The general history of Spain from the first peopling of it by Tubal, till the death of King Ferdinand, who united the crowns of Castile and Aragon : with a continuation to the death of King Philip III / written in Spanish by the R.F.F. John de Mariana ; to which are added, two supplements, the first by F. Ferdinand Camargo y Salcedo, the other by F. Basil Varen de Soto, bringing it down to the present reign ; the whole translated from the Spanish by Capt. John Stevens.

CHAP. VIII. The Spaniards Revolting are again subdu'd by the Romans. Cato being Consul comes into Spain. Several Pretors succeed. Their Government and Actions.

NOthing of note happen'd in Spain till the year 554. when L. Cornelius Lentulus, being gone to * 1.1 Rome, C. Cornelius Cethegus succeeded him as Colleague to L. Manlius Accidinus. The Spaniards * 1.2 now at length, to their great grief perceived, that the War the Romans had undertaken, was not upon account of restoring them to their liberty, but of enlarging their own Empire. This gave them occasion to conspire, and take up Arms among the Ceretani, but Cethegus coming upon them with speed, slew 15000, and so quelled that Commotion. The following year Cornelius Lentulus, and L. Stertinius, were sent to govern Spain, in the place of Cethegus and Acidinus. This and the following year there was no action of note in Spain, only that by * 1.3 Order of the Senate, Spain was divided into two Provinces, or Governments, and distin∣guished * 1.4 by the names of Citerior and Ʋlterior; the latter comprehending Lusitania and Betica, or Portugal and Andaluzia, and the former, all the other part to the Pyrenean Hills. In the year of Rome 557. Gneius Sempronius Tuditanus, obtain'd the Government of Hispania Citerior, * 1.5 and M. Helvius of the Ʋlterior; against whom the Spaniards took up Arms in several parts. * 1.6 The chief Heads of this Revolt were Colca and Luscinon; and the motive that encourag'd them to it was the dismissing of the old Souldiers, whereby they thought the Roman Forces so weakned, as not to be in a condition to withstand them. Acidinus adventuring to fight with part of them was defeated, and receiv'd some Wounds, of which soon after he dyed. This disaster being known at Rome, put the Senate into much fear, least it might produce a dan∣gerous War; the Forces of Spain being united. Therefore in the year 558. they sent Q. * 1.7 Fabius Buteo into Hispania Ʋlterior, and Q. Minucius Thermus into the Citerior; but these du∣ring the year of their Government, did nothing remarkable, save that Thermus cut off 12000 Spaniards near the City Turba. This nothing abated the Senates care, and therefore they or∣der'd, that the succeeding Consuls should cast Lots for the Government of Spain, and the Let fell upon M. Porcius Cato, who accordingly Sailed thither in the year 559. with two Legions and twenty five Galleys. He was the first Consul sent into Spain, and nevertheless it was * 1.8 * 1.9 order'd, that Publius Manlius should command in Hispania Citerior, and Appius Claudius Nero in the Ʋlterior, with the Title of Pretors. Cato landed near Roses, whence he drove the Spa∣nish

Garison, and then went on to Ampurias. That part of the City which the Greeks inha∣bited received him with joy, but this was the lesser, as not above 400 paces in Circumference, whereas the other in which were the Spaniards, divided from it by a Wall, was three Miles round. There was only one Gate in this Wall, which the third part of the Greeks always guarded, and by that means preserv'd their liberty till the coming of the Romans. The Spa∣niards abhor'd the Power of the Romans, and relying on their multitude, and hope of speedy relief, resolv'd to stand it out. Cato as soon as he Encamped before the City, dismissed all the Commissaries of Provisions, and sent the Galleys away to Marseilles, thereby to oblige the Souldiers to live upon the spoil of the Country, and take away all hopes of a retreat. At the same time Helvius came out of Hispania Ʋlterior, to attend the Consul, and by the way, re∣covered * 1.10 Iliturgum, which had revolted, and overcame a great Body of Celtiberi that came up∣on him; both which actions he perform'd with only the Guard of Souldiers his Successor Nero had given him for the security of his Person. Beligastes, a Powerful Man among the Ilergetes sent Embassadors to the Consul, begging assistance against the revolted Spaniards, by whom, he was much streightned, only for his fidelity to the Romans, and showed that 5000. Men would be a sufficient relief. Cato excus'd himself to the Embassadors, representing the small num∣ber of his Forces, and great power of the Enemies that was advancing to relieve Ampurias, which he Besieg'd; withal incouraging them to hold out couragiously for some time and their reward should be the greater. At this Answer the Embassadors fell down before him, begging he would not forsake the Friends and Allies of Rome in so pressing a necessity. Cato mov'd at their intreaty, and considering, that in War Policy often goes as far as strength, promis'd the Embassadors the relief they demanded should be sent next day; and the more to perswade them, caus'd the third part of his Men to be Shipp'd in their sight, ordering them to go before to carry the News, and thereby encourage their People. No sooner were the Embassadors gone, but he Unships his Men, being resolv'd to give the Spaniards Battle, who were come in sight of the City. To this effect, at the third Watch of the Night, he caus∣ed all his Army to march, and come upon the back of the Enemies Intrenchments, which were vigorously, Attacked by three Cohorts by break of Day. The Spaniards, tho' surpriz'd that the Romans, who the day before Fronted them, should fall now upon their Rear, furiously fell on them without any order. Nevertheless, their Charge was so violent, that they broke the Roman Horse, and put the Foot into some confusion, but they soon Rallying, checked this fury of the Enemy. For some time the Success was dubious, till the Reserve of the Legions coming on fresh, made the Spaniards at first give way easily, and then to fly outright to their Works; 40000 of them, are said to have been slain. After the Romans had taken some rest, * 1.11 they went out, ravaged all the Country about Ampurias, which moved the Citizens, having now no hopes of Relief, to surrender. Cato treated them courteously, and dismissed the Garrison without any Ransom. All the Country from thence to the River Ebro, being secured by this Success, the Consul departed for Tarragona; but the Bergistani laying hold of this op∣portunity, revolted, and were as soon subdued, and still offering to Mutiny, they were all sold as Slaves; a severe punishment, but necessary example to terrifie others. Some place the Bergistani near the City Tiruel; others, near Huesca, where now is a Town called Ber∣gua. Cato designing to march towards the Turdetani, a People of Andaluzia, (as has been said) who, after they had been Defeated by Manlius and Nero, intended to renew the War, with the assistance of the Celtiberi, to secure the Province behind him; he resolved to dis∣arm all the People beyond Ebro. This was so grievous to many of them, that they slew themselves rather than deliver their Weapons; whereupon, the Consul altering his reso∣lution, sent his Orders to all parts, for demolishing the Walls of Towns, which was put in execution; and at the same time, news was brought, that Manlius the Pretor, had ap∣peased the Commotions among the Turdetani. Hereupon, the Consul marched up the Coun∣try, and having passed the River Ebro, stopped not till he came before Segoncia, now Si∣guença, where the Celtiberi confiding in the strength of the place, had laid up all their Riches. The Booty was great, but there being little hopes of taking the Town; he marched on to Numantia, as appears by Aulus Gellius. Nothing of note was done in those parts. About the Pyreneans, the Ceretani, Ausetani, and Suessetani, submitted themselves; the Lacetani, who lay farther off, were also brought under. Thus all things being quieted in Spain, the Roman * 1.12 Revenues increased by the improvement of the Gold and Silver Mines; and new Pretors coming from Rome, Cato returned thither, and was received in Triumph, in which, he car∣ried 148000 pound of Silver, and 540 pounds of Gold. To each Foot Soldier, he gave se∣ven * 1.13 Asses, and three times the sum to the Horse. After this, as long as he lived, he took Spain into his protection, and defended it against all wrongs.

After this, many Pretors came from Rome to Govern Spain. The first were Lucius Digi∣cius, for Hispania Citerior, famous for the Mural Crown he gained at Carthagena; and Publius Scipio Nasica, the Son of Gneius, adjudged by the Senate, the holiest Man in Rome. These, were succeeded by Manius Fulvius Nobilior, who took Toledo, then a small, but a strong Town; and Caius Flaminius. This Flaminius was continued, and instead of Fulvius, * 1.14 came L. Aemilius Lepidus, afterwards called Macedonicus, for overcoming Perseus King of Macedon. Next came L. Paulus Hypseus into Hispania Citerior, and L. Bebius Dives into the Ʋlterior; but the latter being killed in Liguria, Pub. Junius Brutus was sent in his place.

Lucius Manlius Acidinus Governed Hispania Citerior the space of two Years following, and * 1.15 Caius Catinius, the Ʋlterior; during which time nothing of note hap'ned. Caius Calpurnius Piso, and Lucius Quintius Crispinus, succeeded them in the Year 568. Which same Year, Cati∣nius was killed in a Battle in Lusitania before his Successor arrived. Two Years after, Au∣lus Terentius Varro took upon him the Government of the Province Citerior, and Paulus Sem∣pronius * 1.16 * 1.17 Longus, of the Ʋlterior. Publius Manlius, he that was Pretor in the time of Cato, suc∣ceeded the former of those two, and Q. Fulvius Flaccus the latter. This Flaccus overthrew a great multitude of the Celtiberi, in a Battle fought near a Town called Ebura, which I be∣lieve Ptolemy calls Libura, and is now Talavera. These Pretors governed Spain two Years, and then came in the stead of the first, L. Posthumius Albinus, and of the other, Tib. Sem∣pronius Gracchus. By the Valour of this Gracchus, many Victories were obtained, and Nu∣mantia became Confederate with Rome, as Plutarch tells us. Besides, he either built, or beautified the City, of him called Gracchurris, near Numantia, where now Agreda stands. There is a Coin to be seen in Spain with the name of Gracchiorris and Albinus, both toge∣ther. In the Year 576. M. Titinius Curvus, was chosen Pretor of Hispania Citerior, and Quintus Fonteius of the Ʋlterior. They continued three Years, and it is not known what Pretors suc∣ceeded them; but we have an account that in the Year 579. Appius Claudius Centho, had the Honour called Ovatio granted him, for a Victory obtained over the Celtiberi. In the Year 580. came Servilius Cepio to the Province Citerior, and Furius Philo to the Ʋlterior. Their * 1.18 Successors were M. Marcienus, and Gneius Fabius Buteo. But because Buteo died by the way * 1.19 at Marseilles, Furius continued his Command, till in the Year 582. Spurius Lucretius was sent to succeed him, and Marcus Junius the other. After this, the two Provinces were again In∣corporated, and the Government of all Spain committed to Lucius Canuleyus, as Pretor. Be∣fore he set out of Rome, he was constituted Judge between the Spanish Embassadors, and the * 1.20 former Pretors, who were accused of receiving Bribes, and Defrauding the Country. The * 1.21 Pretors were cleared, because the Roman Senators used great Severity towards others, but winked at Faults among themselves, to the great dissatisfaction of the People, and loss of their own Reputation. However, to please the Natives, it was granted, that the Roman Governours should not sell Corn at rates set by themselves; and that the Spaniards should not be obliged to Farm the Imposition (called Vicesima) at the Pretor's will; and that there should be no Farmers of the Revenue, but that the care of receiving and improving it, should be committed to the Corporations. Another Embassy was sent from Spain, to know what should be done with the Bastards, called Hybridae, that were the Sons of Roman Soldiers, * 1.22 and Spanish Mothers, desiring Lands might be assigned them. It was agreed to by the Se∣nate, * 1.23 that Lands should be given to those whom Canuleyus the Pretor thought fit to deliver out of slavery; for they were sold as Slaves, and that he should carry them to Carteia, and that it should be deemed a Roman Colony, which was the first in Spain, and called Colo∣nia Libertinorum. Canuleyus having Governed two Years, Marcus Marcellus succeeded him in * 1.24 the Year 585. Strabo says, he was the Founder of Cordova; but Silius Italicus, makes menti∣on * 1.25 of it in the time of Hannibal; whence it may be concluded, he only inlarged and beautifi∣ed it, giving it the Name and Title of a Roman Free-Town. Fonteius Balbus succeeded Marcel∣lus. After him Spain was again divided into two Provinces, and so Governed by Gneius Ful∣vius and C. Licinius Nerva, in the time of Judas the Machabee, that most Renowned Gene∣ral of the Jews, who settled Friendship with the Romans. Thus I will conclude the Account of the Pretors, which would not be pleasing, if continued; nor is it easie to perform, or proper to fill up the breaches of the Spanish History with the Grandeur of the Roman.

Notes

• * 1.1

  554.
• * 1.2

  The Spa∣niards Re∣volt from the Romans who kill 15000 of them.
• * 1.3

  555.
• * 1.4

  556.
• * 1.5

  557.
• * 1.6

  Another Revolt.
• * 1.7

  558.
• * 1.8

  559.
• * 1.9

  Cato the first Con∣sulin Spain.
• * 1.10

  Helvius recovers Iliturgum, and fouts the Spani∣ards.
• * 1.11

  40000 Spaniards killed by Cato.
• * 1.12

  Several Provinces submit.
• * 1.13

  Cato re∣turns to Rome, and Triumphs Several Govern∣ors of Spain.
• * 1.14

  L. Digici∣cius, and P. S. Nasica. M. Fulvius Nobilior. and Caius L. Aemilius Lepidus. Paulus Hypseus, and Bebius Dives. Flaminius.
• * 1.15

  Man. Aci∣dinus, add Caius Ca∣tinius.
• * 1.16

  568.
• * 1.17

  Calpurnius Piso, and Quintius Crispinus. Terentius Varro, and Paulus Sempronius Longus. Pub. Man∣lius, and F. Flaccus. Posthumius Albinus, and Sem∣pronius Gracchus.
• * 1.18

  576.
• * 1.19

  M. Titinius Curvus, and Quin∣tus Fon∣teius.
• * 1.20

  579.
• * 1.21

  Ap. Clau∣dius Centho Servilius Cepio, and Furius Philo. M. Marci∣enus, and Gn. Fabi∣us Buteo.
• * 1.22

  582.
• * 1.23

  Sp. Lucre∣cius, and M Junius. L. Canule∣yus.
• * 1.24

  585.
• * 1.25

  M. Marcel∣lus. Fonteyus Balbus. Gn. Fulvi∣us, and C. Licinius Nerva.