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Quintus SertoriusAncient Roman military leader
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Role in the Social War and the Conflict with Sulla
- The Sertorian War
- Governance and Ambition
- Confrontation with Pompey
- The Battle of Lauro
- Final Years
Early Life and Military Career
Quintus Sertoriuswas a renowned Roman general and statesman who played a pivotal role in the Sertorian War against the Sullan regime in Spain from 80-72 BC. Before his military exploits, he gained prominence as a skilled lawyer and orator. Sertorius also distinguished himself in battles against the Cimbri (105 BC) and Teutons (102 BC) during their invasions of Italy.
Role in the Social War and the Conflict with Sulla
In 97 BC, Sertorius served in Spain and later became quaestor in Gaul (90 BC). During the Social War (91-88 BC), he commanded an army. When Sulla emerged victorious in the conflict between him and Marius (87-86 BC), Sertorius aligned himself with Marius and assisted in the capture of Rome. He was rewarded with the praetorship and governorship of the Spanish provinces. However, Sulla's regime dispatched two legions against him, forcing Sertorius to flee to Mauretania.
The Sertorian War
After a successful victory over the Romans at Tingis, Lusitanian envoys appealed to Sertorius to lead their forces. In 80 BC, Sertorius sailed to Spain and assumed command of the Lusitanian army. Despite its small size, he trained and disciplined it in the Roman manner.
The Sertorian War ensued, during which Sertorius inflicted several defeats on the Romans. Even Metellus, who invaded Lusitania, was forced to retreat and suffered setbacks in guerrilla skirmishes. Sertorius also benefited from powerful allies on the sea: pirates who intercepted Roman vessels and supplied him with essential resources.
Governance and Ambition
Sertorius gradually gained control over most of the Iberian Peninsula, governing it according to Roman laws and even establishing a senate. However, it would be a mistake to view Sertorius as a rebel seeking to establish a separate kingdom. Ultimately, the conflict was part of Rome's civil war, and Sertorius's ultimate goal remained Rome.
Confrontation with Pompey
Following Sulla's death in 78 BC, Marcus Perperna, a former proconsul of Sicily and the last surviving supporter of Gaius Marius, joined Sertorius, much to the latter's disdain. Perperna, a talentless general from a noble family, resented Sertorius, a "new man" lacking distinguished ancestry.
In response to the growing threat, the Senate sent the young and brilliant general Pompey to Spain with proconsular powers. Pompey conquered eastern Spain but faced resistance from Sertorius, who had anticipated his arrival and prepared his forces accordingly.
The Battle of Lauro
Pompey laid siege to the city of Lauro, which had sided with him. Sertorius countered by besieging Lauro and trapping Pompey between the city and his own army. Overconfident, Pompey sent messengers to Lauro, urging its inhabitants to witness Sertorius's imminent defeat.
However, Sertorius had anticipated Pompey's tactics. He left 6,000 men in his camp, who attacked Pompey's rear on the day of battle. Sertorius simultaneously engaged the Romans from the front, forcing Pompey to retreat. Sertorius refused to pursue him, instead choosing to continue the siege of Lauro, much to Pompey's humiliation.
Final Years
Sertorius's forces ultimately prevailed. Pompey faced severe supply shortages and setbacks. In 75 BC, Metellus attempted to join Pompey in eastern Spain but was defeated by Sertorius.
Sertorius then faced Pompey at the Sucro River, where he inflicted another defeat. However, Perperna's treachery ultimately led to Sertorius's downfall and assassination in 72 BC. The war ended with the rebellion being crushed and Roman rule restored in Spain.
