Caucenus facts for kids

Caucenus (also known as Cauceno in Portuguese and Spanish) was a brave leader, called a chieftain, of the Lusitanians. They were an ancient tribe from the western part of Hispania, which is now mostly Portugal and Spain. Caucenus was a very important military figure during the early years of the Lusitanian War, a major conflict against the powerful Romans.

Caucenus's Life and Battles

Caucenus led Lusitanian tribes from lands near the Tajo (Tagus) river. He seemed to act independently, but he was probably inspired by other Lusitanian leaders who had won battles against the Romans.

In 153 BC, Caucenus started a military plan that was very ambitious for his people. He and his group invaded the land of the Cynetes, who were allied with the Romans at the time. They managed to capture the Cynetes' main city, Conistorgis.

Invasion of Africa

After this victory, Caucenus and his forces continued south. They found ships and sailed across the Gibraltar strait to invade a region in Africa called Mauretania. Once there, he split his army. One part took over nearby lands, while the other group began to attack the city of Ocile. This city might be what we know today as Asilah.

However, a Roman general named Lucius Mummius arrived with 9,500 soldiers. He had just won a battle against another Lusitanian leader. Caucenus's soldiers were busy with their siege and didn't expect the Romans. They were quickly defeated, and about 15,000 Lusitanian warriors died. General Mummius also defeated another group of Lusitanians who were carrying away treasures before he returned to Rome.

Around this time, it's believed that Caucenus's forces might have been involved in another battle in Africa. One of the sons of King Masinissa, a Roman ally, was surrounded by an Iberian army. King Masinissa had to come and rescue his son. Because of when and where this happened, some historians think these Iberians were part of Caucenus's army.

Later, in 151 BC, another Roman general, Lucius Licinius Lucullus, had to stop a similar, but smaller, Lusitanian invasion of Africa.

What His Name Means

The exact meaning of the name Caucenus is not fully known. Some think it might come from an old Germanic word meaning "to bend." Names like Caucinus and Cauceti, which are similar, were common in a region called Celtiberia.

See also

In Spanish: Cauceno para niños

• Punicus
• Viriathus