Lucius Hirtuleius facts for kids

Lucius Hirtuleius was a Roman officer, known as a legate, who served under Quintus Sertorius. He fought in the Sertorian War from 80 BC until he died in 75 BC. Hirtuleius was considered Sertorius's most trusted helper and second-in-command. He was often given important tasks to do on his own. During the war, he defeated two Roman governors, Marcus Domitius Calvinus and Lucius Manlius.

Lucius Hirtuleius's Life Story

Iberia (modern-day Spain and Portugal) during the time of Hirtuleius.

We don't know much about Lucius Hirtuleius's early life. He first appears in history as part of Quintus Sertorius's team. Sertorius was like a governor of the Iberian peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal).

Around 82 BC, Rome was in a civil war. Sertorius was a leader of one of the main groups, the Cinna-Marius faction. He and his loyal followers were sent to Iberia to take control for their group. They were forced out in 81 BC but came back in 80 BC. This started a big conflict known as the Sertorian War. Hirtuleius was with Sertorius and helped him create an independent state in Hispania.

The Sertorian War Begins

Hirtuleius became Sertorius's most trusted officer during the war in Iberia. In 80 BC, Sertorius was making his power stronger in southern Hispania. Hirtuleius was sent to fight Marcus Domitius Calvinus, the governor of northern Hispania.

Hirtuleius used a fighting style called guerrilla warfare. This meant he would retreat, then use surprise attacks and quick raids to wear down his enemies. Eventually, he defeated Domitius Calvinus at Consabura, near the river Anas.

In 78 BC, the new governor of northern Hispania, Quintus Calidius, didn't seem interested in defending his area. So, Lucius Manlius, a governor from southern Gaul, was called to help. But Hirtuleius defeated Manlius too, near Ilerda.

Big Roman Generals Arrive

In 76 BC, the Roman Senate sent many more soldiers. They were led by a famous general named Gnaeus Pompey Magnus. Pompey came to help Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius, who was already fighting Sertorius.

When Pompey arrived in Iberia, Sertorius outsmarted him and defeated him at the Battle of Lauron. The next year, Sertorius left Pompey in northern Hispania. He put two of his officers, Marcus Perpenna and Gaius Herennius, in charge of fighting Pompey. Sertorius himself went to fight Metellus in southern Hispania.

Sadly for Sertorius, Perpenna and Herennius were defeated by Pompey at Valentia. Sertorius quickly rushed back to northern Hispania to take over the fight against Pompey. He left Hirtuleius in charge of the army facing Metellus.

The Battle of Italica

Hirtuleius tried to defeat Metellus in a battle near the Roman town of Italica. At dawn, Hirtuleius gathered his army and marched towards Metellus's camp. He wanted to make Metellus come out and fight.

However, Metellus kept his soldiers inside their camp, behind their defenses, until noon. It was extremely hot, and Hirtuleius's troops were getting very tired standing in the open. Metellus's soldiers, however, stayed fresh inside their camp.

Since Hirtuleius's army waited for hours, Metellus had plenty of time to study how they were set up. He noticed that Hirtuleius had put his strongest soldiers in the middle of his battle line. Metellus decided to use this to his advantage.

When the battle finally started, Metellus held back his own middle forces. Instead, he focused on winning on the sides of the battle. After his side forces defeated their opponents, they then surrounded Hirtuleius's middle forces. Hirtuleius lost 20,000 men and fled north. He wanted to join Sertorius, who was fighting Pompey. Metellus followed Hirtuleius, hoping to trap Sertorius between his own army and Pompey's.

The Battle of Saguntum

Several weeks later, Hirtuleius fought Metellus again. He was commanding one of Sertorius's wings (sides of the army) at the Battle of Saguntum. During the battle, Hirtuleius's wing was pushed back by Metellus's soldiers. Hirtuleius died fighting in this battle.

See also

In Spanish: Lucio Hirtuleyo para niños

• Hirtuleia gens
• Battle of Italica
• Battle of Saguntum (75 BC)