Chapter XVI - The Tiberian Expedition (180 - 179 BC)
A. Iberian Developments (193 - 180 BC)
After the conclusion of the Cantabrian Campaign, Governor Tiberius Brutus focused on colonizing more of Iberia, but made slow progress. He could claim more soil southwards with the establishment of the colonies in Sedetani (189) and Ilercavones (182).
Meanwhile, a serious event occurred in Carthage. Although we have little knowledge about the details
(64), there was a political infighting in the Carthaginian Senate concerning the ongoing war with Pontus. The Populist party had gained enough support to demand an immediate peace, but the Hawks in the Senate obviously denied.
It seems to be, that this conflict broadened, when the debate suddenly covered the whole society, that was weary and exhausted from decades of war and additional burdens due to numerous unrests
(65). Finally, one of Carthage`s generals, Metallo Setnid, associated with the Populists and dared to start a revolt.
Although the main support for this revolt came from Lybia, there were also Iberian cities desperate enough to join the cause and dissociate themselves from the Government in Carthage.
Fig. 15: The Iberian peninsula in 180 BC
B. The Expedition
It is valid to call the following events an expedition, since they started as an enterprise caused by a single man.
Tiberius Brutus, being around 40 years at that moment, was one of the most powerful officers within the Republic. He was Governor of the whole roman territory in Iberia and had two full Legions at his disposal. There is no clarity about his motivation, but he decided to start a military campaign without being ordered to by the Senate or wait for its approval.
In late 180 BC he left Ilercavones with the IX. Legion heading south, passed Saguntum and arrived at the gates of Mastia
(66), that surrendered after a few days. Only now he send an official message to Rome to inform the Senate about his plans.
Then he split his force. While he lead one half personally toward Corduba, he assigned 10 Cohorts to his Mentor Appius Sempronius Tuditanus in order to seize Sexi
(67). In the summer of 179, these two cities were captured and the remaining enemy forces surrendered to Tiberius` Legion, while he declared the conquered territory to be part of the Republic.
C. Results
The so-called "Tiberian Expedition" is one of the most fascinating episodes of roman history due to its high symbolism. Many view Tiberius as the first forefather of the type of generals, that will bring the Republic down at the end of the 1st Century BC, although he strives to serve and expand the Republic instead of altering it according to his own template.
A lot of reasoning was spend on his motivation. Most authors answer boils down to a stunning display of opportunism. Leaving all ethics aside, Tiberius realized the chance to get a strong foothold in southern Iberia and, by doing so, secure Rome`s claim for supremacy in the whole eastern half of the peninsula. Also it resulted in the control of the eastern approaches to the Strait of Gibraltar. Thus, his campaign gained Rome a much stronger strategic position.
A second reason that is cited often, is plain selfinterest. In 193 BC, Tiberius lead the campaign versus the Cantabri, but couldn`t come to fame. In the next 10 years he administrated his region without outstanding results. In 180 BC, he wasn`t in his prime anymore and maybe he thought, that this enterprise was his last chance to gain enough prestige to get elected into a higher office.
But no matter, what his thoughts were, it is obvious, that he put the Senate on the spot. Without any doubt, this action meddled into internal Carthaginian affairs and was no less than an act of war. Additionally it confronted the Senate with the drawbacks of accrediting Governors with military authority.
After all, the Senate`s reaction was a compromise. Of course it acknowledged the conquest of these territories. Had it acted otherwise, it would have admitted, that it was not in full control of its officers. Finally it surely saw the strategic benefit of these provinces too.
On the other hand, it couldn`t allow Tiberius to be honored. Although he met the requirements, he wasn`t granted a triumph. And Appius Sempronius, his best friend and commander, was transferred to the northern border
(68).
Despite the fact, that Tiberius assumed the right to pursue his own foreign policy, he remained a persona grata within the Republic. One year after the campaign, he was once again confirmed as Governor and his forces increased by another Legion
(69).
(64) The following summary according to the interpretation in W.S. Priestley`s study "The political establishment in Carthage", 1989
(65) Priestley proves more than a dozen revolts, primarily in Numidia and Lybia.
(66) Today Cartagena
(67) Today Almunecar
(68) Where he immediately eliminated the threat of an invasion by the Calucones.
(69) The Legio XI Minerva. Flavius mentions a fleet of about 40 Triremes too, but Historians are not sure, if Tiberius could command it at will.