Quintus Servilius Caepio (consul 140 BC) facts for kids

Quintus Servilius Caepio was an important Roman leader in ancient times. He was the son of Gnaeus Servilius Caepio. In 140 BC, Quintus Servilius Caepio became a consul, which was one of the highest positions in the Roman government. He served alongside Gaius Laelius Sapiens. Quintus Servilius Caepio was also the father of Quintus Servilius Caepio (consul 106 BC).

Caepio's Role as a Roman Leader

After his time as consul, Caepio was sent to a Roman province called Hispania Ulterior (which is now part of Spain). He was given the role of a proconsul. A proconsul was like a governor who also commanded the army in a province.

The War Against Viriathus

Caepio's main task in Hispania Ulterior was to deal with a powerful leader named Viriathus. Viriathus was a chieftain of the Lusitanian people. Before Caepio arrived, another Roman general had been defeated by Viriathus. This general had even signed a peace treaty that favored Viriathus.

Caepio did not like this treaty. He believed it was dishonorable for Rome. He kept sending messages to the Roman Senate, asking for permission to restart the war against Viriathus. He wanted to cancel the peace treaty.

Ending the Conflict

The Senate eventually gave Caepio permission to fight Viriathus again. Caepio had many more soldiers and resources than Viriathus. Viriathus's army was running out of men.

Viriathus tried to negotiate for peace. However, Caepio secretly offered money to some of Viriathus's own followers. These followers then betrayed and killed Viriathus.

After the War

After Viriathus was gone, some other local tribes tried to continue the fight. But Caepio's forces surrounded them. These tribes eventually surrendered and were peacefully moved to new lands. Caepio also made other tribes in the area give up some of their land to the Romans.

Caepio was known for treating his own soldiers very harshly. At one point, his cavalry was so unhappy that they almost killed him. Even though Caepio won, the victory was not complete. Other communities in western Spain were inspired by Viriathus. They continued to raid Roman provinces for several years after.

See also

In Spanish: Quinto Servilio Cepión (cónsul 140 a. C.) para niños