26 Facts About Viriathus

Viriathus was the most important leader of the Lusitanian people that resisted Roman expansion into the regions of western Hispania or western Iberia, where the Roman province of Lusitania would be finally established after the conquest.

Viriathus developed alliances with other Celtic groups, even far away from his usual theatres of war, inducing them to rebel against Rome.

Viriathus led his army, supported by most of the Lusitanian and Vetton tribes as well as by other Celtic and Iberian allies, to several victories over the Romans between 147 BC and 139 BC before being betrayed by them and murdered while sleeping.

Viriathus belonged to the class of warriors, the occupation of the minority ruling elites.

Viriathus was known to the Romans as the dux of the Lusitanian army, as the adsertor of Hispania, or as an imperator, probably of the confederated Lusitanian and Celtiberian tribes.

Two years after the massacre, in 148 BC, Viriathus became the leader of a Lusitanian army.

Viriathus was thought by some to have a very obscure origin, although Diodorus Siculus says that Viriathus "approved himself to be a prince" and that he said he was "lord and owner of all".

Viriathus's family was unknown to the Romans who were familiar with the native aristocratic warrior society.

Viriathus was a man of great physical strength, probably in the very prime of life, an excellent strategist, and possessor of a brilliant mind.

Viriathus was described as a man who followed the principles of honesty and fair dealing and was acknowledged for being exact and faithful to his word on the treaties and alliances he made.

Viriathus's aims could then be compared to pure Roman aristocratic ideals of that time: to serve and gain military glory and honor.

Viriathus did not fight for war spoils or material gain, like common soldiers.

The historian Appianus of Alexandria in his book about Iberia, commented that Viriathus "killed numerous Romans and showed great skill".

Viriathus is referenced as primo Viriatus in aeuo, and was a leader of the Gallaeci and of the Lusitanians.

The historical Viriathus would be the one who received the title of regnator Hiberae magnanimus terrae, the "magnanimous ruler of the Iberian land".

Viriathus commanded them to leave their homes and remain in open country.

Three years after the massacre, the rebellion was on the verge of defeat when Viriathus appeared and offered himself as leader.

Viriathus became the leader of the Lusitanians and caused much grief to the Romans in revenge for the massacre of his people.

The war with Viriathus was called "War of Fire" by the Greek historian Polybius of Megalopolis.

For many authors Viriathus is the model of the guerrilla fighter.

Viriathus was with an army of ten thousand men that invaded southern Turdetania.

Viriathus attacked a group of Lusitanian warriors who were out foraging, and after several of them were killed, the survivors took refuge in a place that was surrounded by the Roman army.

Viriathus's first act was to rescue the trapped and resisting Lusitanians whom he then commanded, first by lining up for battle with the Romans, then scattering the army as they charged.

Viriathus did not harm the Romans and let the soldiers and Servilianus go in exchange for a peace treaty that recognised Lusitanian rule over the land they dominated.

Viriathus stands as the most successful leader who ever opposed the Roman conquest in Iberia.

Viriathus became an enduring symbol of Portuguese nationality and independence, portrayed by artists and celebrated by its people throughout the centuries.