Illiturgis facts for kids
Illiturgis, also called Iliturgi, was an ancient city in Spain. It was located on an important road connecting the cities of Corduba and Castulo. The original city was near Mengíbar. After it was destroyed, its people moved to a new location near modern-day Andújar. During the time of the Roman Empire, it was also known as Forum Julium.
Illiturgis played a part in the Second Punic War. At first, it supported the Romans against the Carthaginians. But later, when two important Roman generals, Publius and Calvus Scipio, were defeated, Illiturgis switched sides. According to Roman stories, the people of Illiturgis even killed Roman soldiers who sought safety in their city. Because of this, the famous Roman general Scipio Africanus attacked and captured the city in 206 BC.
As a Roman city, Illiturgis was part of the Roman province called Hispania Baetica. It grew in size and importance. Saint Euphrasius of Illiturgis is believed to have been its first Christian bishop. In the 7th century, King Sisebut built a church over Euphrasius's burial place. However, when the Moors invaded Spain in the 8th century, Euphrasius's holy remains were moved to Galicia for safekeeping.
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Where Was Illiturgis Located?
Illiturgis was an ancient city in the Roman province of Hispania Baetica. It was built on a steep, mountainous area north of the Baetis River (modern-day Guadalquivir River). The city was on a main road that connected it to nearby cities like Corduba and Castulo. It was thought to be about a five-day march from Carthago Nova (modern-day Cartagena, Spain).
Because the city was destroyed and rebuilt, historians believe there were likely two places with the same name. One site is thought to be on Maquiz hill, near Mengíbar in Spain. After the first city was destroyed, the second location is believed to have been near the modern city of Andújar. This is where the church of St. Potenciana stands today.
Some ancient writers, like Livy, sometimes used known city names for unknown places. This makes it tricky to pinpoint Illiturgis's exact location. For example, some think Roman soldiers seeking refuge in Illiturgis might have actually gone to a nearby town called Ilorci. This idea suggests that Illiturgis was deeper in enemy territory, closer to Mengíbar.
Illiturgis During the Second Punic War
During the Second Punic War, Illiturgis tried to support both the Romans and the Carthaginians. When Rome was winning battles in Spain, Illiturgis would support Rome. When Carthage had the upper hand, Illiturgis would switch its support to Carthage. This way, the city hoped to survive the war. However, Rome did not like this switching of sides, and it became a big problem as the war continued.
In 215 BC, Illiturgis was a Roman colony. It came under attack by Hannibal and the Carthaginian armies. The Spanish army defending the city desperately needed supplies. Rome sent help, providing clothing and food. This act earned Rome the support of the city's people. The Romans successfully captured three Carthaginian camps, forcing the Carthaginians to stop their attack on Illiturgis. In the end, the Romans defeated the Carthaginians and all the local tribes.
Later in the war, many Spanish communities betrayed Rome. The Romans felt that these towns knew they were acting against Roman authority. According to the Roman historian Livy, Illiturgis was one of the largest and most guilty cities to turn against Rome. Before Scipio Africanus arrived in Spain, his father and uncle led a large Roman army there. Their goal was to take control of Spain and find a way to attack Carthage. However, their army was divided and defeated, and both Scipios were killed. Some Roman survivors fled to Illiturgis, hoping to find safety. But the people of Illiturgis betrayed these Romans. They sided with Carthage and killed the Roman soldiers who had sought protection. Because of this disloyalty, Scipio Africanus felt it was necessary to punish the city severely.
The Destruction of Illiturgis
The destruction of Illiturgis served two main purposes for the Romans. First, it was to get revenge for the Roman soldiers who had been betrayed and killed by the city's people. Second, it was to show that Rome would not tolerate betrayal. Rome would punish those who went against them. Young Scipio Africanus was the one who volunteered to take back control of Spain and punish the cities that had betrayed Rome.
In 206 BC, Scipio marched for five days with his army to Illiturgis. He planned to take control of the land and destroy the city and its people for their actions against Rome. When Scipio arrived, the city had strong natural defenses and man-made walls. However, the number of soldiers defending the city was smaller than needed. Knowing the Roman army was coming, the city closed its gates to everyone outside. This made the Romans think the people inside were afraid because of their betrayal.
When the battle began, Scipio sent only a small part of his army with ladders to attack the city. This first attack failed, which made the citizens of Illiturgis feel more confident. However, in that fight, the people of Illiturgis suffered heavy losses to their already small forces. The Romans suffered very few losses, which was exactly what Scipio had planned. After this, Scipio gave an inspiring speech to his men. He demanded that the people of Illiturgis be punished very harshly for their crimes. Launching a new attack with his entire army, the Romans eventually took the city walls, and then the city itself.
Scipio Africanus was very angry at the city for betraying Rome and killing the Romans who had sought refuge there. He ordered that the city be completely destroyed. This was seen as a very harsh punishment, even in Roman times.
What Happened to Other Cities?
The destruction and severe punishment of Illiturgis sent a strong message throughout the region. Two other cities, Castulo and Astapa, reacted differently to this news. They both feared they would face a similar fate if they resisted Rome.
Castulo was a neighboring city also located along the Baetis River. When the people of Castulo saw how Scipio Africanus had dealt with Illiturgis and its betrayal, they feared they would suffer the same fate. So, they surrendered to the Roman army without a fight. They hoped to receive a lighter punishment from Rome.
The citizens of Astapa (nowadays Estepa) understood the severity of Illiturgis's treatment differently from Castulo. Fearing they would be killed in a similar way, they decided to burn their own city. They also burned all their treasures and belongings.
See also
In Spanish: Iliturgi para niños
