After defeating Carthage, the Romans transform its…
189 BCE to 46 BCE
After defeating Carthage, the Romans transform its former territories into a new province and set out to conquer and occupy the entire Iberian Peninsula.
This invasion is met with strong resistance from the indigenous peoples, particularly the Lusitanians, who inhabit the western part of the peninsula. Their fiercest opposition is led by the warrior chieftain Viriato, the most powerful of their leaders.
For several decades, Viriato successfully resists Roman expansion, using guerrilla warfare to hold back the invaders. However, his defiance comes to an end when he is assassinated in his sleep by three of his own men, who had been bribed by the Romans.
With Viriato’s death, Lusitanian resistance collapses, allowing Rome to swiftly complete its conquest of the peninsula.
Today, Viriato is regarded as Portugal’s first great national hero, symbolizing the spirit of resistance and independence.
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Southwest Europe
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