Caesarus
Caesarus | |
---|---|
Native name | Césaro, Caesarus, Kaisaros, Kaisaro |
Born | Lusitania |
Allegiance | Lusitania |
Years of service | 155-153 BC |
Battles/wars | Lusitanian War |
Caesarus (known as Césaro in Portuguese and Spanish) was a chieftain of the Lusitanians, a proto-Celtic tribe from western Hispania. He followed and later replaced Punicus as their major military leader during the Lusitanian War.[1][2]
Biography
He is considered to have served as Punicus's lieutenant, which would explain the quick way he was promoted to leader after the latter's death.
The new chieftain had his first major battle in
Caesarus's forces faced Mummius again later, after the latter had remained in fortified positions training his army. This time Mummius won, recovering part of the lost plunder.[1] Caesarus is not mentioned as being among the Lusitanians, making his ultimate fate unknown. Meanwhile, another Lusitanian contingent from adjacent lands had joined the war, led by the warlord Caucenus.[1]
Etymology
The meaning of the name Kaisaro is disputed, though it is believed it has a Phoenician root,[5] bringing the possibility it was a title gained during his military experience in Phoenician or Punic territories.[1] It might derive from the word ksr, related to the Carthaginian god Kusor, or alternatively from kysr, translating as "elephant" (the same origin as the Roman surname and title Caesar).[5][6] Departing from the Phoenician thesis, it might come as well from the Celtic language, more specifically the words gaesi ("valiant man") or gaesum ("iron dart"), similar to the Celtic-Germanic name Caesorix.[6]
In film and television
The Spanish television series Hispania, La Leyenda (2010-2012) features Caesarus as the chief of Viriathus's home village. He is played by Lluís Marco.
See also
Notes
- ^ ISBN 978-84-895126-8-9.
- ^ ISBN 978-90-043540-5-0.
- ^ ISBN 978-84-916437-9-1.
- ^ ISBN 978-84-916428-5-5.
- ^ ISBN 978-84-150693-6-2.
- ^ ISBN 978-84-901238-3-6.