood, England; Gringley on the Hill, England; Hayton, England; Hibaldstow, England; Hockcliffe, England; Horncastle, England; Kelstern, England; Kelvedon, England;Linby, England; Lincoln, England; Little Walsingham, England; London, England; Mansfield, England; Old Carlisle, England; Old Winteringham, England; Osbournby, England; Pewsey, England; Ratcliffe on Soar, England; Riby, England; Rowston, England; Stanford on Soar, England; Stenigot, England; Stixwould, England; Swallow, England; Swinhope, England; Tetford, England; Thimbleby, England; Thonock, England; Threekingham, England; Torksey, England; Ulceby Cross, England; Wellingore, England; Wickenby, England; Willoughby-on-the-Wolds, England; Wymeswold, England; York, England; Jort, France; Langres, France; Nantes, France; Saint-Andeol-de-Clerguemort, France; Toulouse, France; Rome, Italy; Drambar, Romania