Roman Conquest of Hispania: Stages and Romanization
Stages of the Roman Conquest of Hispania
The initial goal of the Romans was to defeat the Carthaginians in the Second Punic War. They harassed the Iberians, Carthaginians, and their allies, seeking support among the peoples of the region. The Romans established their base of operations at Tarraco (Tarragona). In 209 BC, Scipio was commissioned to defeat Carthaginian power in the peninsula and, between 206 and 205 BC, took Carthage, effectively ending Carthaginian dominance. Scipio’s defeat of Hannibal marked the end of the Second Punic War.
Following the defeat of Carthage, the Roman military presence became permanent, and Hispania was divided into two provinces: Hispania Citerior (Nearer Spain) and Hispania Ulterior (Further Spain). Rebellions were frequent, requiring a consul to reform the Roman presence. Two significant episodes during this period were the Lusitanian Wars (155-136 BC) and the Celtiberian Wars (153-133 BC). The Lusitanian conflict arose from continued looting in the Guadalquivir valley, led by Viriathus. The conflict with the Celtiberians involved Roman troops encountering well-fortified cities like Numantia (Soria). Scipio Aemilianus, known for razing Carthage in 146 BC, laid siege to Numantia with an army of volunteers. The siege lasted nearly a year, and the city finally capitulated due to hunger.
In the first century BC, the peninsula played a prominent role in the Roman civil wars, which ultimately led to the end of the Republic and the rise of the Empire. Octavian emerged as the main beneficiary, becoming the sole ruler and receiving the title of Augustus in 27 BC. Octavian completed the Roman conquest of Hispania, organizing a campaign against the Galicians, Asturians, and Cantabrians. He imposed the Pax Romana, which accelerated the Romanization of Hispania.
The Process of Romanization in Hispania
Romanization refers to the process by which the Iberian Peninsula assimilated Roman forms of organization. This process can be divided into three stages:
a) The Republic
During this period, military administration prevailed, and the territory was divided into Hispania Citerior (based in Tarraco) and Hispania Ulterior (based in Corduba).
b) The High Empire
This era coincided with the height of Roman splendor. Hispania Ulterior was further divided into Lusitania (capital: Emerita Augusta) and Baetica (capital: Corduba).
c) The Late Empire
As Rome declined, the empire was divided into dioceses. The three existing provinces were joined by Gallaecia (capital: Bracara Augusta), Carthaginiensis (capital: Carthago Nova), and the Balearic Islands (capital: Palma). Mauritania Tingitana (capital: Tingis) was also created.
Cities emulated Rome in their urban planning, featuring orthogonal layouts, surrounding walls, and a central forum with memorials like triumphal arches. Infrastructure was developed for communication, sanitation (sewage systems), and water supply. Mining was a major economic activity, focusing on silver, gold, lead, iron, copper, tin, and mercury. The Romans also exported the Mediterranean triad: wine, olive oil, and wheat.
Social structures were patriarchal. Latin became the language of law, science, and culture. The Romans encountered a diverse religious landscape, with anthropomorphic deities. They generally respected local cults as long as they did not threaten loyalty to Rome and the emperor. A civil, commercial, and criminal code was established, with legal penalties for crimes committed throughout the empire.