Cantabrian Wars

• 1. Antecedents And Early Encounters

  ›

  Cantabrian mercenaries appeared in the army of Hannibal during the Second Punic War. Roman historians recorded their presence alongside the Vaccaei in 151 BC. These troops helped break the Roman siege of Numantia years before the main conflict began. Julius Caesar noted Cantabrians at the battle of Ilerda in 49 BC. The Astures entered historical records as Iberian mercenaries in Hasdrubal Barca's army at the Metaurus River in 207 BC. Roman forces lost one of their standards to these northern peoples, an event considered extremely grave. Such disasters embarrassed Rome and justified later campaigns as retribution for incursions into the Meseta Central. Yet sources suggest a desire for Asturian gold and Cantabrian iron drove the conquest as well.

  15

• 2. Augustus Personal Campaign

  ›

  Emperor Augustus moved to Segisama in 26 BC to supervise the campaign personally. This location corresponds to modern Sasamon in Burgos. Ten years of war and eight legions were required to subdue the region. Major fighting concluded in 19 BC, though minor rebellions persisted until 16 BC. Augustus had to retire to Tarragona after a year due to illness. The conflict lasted longer than the seven-year conquest of Gaul by the Romans. It remained one of only two campaigns directed personally by Augustus against barbarians. The other campaign targeted the Illyrians from 35 to 33 BC. Despite victories, the Romans stationed two legions there for seventy more years.

  2

• 3. Guerrilla Tactics And Armaments

  ›

  Cantabri used guerrilla warfare tactics to avoid direct attacks on superior Roman numbers. Their knowledge of mountainous terrain allowed quick surprise strikes with ranged weapons. Ambushes followed by rapid retreats caused great damage to Roman columns and supply lines. Coins and stelae show they were skilled in light arms. Lucan wrote that the Cantabrian carried short weapons while the Teuton carried long ones. They wielded short swords, daggers, spears, javelins, lances, round shields, and leather chest protection. A double-headed battle axe called the bipennis was specific to northern Hispania peoples. Light cavalry formations included the circulus cantabricus, a circular formation of javelin-throwing horsemen. Flavius Arrianus described the cantabricus impetus as a massive frontal attack to breach enemy lines.

  7

• 4. Major Battles And Sieges

  ›

  In spring 25 BC, three Roman legions stood near the Astura River. Troops from Hispania Tarraconensis faced forces descending from snow-covered mountains. The Astures Transmontani assembled near the river to attack winter camps. Brigaecini people informed Augustus of these plans before the assault began. Publius Carisius attacked Astur armies commanded by Gausón. Survivors took refuge in the hillfort of Lancia, the most important Cismontani fort. Forces then retreated to Mons Medullius where Romans built a fifteen-mile-long moat. Orosius recorded that Cantabri soldiers preferred suicide with yew tree poison rather than surrender. Following the Battle of Mons Medullius, remaining Gallaecian resistance was hunted relentlessly until 19 BC.

  6

• 5. Roman Military Deployment

  ›

  Augustus deployed eight legions including I Augusta and II Augusta during the conflict. IV Macedonica and V Alaudae operated specifically in Asturias alongside VI Victrix. IX Hispana and X Gemina joined XX Valeria Victrix in the campaign. Auxiliary units included Ala Augusta, Ala Parthorum, and Ala II Gallorum. Cohors II Gallorum and Cohors IV Thracum Equitata provided additional support. These units totaled 50,000 soldiers comprising 30,000 legionaries and 20,000 auxiliaries. The Roman navy arrived from Gallia Aquitania to complete the encirclement. Total army strength likely surpassed 80,000 men when counting all auxiliary forces. Official legion size oscillated between 5,000 and 8,000 men under Augustus reforms.

  4

• 6. Cultural Resistance And Suicide

  ›

  Romans chose not to take prisoners during this unusual conflict. Celts preferred suicide over slavery using swords, fire, or yew tree poison potions. Silius Italicus described a concoction made from yew seeds with mythic significance for the Celts. Strabo noted they belittled death and pain while singing hymns of victory during crucifixion. To die as soldiers and free men was considered a victory by these people. Mass deaths occurred despite Roman efforts to subdue local resistance. The Astures Transmontani came down from snow-covered mountains in spring 25 BC. They prepared to attack three Roman winter camps near the Astura River before being repelled.

  3

• 7. Legacy And Roman Adoption

  ›

  The major fighting completed in 19 BC though rebellions continued until 16 BC. Rome imposed reforms on conquered territories despite mass deaths and local resistance. Two legions remained stationed there for seventy more years to maintain control. Roman legions adopted the solar symbol of twin crosses from the Cantabri surrender. Lunar symbols like the Cantabri lábaro were carried by Roman armies 300 years later. Augustus refused common victory celebrations upon his return to Rome since Astures never surrendered. The cavalry tactics circulus cantabricus and cantabricus impetus were copied into Roman doctrine. These tactical innovations proved valuable enough to be retained long after hostilities ended.

  7