Tanginus facts for kids

Tanginus (also known as Tangino in Spanish) was a brave leader of the Celtiberians. These were ancient people who lived in what is now Spain. Tanginus was active during the Numantine War, a big conflict between the Celtiberians and the powerful Roman Republic.

Tanginus's Life and Actions

Even though he fought alongside the Numantines in the war, we don't know which specific tribe Tanginus came from. People usually say he was a Celtiberian. However, his name was common in Lusitania, another region, so he might have been a Celt. Some stories say Tanginus was a merchant before the war began. But like many Celtiberian leaders, he later became involved in warfare. They often raided territories.

Joining the Numantine War

Tanginus joined the Numantine War in 141 BC. At this time, a Roman general named Quintus Pompeius was fighting Celtiberian towns around the city of Numantia. Tanginus led many fighters, sometimes called "bandits." He attacked the lands of the Edetanians and Sedetanians. These groups were allies of Rome.

Tanginus's attacks forced General Pompeius to leave Numantia. Pompeius had to march to protect Rome's allies. Some historians think this was exactly what Tanginus wanted. Earlier attempts to break the Roman siege of Numantia by force had not worked.

The Battle with Pompeius

Pompeius found Tanginus in a place called Salduie, which is modern-day Zaragoza. Tanginus crossed the Ebro river to keep his distance from the larger Roman army. But Pompeius also crossed the river with his cavalry (soldiers on horseback). They caught up with Tanginus's forces in Ebelinum (Ayerbe). The rest of the Roman army soon followed and defeated the Celtiberians.

What Happened to Tanginus?

We don't know what happened to Tanginus after this battle. It is traditionally believed that he survived and escaped on horseback. However, Pompeius captured many of Tanginus's warriors. These captured Celtiberians showed incredible determination. They did not want to become prisoners or slaves. Many resisted fiercely, even fighting among themselves to avoid capture. The Romans had to tie them up to stop their struggle.

Pompeius tried to send the surviving prisoners to Rome by sea. But the prisoners fought the sailors and damaged the ships, causing them to sink. All of them chose to go down with the ships rather than be enslaved.

Tanginus's actions were not in vain. When Pompeius returned to Numantia to continue the siege, he faced repeated defeats. Eventually, he was forced to sign a peace treaty with the Numantines.

The Meaning of the Name Tanginus

The name Tanginus or Tancinus has roots in both Celtic and Germanic languages.

See also

In Spanish: Tangino para niños

• Numantine War
• Olyndicus
• Viriathus