Lucius Hirtuleius

Lucius Hirtuleius was the legate of Quintus Sertorius during the Sertorian War, in which he fought from 80 BC, until his death in 75.[1]

Biography

Iberia, showing the Roman Provinces in the time of Hirtuleius.

Following the collapse of the government of the Populares at Rome in 82 BC, Sertorius, the most prominent leader of the party, and those loyal to him, fled Italy before Sulla, the leader of the Optimates, could reach Rome. Hirtuleius was almost certainly among those friends who joined Sertorius, and helped him establish an independent state in Hispania.[2]

Hirtuleius became Sertorius' most trusted lieutenant. While Sertorius held off Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius, Hirtuleius defeated Marcus Domitius Calvinus, the governor of Hispania Citerior (Hither Spain), at Consubura (south of Toledo).[3] In 78, the new governor of Hispania Citerior, Quintus Calidius, showed so little interest in defending the province, that the governor of Gallia Transalpina (Transalpine Gaul) attempted to intervene, only to be defeated by Hirtuleius.[2]

When Pompeius arrived in Iberia in 76 BC, his path was blocked by Sertorius, while Hirtuleius faced Metellus. In the ensuing battle, Hirtuleius was defeated at Italica.[4] The following year, Hirtuleius fought Metellus against Metellus. Spann suggests that the most likely site of the battle was the Segovia, near Corduba, though this is far from certain.[5] Hirtuleius' forces were routed, and he died in the fighting.[5]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Spann, pp. 72, 171.
  2. 1 2 Spann, p. 72.
  3. ↑ Scullard, p. 90.
  4. ↑ Scullard, p. 91.
  5. 1 2 Spann, p. 110.

Bibliography

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