Servius Sulpicius Galba (consul 144 BC) facts for kids

Servius Sulpicius Galba was an important Roman leader who became a consul (a top official) in Rome in 144 BC. He was known for his military actions and for facing a trial in Rome.

Galba in Macedonia

Galba worked as a tribune of the soldiers (a military officer) in Macedonia. He served under a famous general named Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus. After the Romans won a big war against King Perseus in 167 BC, General Aemilius returned to Rome. He was going to have a special parade called a triumph to celebrate his victory. Galba tried to stop this parade, but he didn't succeed. Even though he failed, his actions made him well-known.

His Time in Hispania

In 151 BC, Galba became a praetor (another important Roman official). He was put in charge of Hispania, which is the land we now call Spain and Portugal. At that time, there was a war happening against the Celtiberians.

When Galba arrived, he quickly faced the Lusitanians. He managed to push them back, but his army was tired and not very organized. He decided not to chase them. However, the Lusitanians turned around and attacked, leading to a tough battle where many Roman soldiers were lost. Galba then took his remaining soldiers to their winter camp.

A Tricky Offer

In the spring of 150 BC, Galba went to war against the Lusitanians again. Soon, the Lusitanians sent messengers to Galba. They said they had made a mistake fighting the Romans and wanted to make peace, like they had with a previous Roman leader.

Galba met with the Lusitanian messengers. He seemed to agree that they had fought because they were poor and had no other choice. Galba then suggested that the Lusitanians become friends with Rome. He promised them good land to live on.

Galba told them he had land in different areas. So, when the Lusitanians agreed, they split into three groups to go to these promised lands. But when each group arrived, Galba's forces attacked them. Many Lusitanians were harmed.

Only a few Lusitanians managed to escape. Among them was a person named Viriathus. He would later become a famous leader who fought against the Romans to get revenge for what Galba had done.

Facing Charges in Rome

The Roman writer Appian said that Galba was very rich but also very careful with his money. He would even do dishonest things if it meant he could gain more money.

The next year, when Galba returned to Rome, a Roman official named Lucius Scribonius Libo accused him of treating the Lusitanians badly. Cato the Censor, who was 85 years old and a very respected Roman, spoke strongly against Galba in the public meeting.

Galba was good at speaking, but he had nothing to say to defend himself. Instead, he tried to influence the people by bringing his children and the child of a relative before them. He asked for their mercy. Because of this, he was found not guilty.

Becoming Consul

Even after the accusations and his actions in Hispania, Galba became a consul in 144 BC. His fellow consul was Lucius Aurelius Cotta.

The two consuls argued about who should lead the army in a new conflict against Viriathus in Hispania. They couldn't agree, and the Roman Senate had to step in. In the end, neither Galba nor Cotta went to Hispania. Instead, the Senate chose Quintus Fabius Maximus Aemilianus, who had been consul the year before, to continue leading the army there.

See also

In Spanish: Servio Sulpicio Galba (cónsul 144 a. C.) para niños

• Sulpicia gens