Battle of Vellica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Vellica |
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| Part of the Cantabrian Wars | |||||||
 The Monte Cildá site where historians believe the battle took place. (Mave is the location that can be seen in the centre) |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Roman Empire |
Cantabri | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Augustus |
Unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Vellica was an important fight during the Cantabrian Wars. It happened around 25 BC. This battle was between the powerful Romans and the brave Cantabri people. The Roman leader was Emperor Augustus. Most historians think the battle took place near Monte Cildá in what is now Palencia, Spain. The Romans won this battle.
Where Was Vellica?
The town of Vellica was home to the Cantabri people. An ancient writer named Claudius Ptolemy mentioned Vellica as one of the main Cantabrian towns.
Many historians believe the battle happened near Monte Cildá. This mountain had strong defenses built by the Cantabri. An old stone found there even mentions a group called the Vellicum. This suggests the Romans attacked from the south. They likely captured Amaya first, then Vellica, before moving on to Castro de Monte Bernorio.
Some people think Vellica might have been the same city as another one called Bergida. Others believe the main town was on the flat land near Mave. The hill fort on Monte Cildá would then have been a backup defense.
The Battle Story
Around 29 BC, the Romans began a big push into the lands of the Cantabri and the Astures. This started the long and tough Cantabrian Wars. The Roman army was led by their powerful Emperor, Augustus himself.
Ancient writers like Florus and Orosius tell us about a huge battle at Vellica. It was fought between the Romans, led by Augustus, and the Cantabrians. The Romans took the town around 25 BC. It's likely these stories refer to the flat area near Mave, where other historians believe the battle happened.
In earlier fights, the Cantabrians often hid in their hill forts. But in this battle, they decided to face the Romans on open ground. They might have done this because they didn't have enough supplies to defend their fort for a long time.
The powerful Legio IV Macedonica won this battle for the Romans. This legion was based in a place called Segisama Iulia (Sasamón). This victory was a key step before the Romans attacked the strong fort at Castro de Monte Bernorio. It's also possible that the Legio IX Hispana helped in the fighting, as it was a very large battle. After the Cantabrians lost, the Roman forces destroyed their fortress and town buildings.
See Also
In Spanish: Batalla de Vellica para niños
- List of Roman wars and battles
