Roman rule History of the Basques

tower of urkulu, commemorative roman tower



reconstruction @ site of iruña-veleia, in central Álava

on arrival of romans current south-west france, pyrenees , threshold cantabria, territory occupied number of tribes, of them non indo-european (the nature of others remain unclear, e.g. caristii). vascones show closest identification current basques, evidence points basque-like people extending around pyrenees , garonne, evidenced caesar´s testimony on book de bello gallico, aquitanian inscriptions (person , god names), , several place-names.

most of aquitanian tribes subjugated crasus, lieutenant of caesar, in 65 bc. however, prior conquest (celebrated apparently, on tower of urkulu), romans had reached upper ebro region @ beginning of 2nd century bc, on fringes of basque territory (calagurris, graccurris). under pompey in 1st century bc, romans stationed in , founded pompaelo (modern pamplona, iruñea in basque) roman rule not consolidated until time of emperor augustus. laxness suited basques well, allowing them retain traditional laws , leadership. romanisation limited on lands of current basque country closer atlantic, while more intense on mediterranean basin. survival of separate basque language has been attributed fact basque country little developed romans.

there significant roman presence in garrison of pompaelo, city south of pyrenees founded , named after pompey. conquest of area further west followed fierce roman campaign against cantabri (see cantabrian wars). there archaeological remains period of garrisons protecting commercial routes along ebro river, , along roman road between asturica , burdigala.

a unit of varduli stationed on hadrian s wall in north of britain many years, , earned title fida (faithful) service emperor. romans apparently entered alliances (foedera, singular foedus) many local tribes, allowing them total autonomy within empire.

livy mentions natural division between ager , saltus vasconum, i.e. between fields of ebro basin , mountains north. has been held historians romanisation significant in fertile ager null in saltus, roman towns scarce , small. however, latest 21st century findings have called question assumption, highlighting importance of fishing (fish processing factories, caetariae) , mining sector on atlantic arch (the atlantic route of cabotage), other settlements dotting atlantic basin.

the bagaudae seem have produced major impact on basque history in late empire. in late 4th century , throughout 5th century, basque region garonne ebro escaped roman control in midst of revolts. several roman villas (liédena, ramalete) burned ground. proliferation of mints interpreted evidence inner limes around vasconia, coins minted purpose of paying troops. after fall of empire, struggle against rome s visigoth allies continued.