Tautalus facts for kids

Tautalus was an important leader of the Lusitanians. They were a brave tribe from the western part of a land called Hispania, which is modern-day Spain and Portugal. Tautalus became their chieftain after another famous leader, Viriathus, was killed. This happened during the last part of a big conflict known as the Lusitanian War.

Tautalus's Story

Becoming a Leader

Tautalus became a leader after Viriathus was sadly murdered. Viriathus had been a very skilled military leader. Tautalus took charge of the remaining Lusitanian army. His time as a leader in the war was quite short. People noted that he did not have the same amazing battle skills as Viriathus.

Facing the Romans

Tautalus led his army towards a city called Saguntum. This city was in a Roman area known as Hispania Citerior. They tried to attack the city, but they were not successful. The city's defenders fought them off.

After this defeat, Tautalus and his forces moved towards another Roman area. This was called Hispania Ulterior. They traveled along the Betis river. Here, a Roman general named Quintus Servilius Caepio met them. Caepio's army was much larger than Tautalus's.

Peace and New Homes

Tautalus and the Lusitanians were defeated by the Romans. They had to surrender their weapons. However, General Caepio then signed a peace agreement with Tautalus. As part of this agreement, the Lusitanians were given new lands. This was so they would stop fighting against the Romans.

Later, another Roman leader, Decimus Junius Brutus, helped settle the Lusitanians. They were settled in a new colony called Valentia. This place might be modern-day Valença do Minho or Valencia de Alcántara. It could also be the city of Valencia in Spain, though that is further away.

What's in a Name?

The name Tautalus comes from ancient writings by a historian named Appian. Many experts believe the name comes from old Celtic and Germanic languages. The root word teu means "people."

However, there is some discussion about the name. Some wonder if Appian meant to write Tantalus. This is a name from Greek stories. Another historian, Diodorus, wrote the name as Tautamus or Tantamus. This shows there might have been different ways to say or spell his name long ago.

See also

In Spanish: Táutalo para niños

• Viriathus
• Audax, Ditalcus and Minurus
• Lusitanian War