History of Portugal

Roman Lusitania

:Main articles: Lusitania, Gallaecia, Hispania.

Related Topics:
Lusitania - Gallaecia - Hispania

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In 219 BCE, the first Roman troops invaded the Iberian Peninsula. Within 200 years, almost the entire peninsula was dominated, becoming part of the Roman Empire. The Carthaginians, Rome's adversary in the Punic Wars, were expelled from their coastal colonies.

Related Topics:
219 BCE - Roman Empire - Carthaginians - Punic Wars

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In Portuguese territory, the conquest started from the south, where the Romans found friendly natives, the Conii. Within several decades, the Romans had conquered the entire territory. In 194 BCE, a rebellion began in the north. The Lusitanians and other native tribes, under the leadership of Viriathus, successfully wrested control of all entire Portugal from the Romans. Rome sent numerous legions and its best generals to Lusitania to quell the rebellion, but to no avail — the Lusitanians gained more and more territory. The Roman leaders decided to change their strategy. They bribed an ambassador sent by Viriathus, convincing him to kill his own leader. Viriathus was assassinated, and the resistance was soon over.

Related Topics:
Conii - 194 BCE - Viriathus - Assassinated

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Rome installed a colonial regime. During this period, Lusitania grew in prosperity and many Portuguese cities and towns were founded. In 27 BCE, Lusitania gained status of Roman province. Later, a northern province of Lusitania was formed, known as Gallaecia, with capital in Bracara (Today's Braga).

Related Topics:
27 BCE - Roman province - Gallaecia - Braga

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