Celtiberians facts for kids
The Celtiberians were ancient people who lived in the central-eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. This area is now mostly Spain. They were a mix of Celts and other groups who adopted Celtic ways. They lived there in the last few centuries before Roman times.
These tribes spoke a language called Celtiberian language. They wrote it down using a special writing system adapted from the Iberian alphabet. Many old writings have been found. These writings helped experts understand that Celtiberian was a Celtic language. It was one of several Celtic languages spoken in Spain before and during early Roman rule.
Contents
Celtiberians and the Roman Empire
The Celtiberians had many conflicts with the powerful Roman Empire. In 195 BC, the Romans started to conquer parts of Celtiberia. By 72 BC, the entire region became part of a Roman area called Hispania Citerior.
Fighting for Freedom: Celtiberian Wars
The Celtiberians fought hard against the Romans for a long time. They had several big uprisings:
- 195–193 BC
- 181–179 BC
- 153–151 BC
- 143–133 BC
One famous battle was the Siege of Numantia. The Celtiberians bravely defended their city against the Romans.
Other Important Battles
Celtiberian warriors were also involved in other major wars. In 105 BC, they helped push out the Germanic Cimbri tribe from Spain during the Cimbrian War (113–101 BC). They also played a key role in the Sertorian War (80–72 BC). This war was a Roman civil war fought in Spain.
Images for kids
-
Map showing the territory of the Celtiberians and possible locations of their tribes.
-
A bronze Celtiberian brooch shaped like a warrior (from 3rd–2nd century BC).
-
Celtiberian daggers with two round parts on the handle.
-
Celtiberian swords with antenna-shaped hilts.
-
An old drawing showing the Siege of Numantia.
-
The Botorrita plaque, one of four bronze plates with ancient Celtiberian writing.
_01.jpg)
.jpg)
_p182_Siege_of_Numantia.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Celtíberos para niños
