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In Silius Italicus's epic poem "Punica," Larus emerges as a legendary Cantabrian mercenary leader fighting for Carthage during the Second Punic War. Though his historical existence is uncertain, he embodies the fierce resistance of Iberian warriors against Rome.

Larus appears in the later stages of the war, joining the Carthaginian armies of Mago Barca and Hanno in Hispania after their defeat at the Metaurus. The Cantabrians, known for their hit-and-run tactics and exceptional combat skills, were highly prized mercenaries. Larus, a skilled leader and formidable warrior, epitomized the Celtic fighter.

Equipped with a bipennis (double-headed axe), caetra (small circular shield), and renowned for his unarmed combat prowess, Larus reflected the martial traditions of Iberian warriors. The bipennis, though less common than the falcata or gladius hispaniensis, symbolized strength and lethality. The caetra, ideal for agile fighting, contrasted with the large Roman scutum, better suited for formation battles.

During a crucial battle in Celtiberia, the overconfident Carthaginians were caught off guard by a swift Roman attack. While the Carthaginian army crumbled, Larus and his Cantabrians mounted a desperate last stand. He fought with such ferocity that Roman soldiers feared facing him directly.

However, in a dramatic duel, Lucius Cornelius Scipio, a Roman officer, managed to sever Larus's arm. With his defeat, the last resistance collapsed, leading to a decisive Roman victory.

Whether real or a literary creation, Larus, with his legendary combat prowess and unwavering spirit, provides a vivid picture of the Iberian warriors and their crucial role in the conflict between Rome and Carthage.


SOURCES:
https://www.worldhistory.org/
https://www.britannica.com/
Armies of the Carthaginian Wars 265-146 BC: 121 (Men-at-Arms) - Terence Wise
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