Punicus facts for kids

Punicus (also known as Púnico) was a brave leader of the Lusitanians. This was an ancient tribe from what is now western Spain and Portugal. He became their first military chief during the Lusitanian War. Punicus led his people to their first big wins against the powerful Romans. He died in 153 BC.

Punicus's Life and Battles

Punicus started a rebellion in 155 BC. His Lusitanian warriors began to raid Roman lands. To stop them, two Roman generals, Calpurnius Piso and Manius Manilius, led an army of 15,000 soldiers.

But Punicus was too strong for them. He defeated the Roman army, causing them to lose about 6,000 men. This big victory helped Punicus make friends with the nearby Vettones tribe.

After this win, Punicus moved south. He attacked and took goods from Roman areas along the Mediterranean Sea. This included parts of Hispania Baetica. During his campaign, a Roman official named Terentius Varro was killed.

Punicus's time as a leader ended suddenly in 153 BC. He was killed by a thrown stone during a battle. His second-in-command, Caesarus, took over the leadership. Caesarus continued the fight against the Romans.

Why Was He Called Punicus?

The name Punicus comes from a Latin word meaning "Phoenician." Some people think Punicus got this name later in life. This might have happened because he gained fighting experience in southern Hispania. This area still had a lot of Phoenician culture.

It's also possible he was of Phoenician family. Or maybe his name just sounded like Punicus to the Roman writers who wrote about him.

See also

• Caesarus
• Viriathus
• Olyndicus