Caesarus facts for kids

Caesarus was a brave leader of the Lusitanians. They were a strong tribe from what is now western Spain and Portugal. He was also known as Césaro in Portuguese and Spanish. Caesarus became an important military leader during the Lusitanian War. He took over after another leader named Punicus.

Caesarus's Life and Battles

Early Role and Leadership

Many people believe Caesarus was a trusted helper, or lieutenant, to Punicus. This might explain why he became the leader so quickly. He took charge after Punicus died. Caesarus might have even traveled with Punicus before. They may have worked as mercenaries (soldiers for hire). This was likely for people from Phoenicia or Carthage in the southern Iberian Peninsula.

In 155 BC, Punicus encouraged the Lusitanians and another tribe called the Vettones to fight back. They started attacking Roman settlements. But Punicus was killed in 153 BC. After his death, Caesarus stepped up to lead the Lusitanian forces.

First Major Victory Against Rome

Caesarus led his first big battle in Hispania Ulterior (a Roman province). He faced the Roman army led by Praetor Lucius Mummius. At first, the Romans seemed to be winning. They forced the Lusitanians to retreat and leave behind their stolen goods.

However, the Roman soldiers became disorganized as they chased them. Caesarus saw this chance and quickly attacked back. In the battle that followed, Mummius's army was defeated. As many as 9,000 Roman soldiers died. The Lusitanians got back their spoils and even captured many Roman weapons and army standards. Some people think this whole retreat was a clever trick by Caesarus.

Parades and Further Conflicts

After this big win, Caesarus proudly marched with the captured Roman standards. He paraded them across the Iberian Peninsula. This helped to start another conflict, the Second Celtiberian War.

Later, Caesarus's forces met Mummius again. This time, Mummius had trained his army well in a strong fort. Mummius won this battle and got back some of the lost goods. Caesarus is not mentioned among the Lusitanians after this. So, what happened to him is not known. Around this time, another Lusitanian group joined the war. They were led by a warlord named Caucenus.

What Does the Name Caesarus Mean?

The exact meaning of the name Kaisaro (another form of Caesarus) is debated. Some think it comes from the Phoenician language. This might mean it was a special title he earned while serving as a mercenary. It could come from the word ksr, which is linked to the Carthaginian god Kusor. Or it might come from kysr, meaning "elephant". This is the same origin as the Roman family name and title Caesar.

However, others believe the name comes from the Celtic language. It might be from the words gaesi ("valiant man") or gaesum ("iron dart"). This is similar to the Celtic-Germanic name Caesorix.

Caesarus in TV Shows

Caesarus has been shown in a Spanish television series. The show is called Hispania, La Leyenda (which aired from 2010 to 2012). In the show, Caesarus is the chief of the home village of Viriathus, another famous Lusitanian leader. The actor Lluís Marco played Caesarus in the series.

See also

In Spanish: Césaro para niños

• Viriathus