Ancient Iberian Warfare | Complete Animated Documentary скачать в хорошем качестве

Ancient Iberian Warfare | Complete Animated Documentary

The Iberian Peninsula was home to a wide range of peoples whose approaches to warfare reflected both their environment and their interactions with foreign powers. Its varied geography—mountainous interiors, fertile river valleys, and coastal plains—encouraged the development of regionally distinct fighting styles. Warfare was a persistent feature of life, shaped by internal rivalries, territorial disputes, and the pressures exerted by external powers such as Carthage and Rome. The result was a series of martial systems that prioritized adaptability, local knowledge, and tactical flexibility. In the north, tribes such as the Cantabri specialized in light cavalry tactics. Mobility and harassment defined their approach, and formations like the Cantabrian Circle exemplified their use of continuous movement to exhaust and confuse more heavily armed opponents. Western groups like the Lusitanians operated in rugged terrain that favored ambushes and guerrilla strategies. Their resistance to Roman expansion relied on small-unit tactics, rapid dispersal, and an intimate familiarity with local geography. Central Iberia saw the rise of the Celtiberians, a culturally hybrid population with a strong martial tradition. They fielded capable infantry, proficient in both conventional engagements and irregular warfare. Their weaponry included the gladius hispaniensis—later adopted by Roman forces—and the soliferrum, a heavy throwing spear. The protracted defense of Numantia demonstrated both their military resilience and the strategic challenges they posed to Rome. The Balearic Islands contributed a distinct element: slingers trained from childhood, capable of delivering accurate, high-velocity projectiles at considerable range. Though lightly armed, their battlefield role was significant, particularly in disrupting enemy formations before close contact. Iberian armies featured several recurring troop types. The caetrati, light infantry equipped with small round shields (caetra) and short swords, served as skirmishers and flankers. Heavier infantry, the scutarii, carried larger oval shields and were deployed in more sustained combat roles. Iberian cavalry, valued for its discipline and shock power, complemented these infantry elements. In close combat, the falcata—a forward-curving blade—was especially effective, combining slashing power with the precision of a short sword. Over time, Iberian martial practices exerted influence beyond the peninsula. Many Iberians served as mercenaries throughout the western Mediterranean, and their weapons and tactics were observed, copied, or adapted by both allies and adversaries. Though ultimately subdued, their long resistance to conquest—especially by Rome—underscores the military effectiveness of their diverse systems of warfare. SOURCES: https://www.worldhistory.org/ https://www.britannica.com/ __________________________________________________________________________ SUBSCRIBE NOW : https://bit.ly/3aYZCOh PATREON : https://bit.ly/3b0VixZ MERCH : https://bit.ly/2X4d8rX __________________________________________________________________________ MUSIC : by Alexander Nakarada Music: by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License __________________________________________________________________________ #AncientIberia #Iberia #AncientHistoryGuy