Lucius Hirtuleius

Lucius 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]

Biography

Iberia showing the Roman Provinces of the time

Almost certainly Hirtuleius was among the friends who joined Sertorius when he left for Iberia in 82 BCE.[1]

While Sertorius held off Metellus Pius, 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 Metellus Pius. In the ensuing battle Hirtuleius was defeated at Italica.[4] In 75 BCE Hirtuleius fought a second battle against Metellus Pius. 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. 1 2 3 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. 1 2 Quintus Sertorius and the Legacy of Sulla, P. Spann p110
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