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Celtiberian War

Spanish history

Quick Summary

The Celtiberian War, fought from 153 to 133 BC, was a conflict between the Celtiberian tribes of Spain and the Romans. The Celtiberians, a people of mixed Iberian and Celtic heritage, inhabited north-central Spain. They were known for their horsemanship, metalworking, and warlike nature, even inventing the two-edged Spanish sword later adopted by the Romans.123

The war saw significant resistance from tribes like the Arevaci, who famously defeated a Roman army in 137 BC. However, the conflict ultimately ended with the Roman siege and destruction of the powerful Celtiberian stronghold of Numantia in 133 BC, bringing the region under Roman domination.12

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