Problems around the study of Viriato

Abstract

The figure of the Lusitanian leader Viriato constitutes a proper name of the first order for the study of the almost two centuries that the conquest of Hispania by Rome lasted. Viriato is a true milestone in the Hispanic resistance, and his figure has been compared since ancient times by classical sources with such important names as Aníbal or Espartaco. This mythification of the figure of Viriato is due to the description of his actions that classical sources, both Greek and Latin, have transmitted to us since the second century BC. The classical authors coincide in pointing out the importance of his person and his exceptional qualities as a military leader, despite the fact that his narrative objectives differ greatly. The purpose of this work is to raise the existing problems when making an approach to Viriato from the classical sources. An incorrect or partial reading of the sources, together with other ideological factors of interpretation, decisively influence the development of a distorted image about the personality and objectives of the Lusitanian chief. Therefore, we conclude on the need for a critical approach to source analysis in parallel with the interpretation of archaeological evidence.