L. Hirtuleius

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]

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Quintus Sertorius and the Legacy of Sulla, P. Spann p. 72
  2. ^ Quintus Sertorius and the Legacy of Sulla, P. Spann p171
  3. ^ From the Gracchi to Nero, H. H. Scullard, p 90
  4. ^ From the Gracchi to Nero, H. H. Scullard, p 91
  5. ^ a b Quintus Sertorius and the Legacy of Sulla, P. Spann p110