Lusitanian War

Quick Facts: Who was Lusitanian War?

Subject:

Lusitanian War

Known for:

A series of Roman wars (155-139 BC) against the independent Lusitanian tribes.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Lusitanian Wars, called Pyrinos Polemos ("the Fiery War") in Greek, were wars of resistance fought by the Lusitanian tribes of Hispania Ulterior against the advancing legions of the Roman Republic from 155 to 139 BC. The Lusitanians revolted in 155 BC, and again in 146 BC and were pacified. The wars are important in the integration of what would become Portugal into the Roman and Latin-speaking world. And yet the country north of the Tagus, Lusitania, is the greatest of the nations in Hispania, and is the nation against which the Romans waged war for the longest times. In the sequence of the Second Punic War, the Roman Republic defeated Carthage and its colonies in the Mediterranean Coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Career & Major Achievements

This marked the first incursion of the Roman Republic into the peninsula and possibly the first clash between Lusitanians and Romans, as Lusitanian mercenaries fought on the Carthaginian side during the Punic Wars. In 194 BC, the Romans launched their first offensives in Lusitanian land. Rome divided the southeastern coast of Iberia into two provinces, Hispania Citerior and Hispania Ulterior, and two elected praetors were assigned to command the legions. As with many other tribes of Iberia, the inhabitants of the Lusitanian castros, or citanias, would have been granted peregrina stipendiaria but remaining an autonomous (Greek: αὐτονόμων) country through treaties (foedus). The Lusitanian War began in 155 when Punicus attacked neighboring lands belonging to Roman subjects.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In this raid, the Lusitanians killed 6,000 Romans, including a quaestor named Terentius Varro. After this first victory, the Lusitanians formed an alliance with the Vettones. Together, the Lusitanians and Vettones laid siege to the Blastophoenicians, a Phoenician settlement subject to Rome. Punicus was killed during this siege and was succeeded by Caesarus. Rome sent Mummius to fight Caesarus.

Notable Quotes by Lusitanian War

“It seemed as if, in that thoroughly prosaic age, one of the Homeric heroes had reappeared.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Lusitanian War

True or False: “The Lusitanian Wars were fought exclusively on the Iberian Peninsula against Roman forces.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While primarily in Iberia, the conflict involved raids and movements that extended to North Africa.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Lusitanians — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Indo-European people inhabiting modern Portugal, whose culture blended pre-Celtic roots with Celtic influences.
• Lutetia — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The Gallo-Roman town that served as the direct predecessor to modern Paris.
• Luther Burbank — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering American botanist and horticulturist who developed over 800 plant varieties.
• Luther Vandross — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Iconic R&B and Soul singer, songwriter, and producer known for smooth vocals.
• Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Spanish explorer known for surviving the New World and documenting Native American life.
• Álvaro Arzú — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Guatemalan politician who served as President and was key to ending the civil war.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lusitanian War