Apian, VI, 31: A didactic introduction of topoi about Hispanic peoples in the historic narration

Abstract

In this excerpt from his book, Appian relates the hypothetical facts occurred between Lucius Marcius, and a contingent of Hispanic mercenaries under orders of the Carthaginians during the Second Punic War. The author uses the historical background to introduce, with usual demands in a Roman military negotiation, a range of topics about the nature of indigenous and, in general, of the barbarian world. We believe that Appian could have advance typical events of the Celtiberian and Lusitanian wars. Besides decorating the story, its purpose would have been indoctrinate their readers, thoroughly Hellenized audience, on the nature of the Hispanic peoples, particularly the Celtiberian.

Keywords

• Segunda Guerra Púnica
• Apiano
• tópoi
• pueblos hispanos prerromanos
• desarmes
• deditio
• celtíberos