L. Hirtuleius, the trusted lieutenant of the Populares Quintus Sertorius,[1] who fought in the Sertorian War from 80 BCE until his death in 75 BCE.[2]
Almost certainly Hirtuleius was among the friends who joined Sertorius when he left for Iberia in 82 BCE.[1]
While Sertorius held off Metallus, Hirtuleius defeated Marcus Domitius Calvinus, the Optimate governor of Hispania Citerior (Hither Spain) at Consubura (south of Toledo).[3] In 78 BCE the new Optimate governor of Hither Spain, Q Calicdius showed so little interest in defending the province that the governor of Transalpine Gaul, had come to assist only to be defeated by Hirtuleius.[1]
When Pompey arrived in Iberia in 76 BCE while Sertorius blocked Pompey, Hirtuleius faced Metallus. In the ensuing battle Hirtuleius was defeated at Italica.[4] In 75 BCE Hirtuleius fought a second battle against Metellus. Philip Spann suggests that the most likely site of the battle was the Segovia near Córdoba though even of that site he is skeptical.[5] The battle was a heavy defeat for Hirtuleius and he died in the fighting.[5]