7 things you might not know about Viriathus

Very little is known about the early life of the Iberian Celtic warrior Viriathus. Even the name Viriathus is actually a nickname given by the Romans rather than his true one.

The details of who Viriatus was prior to his military career are unknown but much speculated upon. Some say he was a shepherd who became a warrior out of necessity, while others claim he was a Celtic Prince, or King. Much like our own Robin Hood, it has become all but impossible to disentangle the mythic origins of this hero from his true historic ones.

Viriathus was the most successful leader in Iberia who ever opposed the Roman conquest. He was only defeated in battle against the Romans once, and from a military standpoint can be said to have been one of the most successful generals to ever have opposed Rome's expansion anywhere in the world.

In 146 BC Viriatus was elected Chief Of The Lusitanians, and he sought revenge for what had been done to his people.

Viriatus employed two methods of warfare: bellum, in which he used normal military forces and tactics, and latrocinium, which involved small groups of combatants and the use of guerrilla tactics.

Knowing that Viriatus was the figurehead of the entire rebellion Quintus Servilius Caepio hatched a plan. Three of Viriathus' men were offered riches and safety in exchange for one deed: upon their return they must kill their leader. And so they did.

Viriatus was assassinated while he slept in 139 BC.