Viriáthus was finally (139) assassinated by persons hired by the
Consul Caepio; his people were then subdued, and the government was
ably conducted (138) by DECIMUS JUNIUS BRUTUS.


THE NUMANTINE WAR (143-133).

The Celtibéri, however, were still in arms. The strong city of
NUMANTIA, the capital of one of their tribes, witnessed more than one
defeat of a Roman Consul before its walls (141-140). Finally Rome sent
out her best general, Africanus the younger.

After devoting several months to the disciplining of his troops, he
began (134) a regular siege of the place. It was defended with the
utmost bravery and tenacity, until, forced by the last extreme of
famine, it surrendered (133). The inhabitants were sold as slaves, and
the town was levelled to the ground. The victor was honored with the
title of NUMANTÍNUS.

The fall of Numantia gave Rome a hold upon the interior of Spain,
which was never lost. The country now, with the exception of its
northern coast, was nominally Roman territory. Several towns were
established with Latin municipal rights _(municipia)_, and, on
the whole, order was maintained. Along the coast of the Mediterranean
there sprang up many thriving and populous towns, which became centres
of civilization to the neighboring districts, and were treated by Rome
rather as allies than as subjects. Some of them were allowed to coin
the silver money of Rome. The civilizing process, due to Roman
influence, went on rapidly in these parts, while the interior remained