Lusitanian Wars

The Lusitanian Wars, called Pyrinos Polemos ("the Fiery War") in Greek, were a series of battles fought by the Lusitanian tribes in Hispania Ulterior against the powerful Roman Republic. These wars took place between 155 and 139 BC. The Lusitanians resisted the Roman forces strongly, showing great bravery and skill in fighting.

These wars were important because they helped bring the land that is now Portugal into the Roman world. As Rome took control, the people there began to use the Latin-speaking language and adopt many Roman customs. This change shaped the history and culture of the region for many years to come.

Historical context

The country north of the Tagus, called Lusitania, was a large nation in a part of Spain known as Hispania. The Romans fought long wars against the Lusitanian people.

After winning against Carthage in the Second Punic War, the Romans began to move into areas of the Iberian Peninsula, including Lusitania. Their first attacks there began in 194 BC. By 179 BC, the Romans had controlled most of the area and made peace with the Lusitanians.

From Punicus to the Peace Treaty of Atilius (155 BC – 152 BC)

The Lusitanian War began in 155 BC when Punicus led attacks on lands owned by Rome. This surprise attack resulted in many Roman losses, including a leader named Terentius Varro. After this victory, the Lusitanians joined forces with the Vettones and surrounded a town called the Blastophoenicians.

Rome responded by sending a general named Mummius to face the Lusitanian leader Caesarus. Though Caesarus was first defeated, he later turned the fight around and caused many Roman losses. Mummius then used a clever surprise attack to defeat the Lusitanians. Later, another Lusitanian leader named Caucenus attacked towns loyal to Rome and even tried to capture a town in North Africa called Ocile. Mummius followed them and successfully stopped their attack.

Eventually, another Roman leader named Marcus Atilius fought the Lusitanians and captured their main city, Oxthracae. This victory made nearby tribes, including the Vettones, decide to peaceably surrender to Rome.

Second Lusitanian Raid and the Treachery of Galba (152 BC – 150 BC)

In the winter of 152 BC, the Lusitanians rebelled again and attacked some Roman allies. Servius Galba, the new Roman leader, tried to help them but was later defeated while chasing the Lusitanians. About 7,000 Roman soldiers were lost, and Galba had to retreat to a town called Carmone. He regrouped his troops and spent the winter in Conistorgis. Another Roman leader, Lucullus, attacked the Lusitanians in Turditania, fighting them and crossing near Gades before joining Galba in attacking Lusitania.

Later, Galba tricked the Lusitanians by promising them land if they made peace. When they gathered to discuss this, Galba’s soldiers attacked and killed many of them. Only a few, including Viriathus, managed to escape.

Third Lusitanian Raid and the Feats of Viriathus (148 BC – 140 BC)

In 148 BC, the Lusitanians gathered a large group and attacked the land of Turdetania. A Roman leader named Gaius Vetilius led soldiers to stop them. After a battle, the Lusitanians asked for peace, but a wise leader named Viriathus warned them about the Romans’ untrustworthy ways. The Lusitanians chose Viriathus to guide them. They made a clever plan to escape by pretending to fight and then scattering in different directions. This trick worked, and they safely regrouped later.

Viriathus became famous for his clever fighting tactics. He and his people ambushed Roman soldiers, causing many to be killed or captured. Even when new Roman leaders arrived with more soldiers, Viriathus kept fighting wisely. He also convinced nearby tribes, like the Gallaecians, to join his side. Through his smart strategies, Viriathus made it very hard for the Romans to defeat the Lusitanians.

Caepius, death of Viriathus and the end of the Lusitanian War

In 140 BC, Gnaeus Servilius Caepio took over and wrote to Rome about the treaty with Viriathus. The Senate allowed Caepio to fight Viriathus secretly before breaking the treaty and declaring war. Caepio captured the town of Arsa and won a battle against Viriathus, who fled to Carpetania. Though Viriathus escaped, Caepio attacked the Vettones and Gallaeci, destroying their fields.

Later, Viriathus sent trusted friends Audax, Ditalcus and Minurus to discuss peace with Caepio. Caepio tricked them into harming Viriathus. Viriathus was found dead the next morning. The Lusitanians held a grand funeral for him. Tautalus became the new leader, but the Lusitanians failed to raid Saguntum. When they crossed the river Baetis, they were defeated by Caepio and became Roman subjects, ending the Lusitanian War.

Aftermath

After the Lusitanian Wars ended, there was a time of peace in the land of Lusitania. Later, the Lusitanians stood up against the Romans again from 80 to 72 BC during what is called the Sertorian War. They asked a former general named Quintus Sertorius to help lead their fight.

The battles led by Viriathus became a lasting sign of pride for the people of Portugal, showing their spirit and wish to stay free. This story is tied to the history of what we now call Portugal (see Lusitanic).