Publius Carisius facts for kids
Publius Carisius was an important Roman general, also known as a legatus, who worked for the powerful emperor Augustus. He was in charge of the Roman province called Lusitania (which is now mostly Portugal). Publius Carisius played a big part in the Cantabrian Wars, fighting against the Asturians people.
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Publius Carisius's Life and Role
Publius Carisius was the son of a man named Titus Carisius. He gained the trust of Emperor Augustus during the Roman civil wars. Because of this trust, Augustus made him the general (legatus) of Lusitania. He held this important job from 26 BC to 22 BC.
Fighting in the Cantabrian Wars
Publius Carisius was very important in helping the Romans win the Cantabrian Wars. He helped defeat the Asturians at a place called Lancia. After this victory, the Romans were able to conquer the area known as Asturias transmontana.
Carisius led a large army. It included three main groups of soldiers called legions: the Legio V Alaudae, the Legio VI Victrix, and the Legio X Gemina. He also had many other helper units. Some local people, called brigaecinos, helped Carisius by telling him about the Asturians' plans. This allowed him to stop a surprise attack near the Esla river. Then, he led his army to attack the Asturian city of Lancia (Villasabariego).
Building Roads and Camps
During the conquest of Asturias transmontana (which is now the region of Asturias), Carisius's soldiers built a path through the Cantabrian mountains. This path is still known today as the Via de la Carisa. Along this road, people have found the remains of a Roman camp on Mount Curriechos. This camp was where Carisius's troops stayed.
Founding New Cities
Publius Carisius helped finish the wars against the Cantabrians and Asturians in 25 BC. After the wars, he founded a new city called Emerita Augusta (Mérida). This city was built for the soldiers who had finished their service, especially those from the V Alaudae and X Gemina legions.
Roman Coins and Uprisings
While he was in charge, Publius Carisius also made his own coins. He minted silver coins called denarii. These coins had a picture of Emperor Augustus on one side and Carisius's name and title, P. CARISIVS LEG AVGVSTI, on the other. He also made bronze coins called aces. These bronze coins had Augustus's picture on the front and a round shield called a caetra on the back. Some of these coins were made in Lucus Augusti (Lugo).
Despite his victories, the Asturians rebelled again in 22 BC. Another Roman general, Gaius Furnius (consul), who was in charge of Tarraconense, helped Carisius deal with this uprising. However, because of this rebellion, Carisius was removed from his position.
The ancient writer Dio Cassius said that Carisius was sometimes harsh with the Asturians, which might have caused the rebellion. But Carisius also managed to get some local people to trust him, like the brigaecinos who helped him. Some local people even took his name, showing they respected him.
See also
In Spanish: Publio Carisio para niños
